Abstract Bonsai Beauty & Concave Cutters

NOTE 3/24/11: I WAS JUST INFORMED THAT THIS IS A SIMULATION OF A MUCH ROUGHER TREE. MY MISTAKE! EVERYTHING THAT FOLLOWS IS WHAT I WROTE BEFORE THE ERROR WAS CALLED TO MY ATTENTION). This is the kind of bonsai that can stir up opinions. I found it on facebook (of course), under My Bonsai by David. Carvalho. If you look closely, you might notice the little concave piece that appears to be missing from the pot. What’s your cup of tea? If you are a big fan of, let’s say Dan Robinson and his remarkably natural looking bonsai (Gnarly Branches, … Continue reading Abstract Bonsai Beauty & Concave Cutters

Dead for One Thousand Years

Only countless years and the ceaseless ravages of weather born hardship can account for the character that this astounding dead tree displays. It looks like a Bristlecone pine from the White Mountains just east of Owens Valley in California (I found it on Bonsai Mania and they’re not saying anything, but I’d bet my first born grandchild on it). Dead for one thousand years?! I’ve heard that Bristlecones can stand for up to a thousand years after they have died. It’s hard enough to fathom living for up to five thousand years (really!), but dead trees standing for another thousand … Continue reading Dead for One Thousand Years

Finally! Gnarly Branches, Ancient Trees

Gnarly Branches, Ancient Trees: The Life and Works of Dan Robinson – Bonsai Pioneer Thank you for your patience We’ve actually had the book for a couple weeks now, but a detail that needed to be worked out arose at the last minute. Now all is well and we are ready to ship. The Picasso of bonsai This is surely one of the most important (and beautiful) bonsai books ever published. Will Hiltz, author and photographer elevates the art of book making, and Dan Robinson, bonsai artist and master, elevates the art of collecting, growing and styling bonsai. Dan’s approach … Continue reading Finally! Gnarly Branches, Ancient Trees

NEW BOOK! Gnarly Branches Arriving Any Day!

It’s somewhere in the northeast and getting closer by the minute. Any day now, any minute now, Gnarly Branches, Ancient Trees will come rolling in. I’ll stake my reputation I’ve seen most of the photos and much of the text, and I will stake my reputation (whatever it is) on this being one of the most inspirational and exciting bonsai books ever published. 30% – 40% off Book Sale It’s a good time to order. Books, tools, bonsai wire, turntables and more on sale now.

The Magician: After & Before

After. Pretty impressive, no? You’ll encounter very few bonsai that are both this powerful and this refined anywhere on this planet. In fact, I challenge you to find even one that rivals it (they do exist, but are oh so rare). Photo from Bonsai Today issue 59 (still available). Too refined? Masahiko Kimura has fallen out of favor with some people over the last few years. You might hear or see comments about how his bonsai is overly sculpted, overly refined, unnatural looking. For where I sit, it’s unfortunate when we feel we must take sides and pick either refined … Continue reading The Magician: After & Before

One of the Most Important (and Beautiful) Bonsai Books Ever Published Is Coming Soon

This perfect Mountain hemlock expresses Dan Robinson’s respect for how nature does it. Not that he doesn’t add his touch; he does, and it’s masterful. Photo is from the book. Gnarly Branches, Ancient Trees: The Life and Works of Dan Robinson – Bonsai Pioneer This will surely be one of the most important (and beautiful) bonsai books ever published. Will Hiltz, author and photographer elevates the art of book making, and Dan Robinson, bonsai artist and master, elevates the art of collecting, growing and styling bonsai. Dan’s approach is uniquely his own and shows profound respect for trees, nature, art; … Continue reading One of the Most Important (and Beautiful) Bonsai Books Ever Published Is Coming Soon