A Little Change of Pace: Robert’s Tokonoma &…

Definitely not Japanese. From Echo of My Heart, a series of photos of the bonsai art of Robert Steven. Tokonomas Not too long ago we featured a tokonoma by Bill Valavanis. To me, Bill’s tokonoma stands clearly in the Japanese tradition, with maybe a touch of Bill to distinguish it. In this case, we’ve got something a little different. It’s a tokonoma by Robert Steven, and though I’d say there’s a nod to the Japanese tradition, there’s clearly something quite different going on. A little Indonesia? A little something else? And, as is often the case with Robert Steven, more … Continue reading A Little Change of Pace: Robert’s Tokonoma &…

Robert Steven Critiques a Manchurian Pear

Robert Steven’s simulation of a Manchurian pear that was submitted by John. His original submission is below. Fall color bonus A while back we ran a few posts on fall color. This one qualifies for that group as well as a subject for a critique. In fact, it was the tree’s fall color that prompted John to send it to us. Now with John’s good-natured permission, Robert gets a crack at it. Autumn in March John lives in Australia (but far from the flooding). So this photo was taken while late winter snow was still on the ground here in … Continue reading Robert Steven Critiques a Manchurian Pear

Bonsai Critique: Simple & Profound

One of Robert Steven’s two simulations of a tree in a rock-like container that was submitted by Kian (no second name given). In spite of the somewhat fuzzy images, the general ideas come through loud and clear. Simple changes with profound results Sometimes an adjustment to the position of a container (above), or a new container (below), can radically transform a planting. Neither of Robert’s simulations involve any changes to the tree, yet both transform a somewhat stagnant planting to something full of natural movement and interest. Robert’s second simulation.

This Time From Robert

He’s not really that small! Bonsai wishes from Robert Steven; famous bonsai artist, author and teacher. Not too bad with photoshop either. Can you imagine Santa leaving you this tree? Celebrate the New Year with Robert Well, actually with his great bonsai books: Mission of Transformation and Vision of My Soul.

Robert Steven Critiques a Black Pine and Offers Some Insights into the Five Schools of Penjing

Robert Steven’s simulation of a Japanese black pine that was submitted by Mike Liu (Mike’s original is immediately below). Mike’s original photo that was submitted to Robert. Robert’s Critique The Five Schools of Chinese Penjing The above black pine bonsai is sent by Mike Liu from China. Since Chinese bonsai is called penjing, I will offer a brief discussion of penjing. The main difference between penjing (Chinese: pen = pot; jing = panorama) and bonsai (Japanese: bon = pot; sai = plant), despite the terminology, penjing is more about artistic nuance in portraying natural phenomena; and bonsai is more disciplined … Continue reading Robert Steven Critiques a Black Pine and Offers Some Insights into the Five Schools of Penjing

Robert Steven’s Super Mini Bonsai

Super mini Premna microphylla by Robert Steven. I took the liberty of cropping it a bit, but I think you get the drift anyway (The uncropped original is below). The smaller the more difficult… Robert sent us these incredibly tiny bonsai a few days ago. Here’s what he has to say about them and small bonsai in general: As you know, the basic concept in bonsai is to make a mature looking tree that is scaled way down. The smaller the bonsai, the more difficult it is to make. This is because it is difficult to form ramification (branching) and … Continue reading Robert Steven’s Super Mini Bonsai

A Gallery of Two

A sweet little root-over-rock by Robert Steven. I can’t tell tell you what it is or its dimensions or really anything (except that I’d love to see it in my collection). I don’t even remember where I got the photo (or the one below). Robert Steven is a household name Over the last few years Robert Steven has become a household name throughout most of the world (wouldn’t that be something?). Actually, about 99.99% percent of the people in the world are blissfully ignorant of Robert’s existence. Too bad. Maybe someday bonsai will enjoy its place as an art worthy … Continue reading A Gallery of Two

Black Pine Critique by Robert Steven

Robert Steven’s simulation of a Japanese black pine that was submitted by Tom Duong (see below for Tom’s original). Where’s yours? Email us a photo of your bonsai and we’ll submit it to Robert Steven for a critique. So far about ten people have dared and have learned something about their bonsai in the process. Now it’s your turn. Tom’s original photo that was submitted to Robert. Tom also submitted a back, left, right and top view. Even though Robert requested these, very few submissions have included them. While we are on the topic; when photographing bonsai it’s always a … Continue reading Black Pine Critique by Robert Steven

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.

The Second Time Is a Charm

Robert Steven’s second simulation of an Atlas cedar that we presented a while back. Mike’s lucky day The photo above is Robert’s second simulation of an Atlas ceder that was submitted for critique by Mike Andrews. My opinion (for what it’s worth) I think Robert’s second simulation is an improvement on the first one he did. Generally Robert’s critiques have been spot on, but I thought his original of this tree left something to be desired. Apparently Robert was reading my mind; he sent his follow up simulation yesterday. Just three more days Our current big big sale (we have … Continue reading The Second Time Is a Charm