Page 43 - BSAM 2016 Q4

been created among the people who attended, dogs in- cluded. eir names are Haiko and Takumi. Antonio and his wife Gigi have been able to create ideal condi- tions in which the we were able to express ourselves to the maximum.
Is it necessary to have an assistant for this work?
Of course it is! Not only does it take an assistant because alone it is di cult to have enough strength, but it also takes a good understanding between people. Antonio Jesús is a student of mine with whom I have a great artistic rapport, comparable to the best Japanese tradition.
What are the characteristics of the Taxus species that make it good material for bonsai and how does this tree compare to this ideal?
The yew along with juniper are the two really sculptural conifers of the bonsai world, with their unique aesthetic and their artistic potential: the simple and dynamic movement of the juniper, the strong and austere yew, as is shown by this specimen. Il Nettuno also has a fantastic group of natural Jin that create an impressive sculptural e ect evocative of the trident associated with Neptune, god of the sea.
Are there any aspects of a yew that make it di cult to grow as bonsai?
I would say no, it is a species that lives thousands of years in nature and is very resistant to everything!
What made you decide it was time to work on this tree now?
I realized that the tree had su cient vigor when I saw that the annual growth was 20 cm long, a lot for a yew con ned to a pot, then I gave it a special plant- based nutrition program.
Do you consider this heavy branch bending tech- nique routine or is it to be used when there are no other options for the design of the tree?
is bending technique is certainly not easy, but if done correctly on vigorous specimens, it is a safe option to be applied if it is really necessary in terms of aesthetics.
What is the best season for this work?
Heavy branch bending can be carried out from November to April.
How do you prepare for this work? Which tools and materials do you use?
I always have all the possible tools, even for collecting yamadori ... I have an adoration for the tools of the noble arts, even as objects, and I collect everything, both hand tools and electrical tools. In this case I used a powerful grinder with tungsten carbide saw blades, among my favorite tools.
Tell us about the electric grinder and the special bit that you use for hollowing out the branch.
I used a powerful grinder and a carbide tip at 27000 rpm. e important thing is to reach at least 22 thousand, but when I carve deadwood on a bonsai usually work with a 34000 rpm machine.
Top; It takes considerable strength to bend the branch into the desired position.
Middle; A guy wire is used to keep the branch in the desired position. The tree is now ready for more detailed wiring.
Bottom; Detail of the heavy copper wires.
October/November/December 2016 | BCI | 41