Balancing the Scales, so to speak

bonsaial1

Bonsai Basic Primer

Due to all the recent musings about art and bonsai, I thought I would offer a laymen’s approach to all that is bonsai. America has much to offer in all respects of things called bonsai. It is our laid back approach that makes bonsai the simple backyard activity that it is today. I wish to call attention to those that practice bonsai with little regard to the fuss of artistry. Bonsai is just too simple to be so embroiled in the volatile world of art. Bonsai is relaxing and helps sooth the mind. Rules stifle the imagination and convolute my purpose of practicing my hobby

It has been said that the word bonsai translates to simply a tree in a pot. I have read that here, and so forcing a bonsai to conform to some stupid standard is absurd. Bonsai is being sold in nearly every mall in America, and even have tags on them showing that they are indeed bonsai. They are in a store after all, who would dispute that, get real!

I have seen many go to these so-called workshops to get expert advice on their tree. Why would anyone get opinions from someone they do not even know, from a person whose name they cannot even pronounce? This just seems like an extreme waste of money, for help that can be read in a book. Just who is this Masahikocolinapart anyway?

I have read both Naka I and II and the Essentials of Bonsai and now feel qualified to try my hand at this teaching stuff. I will start by giving my expert opinions on a few of my most recent designs. I feel that the photography as well as the design speak volumes about my expertise and should help anyone searching for a little reassurance in the backyard hobby we call Banzai.

In the first photo, I have shown my prize elm. It is in the formal pine tree style so prevalent in the US today. It is little wonder that this tree touches my heart. The root system is superb, splitting exactly in half while the large roots dive into the soil. The trunk is perfectly straight, making this a very rare elm indeed. The arrangement of the branches is so that even though it does have a few faults, like bar branches, they are not noticeable because of the symmetry of the design. It is the same on each side. Another reason why this tree works! I feel there is no need on spending loads of money on fine pots when plastic one will do just as well. This fine plastic pot, with its richness of color works very well. I know there are those that may find this pot unsettling, but in a recent critique by a so-called master, he did not even comment on the pot, so it must be fine!

In the second photo, we review the Bunjin style. This is a style from Ancient China and Japan. It depicts scrawny trees that are unhealthy and in need of fattening. I feel that I have captured that image with this Bunjin tree. Like all the Bunjin I have seen in the so-called bonsai books, this trunk is the perfect size. It has movement and the canopy is perfect. The large training pot adds stability to the composition and helps convey a feeling of strength. The only thing that could make this image better would be to increase the size of the canopy. I feel that the canopy is a little small for a true Bunjin, but this will fill out during the next few months.

In the third photo, I review the Informal upright style. This juniper is the epitome of fine bonsai styling. It screams harsh conditions and looks to be several hundred years old! I have taken special precautions in painting the deadwood with lime sulpher and like the yellow cast it gives the deadwood. I think the harsh white stands out so stark, that this subtle yellow seems attractive for a change. The deadwood style is one in which less is more is the applicable adjective. I have captured that feeling by removing the entire foliage mass from the left side of the tree. In doing so, the dead wood balances this part of the composition. The deadwood drifting off to the left, and the foliage on the right seemingly helps harmonize the line of the tree. If not for the solitary foliage mass, your eye might stray right out of the picture! By placing the tree on a stand, on a stand, I have introduced a confusing focal point, thereby introducing tension and drama. The whole composition is balanced with the elaborate use of negative space in the photo. With the large margins of white space, the eye is immediately drawn to the exquisite tree.

In the forth photo I review the Tunuki. This is a trick, though hard to tell on these beauties. I have attached semi-live plants to the semi-dead tree roots taken from a large overturned tree from the forest. Cultures for centuries have been using live trees bonded to dead trees to achieve trees that would not be achievable in a normal lifetime. For instance, these tree look to be several hundred years old even though they were made the day of the photograph. I’ll bet you couldn’t tell could you! It has been said that the groove that runs in the back for the trees should follow the live veins that were in the original live dead part. I know from experience that putting the groove in the back in whatever means necessary is OK since it will not be seen anyway. The plastic pots in these photos do not have as fine a finish as the other tree in plastic, and therefore it is appropriate to waste them for training.

I hope that this little exercise has convinced some of you out there that there is really no need for all this artsy fartsy stuff, bonsai is a simple art form and needn't be made hard. These trees, from my collection, should be testimony enough that good bonsai can be made in the backyard, and working from books is the only way to go. If any of you need further assistance, PM me and I can get you a copy of the book I learned from. That should be all you need to know!

Respectfully, Banzai-Al

Attached Images

	elm.jpg (21.8 KB, 131 views)
	bunjin.jpg (15.3 KB, 122 views)
	wowwy.jpg (16.2 KB, 127 views)
	tunuki.jpg (21.1 KB, 154 views)

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Will_Heath

Satire at it's finest!

Thanks for the laugh Al, now I just need to figure out if I’m laughing at your satire or the irony of it all...



Will Heath

Satire - Irony, sarcasm, or caustic wit used to attack or expose folly, vice, or stupidity. From the Latin satira, probably alteration from the Greek mythological satyr.

Treebeard

Very droll.

Regards,

Chris.

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Adam_MA

Wow master Banzai-Al.
How would one go about getting lessons on the art of banzai from you?
I can clearly see I have much to learn

Adam

Jay

what more needs to be said!!!

On second thought, if you were less into sarcasm I bet you could have sold this to many many individuals as a real and true possibility.....Therefore I thank you for doing it as you did...

From one who may not (yet) produce great art in bonsai, but one who is (trying to) advancing his appreciation!

Thank you
Jay

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Ralph

Hey Al,
Do you have the contact info for that Masahikocolinapart teacher?

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-Paul S.

grampz

Once again an execellent way to drive home a point Mr. Al...You did this really well, almost too well...I don't think most "back yarders", as some are so fond of referring to those that do bonsai as a hobby, really go to quite this extreme in their thinking and practice of bonsai...But as Will pointed out it is a fine example of satire...

Execellent choice of photos also...{sarcasm}I am certainly glad that I have not posted my 'hobby trees' or the ones I consider artistic to the forum...They might have been used as examples in this article{/sarcasm}...

I think you have missed your calling...In my opinion, you should establish a new business; 'Ad discriptions for e-bay banzai sellers'...Of course the nym 'Banzai-Al' is perfect for your new business...

Keep up the great work of creating these thought provoking articles...Gives one real 'food for thought'...These are a nice addition to your helpful 'how-to' articles...

Regards
Behr

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he could have sworn he heard some
one saying rather loudly...
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heymikey(deceased)

heyBanzai Al; You know I have spent untold minutes creating virtuals of your specimens, but all in vain, as there was absolutely no way to improve on them. Again, you have proven to be a master outstanding in his field. Although your treatise is both enlightening and provocative I still have a gnawing in my craw that some small thing has been omitted. Perhaps what is missing is your slant on how this all may be brought to fruition with the "3-point display". In this regard, I humbly attach the following sketch for possible inclusion in any future essays.

Attached Images

elm-B.JPG (38.6 KB, 77 views)