Mission of Transformation is rapidly approaching

This powerful tray planting leaves little doubt that Robert Steven is a brilliant bonsai and penjing artist. From Mission of Transformation. It’s on shore and on its way A truck bearing Robert Steven’s new book, Mission of Transformation, will be ascending our long dirt driveway any day now (maybe today!). Walter Pall “Tradition is not the conservation of ashes but the propagation of fire. Robert Steven certainly is propagating the fire. What was started in his first book, Vision of My Soul… is put into practice here in this book. I dare to say that this book will become a … Continue reading Mission of Transformation is rapidly approaching

Robert Steven: Mission of Transformation

Coming soon Robert Steven’s long awaited new book Mission of Transformation has just pulled out of port for it’s halfway round the world journey from Indonesia to Vermont. We hope to see it pull up to our warehouse sometime in August (no guarantees!). While we (and you) are waiting, we’re offering a pre-order, pre-pay special at $49. (retail $55.), with double discounts during our book sale. Here’s what a few bonsai notables have to say about it: “I am certain bonsai artists from around the globe will find “Mission of Transformation” a valuable addition to their reference library because it … Continue reading Robert Steven: Mission of Transformation

Mission of Transformation by Robert Steven

Robert Steven wiring a very large raft style Pemphis acidula (no common name?). One of many remarkably daring and powerful bonsai that appear in his first book, Vision of My Soul. Robert Steven is one of the most inspiring bonsai artists and bonsai technicians in the world. His artistic vision and his trees exist on the cutting edge of contemporary bonsai. Many of Robert’s remarkable trees are pictured in his ground breaking book, Vision of My Soul, which was published in 2005. But neither time nor Robert have been standing still, and this summer, you’ll be able to enjoy a … Continue reading Mission of Transformation by Robert Steven

Artofbonsai Nursery Stock Bonsai Gallery

Sinuous root style Rockspray Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster horizontalis) in splendid fall color, by Bill Valavanis of International Bonsai. When I first started playing with bonsai almost thirty years ago, nurseries were bonsai stock gold mines. Now, because bonsai enthusiasts have caught on, old forgotten potential bonsai are a little harder to to find. But don’t lose heart, they are still there. You just have to look a little harder. Bill Valavanis’ sweet sinuous root Cotoneaster (above) is one of many bonsai from nursery stock currently feature on Artofbonsai.org. Some other well-known featured artists are: Walter Pall, Morten Albek (author of Shohin … Continue reading Artofbonsai Nursery Stock Bonsai Gallery

Chinese Bonsai Tools

Five piece carving set. Made in China. For years we’ve resisted importing Chinese tools. Japanese tools were absolutely superior and more-or-less affordable, and Chinese tools, though very affordable, were mostly inferior. Now, all that is changing. Robert Steven (accomplished bonsai artist, author of Vision of My Soul and major player in the Asian and world bonsai communities), has founded a line of Chinese tools that are quite good. And, compared to the ever increasing prices of Japanese tools, a very good investment; at least for those of us with tight budgets.