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

High Energy Bonsai

Premna serratifolia (Wahong) by Robert Steven. Two years in training. All the photos in this post are from Robert’s ‘My Studio’ on facebook. If you don’t do facebook, you can visit Robert’s blog (though it’s not very up-to-date), or you can just peruse Bonsai Bark for a large range of posts on Robert’s bonsai. Mr. High Energy Bonsai I’ve been watching the bonsai scene for close to thirty years and I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more prolific bonsai artist than Robert Steven. Prolific at a very high level at that. Or, for that matter, prolific at any level. … Continue reading High Energy Bonsai

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

Just Arrived: Bonsai Aesthetics Wire

From an article in Bonsai Today issue 96, titled Wiring 101. Bonsai Today back issues are currently 55% off at Stone Lantern. Bonsai Aesthetics Wire A couple years ago we introduced our now very popular Novice grade Chinese bonsai tools from Bonsai Aesthetics. Now, it’s time for Bonsai Aesthetics anodized aluminum bonsai wire. It comes in two weights (100 gram rolls and 1 kilo rolls). Prices are about half of what you pay for Japanese anodized aluminum wire. Bonsai Aesthetics and Robert Steven Bonsai Aesthetics is owned by Robert Steven, a world-class bonsai artist, author and teacher who often appears … Continue reading Just Arrived: Bonsai Aesthetics Wire

Local Bonsai Styles 2: Growing Conditions, Native Species & Culture

This venerable, naturally dwarfed Ponderosa belongs to American/British bonsai artist and teacher, Colin Lewis. Colin lives on the coast of Maine. Ponderosa pines grow in the inland mountains of the western U.S.; two distinctively different environments. Climate, native species and culture If you get a chance, take a look at the comments from the last post. They expand and provide insight into what started as a simple post with a single idea: the effects of culture (human rather than biological culture) on local bonsai styles. The first three comments deal mostly with nature (climate and other growing conditions, and native … Continue reading Local Bonsai Styles 2: Growing Conditions, Native Species & Culture

$1,000 Bonsai from Scratch Contest

Though I don’t think it was done in one season, still this Dwarf Kingsville boxwood is a pretty good example of a bonsai from nursery stock. So good in fact, that it appeared on the cover of Bonsai Today issue 107. It’s by Michael Persiano. The stakes have risen in our Bonsai from Scratch Contest In a moment of weakness we changed the first prize from $250.00 to $400 and added another $600 worth of prizes. We figured you wouldn’t mind. The prizes First prize $400 gift certificate to Stone Lantern Second prize $250 gift certificate to Stone Lantern Third … Continue reading $1,000 Bonsai from Scratch Contest

Robert Steven Provides a Lesson in Improving a Group Planting

Robert Steven’s simulation of a group planting on a rock. The original (below) was submitted by Jemmy Liauw. Where’s yours? Go ahead, send us a photo of a bonsai <wayne@stonelantern.com>. Don’t be shy. Robert’s critiques offer you something that most of us never get: free, in depth personal instruction and a simulated photo of what your tree could look like. From a world famous bonsai artist, no less. Jemmy Liauw’s fuzzy original. Robert’s Comments There are unlimited ideas to make different views of group style bonsai. There can be a close-up view, a distance view, a forest view or a … Continue reading Robert Steven Provides a Lesson in Improving a Group Planting

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

Robert Steven & the Tao of Bonsai

Movement and stillness. Robert Steven’s skill, energy and enthusiasm have done much to move the art of bonsai forward. Even though there’s nowhere to go. These photos are from a facebook album that presents some samples of Robert Steven’s bonsai. A simple tree with its gnarled time-twisted trunk, leans into the darkness. Sentient trees in a ancient forest, a floating world. Robert Steven is a frequent contributor to Bonsai Bark. In addition to being an acclaimed bonsai artist and teacher, Robert is bonsai author, with two very notable books under his belt (Vision of My Soul and Mission of Transformation) … Continue reading Robert Steven & the Tao of Bonsai

Robert Critiques a Unique Trunk Line

Simulation by Robert Steven. The original, which was submitted by Ihwanuddin Lutfi is below. Send us yours for a free critique For a while we were getting regular submission, but now, the well seems to be a little drier. Don’t be shy. Robert can be very direct, but then, how many people have the expertise and confidence to be so direct? And so helpful in viewing your bonsai in a new light? You can send your photos to me, or directly to Robert. Ihwanuddin Lutfi’s original. Notice how Robert softened the background color in his simulation (above). Robert’s critique Pemphis … Continue reading Robert Critiques a Unique Trunk Line