Page 11 - BSAM 2017 Q4

DevelopmentStudy of the tree will occur over time as you move it toward the foregoing standards. In general, however, development of the tree will happen only as the owner develops his/her skills, so “Development” here is more about the owner than the tree. Tere are some people who are natural artists—who can pick up a brush and paint, or pick up an instrument and play. And there are some self-taught bonsai artists who are internationally famous for their work. Most of us, however, beneft greatly by working with an accomplished teacher to develop our skills. Artistic skills come through observation; by learning what has been done before, and therefore what design options are available to us, so we can see the design possibilities inherent in a bonsai or nursery plant and select the one that will best suit our purpose. Technique on the other hand requires practice. Just as you can’t learn to play piano by reading a book about how to play piano, you won’t learn to prune, carve or wire by reading a book or watching a video. Technique is body learning. It’s hands-on, and the best way to learn is by supervised practice, with a competent teacher ofering critiques and suggestions.Probably the riskiest way to learn is by visiting internet chat rooms where any anonymous person can give “advice” regardless of their knowledge (or lack) Even bonsai club “bring a tree” open workshops can be risky, as the teachers—who are ofen senior members—are not always the best informed or most competent. I strongly recommend going to the best bonsai professional you can fnd or aford for instruction, as that will give you the best tools for advancing your collection.Development is more about the owner than the tree. Artistic skills come through observation. Technique requires practice.Workshop participants across the continent beneft greatly by working with accomplished teachers such as Hayata Nakayama, Yasuo Mitsuya, Jim Doyle and Dan Robinson, to develop our skills.