August Club Meeting: Natives
Styling Native Trees
The BSV had great pleasure in welcoming Roger Hnatiuk to our Monday meeting to talk about the design and styling of bonsai in the context of Australian tree species and landscapes. It was a very interesting and informative discussion and several of Roger's views on these subjects are included below.
In designing Australian species as bonsai, Roger suggested we should design to tell stories that connect with the landscape, its colour and its people.
The essentials for Design include:
Wire, soils, tools, etc.
Artistic concepts, balance, colour, texture, movement, etc.
Knowledge and experience of trees, how they grow, etc., and
Your spirit, soul, artistic voice, style.
Roger noted that many bonsai enthusiasts were often more impressed with the design rather than the art and the aesthetics.
Pictures of several trees were used to illustrate how the tree and the pot could work together to tell a great story that was more than just the tree's form.
Roger challenged the desire to have one front only suggesting that other views can be important as well. Be mindful of how your tree will be displayed and viewed when styling your tree.
Studying trees in their natural environment can assist in the styling process.
Roger reminded all of John Naka's quote. "Don't turn your tree into a bonsai, turn your bonsai into a tree.".
Victor thanking Roger.
Japanese Maple
Chaenomeles japonica
Roger reviewing a Baeckea
Baeckea brevifolia
Baeckea brevifolia
Roger reviewing a Banksia.
Banksia integrifolia