The Art of Bonsai Project

Becoming Picasso

Lodge pole pine by Dan Robinson (Elandan Gardens). From The Art of Bonsai Project. Photo by Victrinia Ensor. Seriously, Picasso? I didn’t make the Picasso thing up (though it’s the second time I’ve used it). It’s from a chapter entitled ‘Becoming Picasso’ in Gnarly Branches, Ancient Trees: The Life and Works of Dan Robinson – Bonsai Pioneer, by Will Hiltz. No matter who first thought to equate Dan and Picasso, I think it might be apt. Passion, willingness to break with convention, constant experimentation, a profound respect for the medium, and of course, a fair dose of natural talent, accurately … Continue reading Becoming Picasso

Back Savers #6: A Connoisseurs Gallery

The gnarled, cracked deadwood tells this old olive’s story. It’s by Carlos Brandão of Portugal. Height: 7″ (18 cm). Yixing pot. Courtesy of The Art of Bonsai Project. Just back from vacation… There’s almost nothing better than landing in that familiar place we call home after that little break we call vacation. Until you go back to work that is and the magnitude of just how far behind you’ve fallen sinks in (you should see my inbox!). …and just in time However, there’s good news. Michelle at BUNJINJOURNAL.COM has alerted me to a most excellent (really!) shohin gallery at The … Continue reading Back Savers #6: A Connoisseurs Gallery

Bonsai Indoors: Ficus Gallery

This powerfully built gem is from Ficus, the Exotic Bonsai by Jerry Meislik. It looks like a Benjamina cultivar, though I can’t be sure because my copy of the book is in Vermont and I’m not. On the road number three Still on the road and just have time to put together a little ficus gallery for your enjoyment. Two are from Jerry Meislik’s book, and the other two are from the web. Big ficus fan If you want to grow bonsai indoors (winter or year round), you’ll be hard pressed to find subjects better suited than ficus, though some … Continue reading Bonsai Indoors: Ficus Gallery

Michelle & Andy’s Bonsai Soup

I wonder what it tastes like… I lifted this mind stopping image from Michelle Dougherty’s Bunjin Journal. For some of us, the image alone speaks volumes (a picture is worth a whole bunch of words). For others, it opens the door to a discussion that, before it plays out, may generate more words than anyone cares to count. If you are one of those others, check out Bunjin Journal and The Art of Bonsai Project for some in depth ruminations. Thumbs up! Every since I stumbled upon Michelle’s blog, I look forward to her posts. I find her take on … Continue reading Michelle & Andy’s Bonsai Soup

Contest #6: Paint-by-Numbers!!??

The image that was in this space has been removed at the request of the artist. My apologies for any problems we’ve caused for the artist or anyone else. I picked this image up on Bunjin Journal. It’s a strange and wonderful site, with some parts just wonderful and some parts wonderfully strange. The image originally came from The Art of Bonsai Project. Be brave! You have one month. You can print and paint then scan it, or you can color using Illustrator. Or you can do something else. Anyway, just do it. Be brave! It’ll be fun and you … Continue reading Contest #6: Paint-by-Numbers!!??

The Great Debate part 3: More from Walter

A naturalistic Norway spruce (Picea abies) by Walter Pall (from Bonsai Today issue 106). This tree was awarded third place overall in the Bonsai Today/Art of Bonsai 2006 photo contest. Walter also won first and second place in the overall category. The Naturalistic Bonsai Movement? In the expanding galaxy of accomplished Western bonsai artists, Walter Pall’s bonsai skills and dedication to teaching and promoting the art of bonsai make him one of the brightest stars. Walter is also one of the most prominent proponents of what could be called the Naturalistic Bonsai Movement (or something like that). In our last … Continue reading The Great Debate part 3: More from Walter

Get Out Your Camera! AoB Awards Coming Up

This Red escallonia (Escallonia rubra ‘Woodside’) by Mike Page is from the Bonsai Today/Art of Bonsai 2006 photo contest. If you are interested, you can find the winning photos in Bonsai Today issue 106. Don’t be shy Stone Lantern and Bonsai Bark are delighted to announce that we one of the sponsors of  The Art of Bonsai Project’s annual photo contest. The contest provides an excellent opportunity for you to delve into preparing and photographing your bonsai. Two practices that will open your eyes in ways that may surprise you. Really, don’t be shy and don’t think your trees have … Continue reading Get Out Your Camera! AoB Awards Coming Up

Vacation Gallery: Enjoy, I’ll Be Back July 2nd

This Trident maple penjing was designed by Quingquan Zhao in 2001 at the Mid Atlantic Bonsai show.  It was purchased by Dr. McNear and given to National Bonsai Foundation in honor of his daughter Emily Jane McNear. It reside at the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum in Washington DC.

A True Gem: Bonsai, Kusamono, Suiseki

A true gem. There is no other book in English that is anything like Bonsai, Kusamono, Suiseki, by Willi Benz. In his forword to Bonsai, Kusamono, Suiseki, Mr. I Chi Su*  says: “My respected friend Mr. Benz has dedicated himself entirely to the art of Bonsai and Suiseki for years… With his experience, knowledge and artistic talent in both Bonsai and Suiseki, applied with the Western analytical method to explain Eastern philosophy and culture, he has created a refreshing way of design… These concepts have elevated the art of Suiseki to even a higher level”

Bonsai from Nursery Stock – part four

After All this sweet little juniper needs is a good cascade pot and a little time to fill out. It was styled and photographed by David Chauvin. It appeared in Bonsai Today issue 103 (out of print) in article entitled ‘Instant Bonsai’ by Will Heath and Wayne Schoech (pronounced Shay and sitting is this chair typing this at this very moment). Before it showed up in Bonsai Today, it appeared in an Instant Bonsai photo contest held by The Art of Bonsai Project.