Pretty Good, But Not Good Enough

Robert Steven’s simulation of a Pemphis acidula that was submitted by Nurul Fajri (the original photo is below). When I opened my email from Robert Steven and glanced at the before photo (below), I thought it was the after photo. But only for a moment. It’s the pot that gave it away. The rest looked pretty good. Beyond pretty good actually (some of us might trade our entire collections for a tree like this). But not good enough for Robert who always seems to find ways to improve any bonsai (maybe we should challenge him improve a Kimura masterpiece… just … Continue reading Pretty Good, But Not Good Enough

Bonsai Paradise

I think this magnificent convoluted beast belongs to Yusuf Sirait; at least it appears on his facebook page. It’s a Pemphis acidula (Santigi). Yet another mid-summer vacation resurrection (from January 2012). The original was a little wordy so I’ve chopped it down just a bit. Bonsai paradise I wonder just how common naturally contorted wild bonsai stock are on the islands of Indonesia. Based on what you see online and elsewhere, it’s easy to get the impression that they are quite abundant and easily accessible, though, I doubt that’s really the case. In fact, photos from Robert Steven’s Mission of … Continue reading Bonsai Paradise

Bonsai In Black & White

Japanese white pine. You can find the color version of this tree on the cover of our Masters’ Series Pine book and on the cover of Bonsai Today issue number 2. The black and white version is the same image with the color photoshoped out. Black and white? I don’t have any answers, though there does seem to be something compelling about a good black and white photo. Maybe the stark quality of black and white highlights features that we might otherwise miss. Or…? Here’s a good one from flickr. It’s titled Black and white bonsai tree, The Huntington … Continue reading Bonsai In Black & White

A Quick Potpourri: Gede, Crespi, Fuku, Carlos & Kyoto

This spectacular Pemphis acidula was collected and styled by Gede Merta. You can usually spot Gede’s bonsai immediately; there’s something about the convoluted trunks and branches and the way he carves deadwood. This photo was recently posted on his facebook page. Better hurry if you want to make this year’s Crespi Cup. Robert Steven (and others) will be there, and, it’s in Italy (great food, exciting bonsai and other good things await you in Italy). September 14th to the 23rd. A theory of pruning by Fuku Bonsai. Two of eight illustrations that show how to create different bonsai … Continue reading A Quick Potpourri: Gede, Crespi, Fuku, Carlos & Kyoto

Bonsai Paradise

I think this wonderfully convoluted beast belongs to Yusuf Sirait; at least it appears on his facebook page. It’s a Pemphis acidula (Santigi). Bonsai paradise I wonder just how common naturally contorted wild bonsai stock are on the islands of Indonesia. Based on what I’ve seen online and elsewhere, it’s easy to get the impression that they are so abundant that all you have to do is walk out your door, bend over and pick a few. Somehow though, I doubt that’s the case. If fact, I seem to remember photos from Robert Steven’s Mission of Transformation, that show Robert … Continue reading Bonsai Paradise

Visual Balance – Robert Steven Critique

Robert Steven’s simulation of a Pemphis acidula that was submitted for critique by Hamman Harris. The original is below. Bow and arrow Once you get beyond the fact that the bark and shape and even the foliage (at a glance) on this Pemphis look so much like the common Juniper pro-nana (that made-yesterday little bonsai imposter that flooded our Holiday malls last century), you might notice that there’s an unmistakable bow and arrow effect going on here. True, the bow has been softened considerably by Robert in his simulation, but the arrow remains. Perhaps Robert left it the way it … Continue reading Visual Balance – Robert Steven Critique

We Have A Winner

This is the tree that gave people the most trouble. You can blame facebook if you’d like (unattributed and mis-attributed bonsai abound in that crazy free-for-all world). We have Robert Steven to thanks for setting us straight on this one. It’s a Pemphis acidula and the artist is Adjie Christian. And the winner of our $100 Mystery Bonsai Contest is…. Master Bonsai Detective, Joe Rauscher. For his diligence, Joe will receive a $100 gift certificate to Stone Lantern (scroll down to the bottom for the correct answers). A close second Ferry Freriks was hot on Joe’s heels, so we’ve decided … Continue reading We Have A Winner

Outside the Bonsai Box – Robert Steven Critiques a Massive Pemphis

Robert Steven’s simulation of a photo submitted by Wayan (see below). What a difference a pot makes Though Robert doesn’t mention it in his critique (below), introducing a shallow pot, rather than the tree’s clunky and rather unattractive pot (also below), instantly transforms the whole tree. Nothing outside the box, just a simple change that does wonders for a bonsai. Before. Submitted by Wayan. In Robert’s own words Although the trunk is very interesting, it is quite difficult to turn this tree into a design that ideally portrays a large mature tree. The stump is too bulky, so it … Continue reading Outside the Bonsai Box – Robert Steven Critiques a Massive Pemphis

Robert Steven Critique: From Very Good to Even Better

After. Robert Steven’s simulation of Pemphis that was submitted by Soni. The before photo is below. Before you read any further… …take a look at the two photos and see if you can spot what’s different. Soni’s original. Not too much to improve, though I think it would look better if the residue on the pot was removed. In Robert’s own words All the features of this tree look perfect, but overall it does not look very natural due to the neatly shaped round canopy. There are two main factors that make a bonsai look natural: the ramification (branch structure) … Continue reading Robert Steven Critique: From Very Good to Even Better

Robert Steven Transforms Raw Stock

Robert Steven’s simulation of a tree that was submitted by David Royinsyah (below). Robert’s vision and artistry This one is quite unusual. The stock is totally raw and not that interesting. Robert simply manufactured all the branching and the foliage from nothing and the trunks have been transformed from taperless sticks to what looks like naturally time-worn wood. He even created a new pot from scratch. Testaments to Robert’s vision and artistry. David’s original provides an usual challenge for Robert. Robert’s comments Usually I only critique finished bonsai and not raw material. However, David Royinsyah sent me this photo to … Continue reading Robert Steven Transforms Raw Stock