Known as the father of American Bonsai, Dan Robinson gave American bonsai a face and a voice some time ago. He has defined the relationship between bonsai and the natural world. At the October PSBA meeting, Dan worked on a giant, weeping red pine on which he had already carved the dead wood. His demonstration focused on wiring and foliage design around the 7-inch-diameter trunk. While the carving on the trunk provides the focal point, designing and wiring the foliage makes it a bonsai, not just a beautiful tree in a pot. Dan showed how he creates dramatic effects with foliage and shared his unique view of the art of bonsai.
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Ted Matson, a master of shohin bonsai (trees no taller than 10-11 inches), returned to visit PSBA to conduct a shohin workshop on Sunday, Sept. 21. At our regular meeting on Monday Sept. 22, he also demonstrated his method for developing a bonsai based on the principles of design that he uses for all his trees. Mr. Matson created a beautiful semi-cascade juniper with techniques both bold and delicate. A real inspiration for us all.
About Ted Matson:
BONSAI AS FINE ART
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Summary of June 23, 2014 meeting:
Moss and violets, rusted tuna cans and railroad hardware. At PSBA's June general meeting, Greg Brenden shared his passion for kusamono, a companion art to the art of bonsai.
Kusamono simply defined are potted arrangements of wild grasses or flowers in unique pots or trays. Creating kusamono is a bit like painting, using a palette of colors and textures, then framing the composition with a compatible container. His demonstrations ranged from lava rock to a piece of blue-green glass from an electrical transformer.
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Summary of April 28, 2014 meeting: Bonsai trailblazer Kathy Shaner was the guest speaker to a packed house at PSBA's April general meeting. Kathy shared tips, techniques, and her own philosophy of bonsai.
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