Page 68 - BSAM 2016 Q3

Concluding Thoughts
Images of untamed, wild nature travel with us for the rest of our lives. Back when I was a university stu- dent, almost forty (40) years ago, I had such an op- portunity. While visiting DaXue Shan (Great Snow Mountain) with a group of classmates, I had my rst encounter with Taiwanese High Mountain Junipers. Humbled by their strong appearance, the feeling of qi (氣) and how that life force reminds us of how in- signi cant we are when compared to the natural en- vironment overwhelmed my sense of self. My life as a bonsai artist would never be the same. To this day and a er many years of study, that rst meeting with the mountain, that fresh mountain air and that ini- tial impression of the mighty junipers has constantly resonated within my thoughts and creative endeavors. e arrangement featured in this article is inspired by alpine forms and is an opportunity to create a new stage in juniper bonsai, honoring Nature’s Masters, who are the true source of creativity and inspiration. Observation, meticulous study, patience and personal search for encouragement should be a goal and aspira- tion of all bonsai artists. Although failure sometimes is inevitable, the chance to overcome adversity should drive us to outshine every obstacle within our person- al journey. I encourage all to be inspired, be observant and be creative, but, most of all, never give up!
Forty years ago,
while visiting DaXue Shan (Great Snow Mountain) with a group of classmates, I had my rst encounter with Taiwanese High Mountain Junipers.
66 | BCI | July/August/September 2016