An experienced bonsai artist will assure you that growing miniature trees only touches the surface of what bonsai is all about. The word “bonsai” in Japanese is translated as small tray (bon ) to plant (sai) or “to plant in a small tray”, but if you have only planted a tree in a small tray, or pot, you do not have a bonsai.
Japanese bonsai must be appreciated in multiple dimensions. For some there is a spiritual aspect, in addition to the gardening and the artistic aspect, that must be be brought together to make a true bonsai. Developing a connection with nature can be very fulfilling and peaceful. Can you see how a bonsai cannot be created if any of the dimensions are missing?
Successful gardening can be learned. Teach yourself to be a good gardener before you try to tackle being a bonsai gardener He must learn and understand the physiology of plants. A tree’s roots, branches, and leaves are all part of what a bonsai artist will work with. A bonsai artist will need to learn about how a trees leaves absorb carbon dioxide. A bonsai tree has seasonal cycles that affect growth that he will need to know about. If you want to grow strong and vibrant trees you must bring all of this knowledge together. The artistic aspect of bonsai is very closely related to this understanding of a plant’s physiology, and it would be very difficult to apply some of the bonsai techniques without the understanding of plant physiology.
The artistic dimension of Japanese bonsai is that which will ultimately create the form, the living art that is pleasing to the eye, and which creates, in miniature, a replica of a natural tree. A bonsai artist must be able to see the potential that lies within a piece of tree material, and be able to visualize what it may become. Trees that grow under natural conditions and subject to the elements have forms or shapes that the bonsai artist attempts to replicate which make up the classic styles of bonsai. The bonsai artist may employ several different techniques, including pruning, wiring, grafting, and pinching to shape his bonsai in one of the traditional bonsai styles.
Some people believer there is a philosophical or spiritual aspect to bonsai. Perhaps it takes a bit of philosophy to be a great bonsai artist. The philosophies of Buddhism, Zen, and Taoism have all been related to bonsai. The philosophical or spiritual dimension must be present in order to create a true bonsai.
Fortunately you don’t have to be a philosopher or a spiritualist in order to appreciate the beauty of Japanese bonsai. fortunately, even folks who don’t completely understand the multiple elements of bonsai can still be moved by its beauty.
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