Silk Carving & Some of the Best Bonsai in the World

I believe we’ve shown this remarkable tree before, but it’s worth another shot. It’s easy to be impressed by a tree like this; it’s massive girth and equally massive spread alone compel our attention. But there’s more of course; the strong nebari that helps create an overall sense of stability and balance, the texture and movement of the trunk and lower branches, the lush thick canopy with just enough open space to keep it from being too heavy, and so on. Altogether a world-class bonsai. This tree and the rest in this post are by Cheng, Cheng-Kung, a world-class bonsai … Continue reading Silk Carving & Some of the Best Bonsai in the World

Paying a Visit to an Old Friend

There’s something about a beautiful bonsai in flower. If you let your eyes linger for a few moments, you’ll notice how the seemingly perfectly placed flowers enhance the power of the tree rather than overwhelm it. It’s a bougainvillea by Robert Steven. All this photos in this post are from Robert’s facebook gallery. Always a pleasure It has been a while since we’ve featured the bonsai of Robert Steven. In addition to being one of the foremost bonsai artists and teachers on this fierce and lovely planet, Robert is also a friend. Not in the ordinary sense of buddies you … Continue reading Paying a Visit to an Old Friend

A True Gentleman & A Very Large Tree

It’s not often we feature photos of people on this blog, but, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to show you this photo of Jim Smith, one of the true gentlemen in our bonsai community, and a master of large tropical trees (this one looks like a Portulacaria). The photo was posted on facebook by Mareta Martell today with this caption: ‘big bonsai 300 years old by Jim Smith’ (we know it’s not really 300). A remarkable place It’s been way too many years since I visited Jim Smith’s Durastone Nursery in Vero Beach. Florida. It’s a remarkable place; just … Continue reading A True Gentleman & A Very Large Tree

BABA Tonight

One things that has long distinguished Japanese bonsai from bonsai in the West is superior ramification. This noble Trident maple, sans leaves, aptly represents a trend; gradually Western bonsai artists are taking the time and trouble to develop fine branching. I don’t think we’re all the way there yet, but trees like this are a clear sign that we are on our way. A few other things that stand out about this tree are; how well balanced it is, how lush and bright the moss is, and the absolutely wonderful pot. Normally you see deciduous trees in glazed pots. Not … Continue reading BABA Tonight

From Ordinary To Sublime

Robert Steven’s digital simulation of a tree that was submitted by Josua. The eye of a master Sometimes Robert Steven’s simulations are strikingly radical and completely unexpected. In this case, what Robert has presented isn’t so radical. You might even say, his improvements are fairly obvious. Still, obvious or not, Robert’s expert eye and touch always seem to elevate the trees from ordinary to sublime. The tree on the left was submitted by Anthony. The one on the right was submitted by Josua. Both are ficus. Robert’s Critique I put these two bonsai together for my critique and as … Continue reading From Ordinary To Sublime

Strange & Wonderful Bonsai

A little perspective on a very tiny tree. I’m not crazy about most Chinese figurines (at least the commercial ones you usually see), but this contemplative man is pretty good. This and all the other photos in this post are borrowed from The Art of Bonsai Project. The Bonsai of Lam Ngoc Vinh Every once in a while you come across an artist who takes their work (play) in a genuinely fresh and new direction. To this old eye, it looks like Lam Ngoc Vinh is one of those rare artists. If you agree (or even if you don’t) and … Continue reading Strange & Wonderful Bonsai

Min Hsuan Lo’s Bonsai Teaser

Most bonsai shots show the whole tree, though you sometimes see partial tree photos (teasers). In this case, the photo has no trouble communicating the power and character of this magnificent bonsai, even if it only shows a little more than half of the tree and completely excludes the pot. All paths lead to Min Hsuan Lo I found the photo on one of the numerous bonsai galleries on facebook. It wasn’t attributed, so I traced it though several other photo galleries and finally landed on Budi Sulisyo (bonsai artist and author). It’s not Budi’s tree, but he did attribute … Continue reading Min Hsuan Lo’s Bonsai Teaser

Robert Steven Critiques a Ficus

Robert’s digital simulation of a Ficus nerifolia that was submitted by Tom Kreugl. Tom’s original. The small stick marks the front Tom has chosen. Robert’s critique In spite of the tree itself, this is a photo that I do not like (sorry!). There’s a problem with appreciation of the art of bonsai because the photo cuts off part of the pot.

A Good Place to Visit (in the Winter)

The Bonsai Exhibit at the The Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens. Visit The Morikami (the essence of Japan in South Florida)… … but you might want to wait until winter. Once you get past the purple/pink background you might notice that this wild and sparse Rocky Mountain Juniper is reminiscent of the Ponderosa pines that you (and the Pine beetles) find by the millions in the Rockies (and the Sierras). It’s on display at The Morikami. It was styled by Ben Oki. Bonsai & Japanese arts & culture Since its opening in 1977, The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens (and … Continue reading A Good Place to Visit (in the Winter)

Famous Trees & Famous People

How many times have seen a bonsai that’s big enough to sit its shade? The young lady languishing on the pot is Solita Rosade. The older gentleman next to her looks a lot like Chase Rosade. And no, I don’t think it’s a plastic tree at Disney World. More like a real live ficus in Thailand. People and places Have you ever wanted to travel the world and visit all the famous bonsai places and hang out with all the famous (and not so famous) bonsai people? If their website is any indication (as well as the word on the … Continue reading Famous Trees & Famous People