|
| Bonarte - A New Vision of Bonsai by Hiroshi Matsuda
Throughout history, man has striven to create something new. Two thousand years ago, the Chinese planted trees and shrubs in
containers. It was called Penjing. Centuries later the Japanese learned and started planting plants in containers. They first called it Hachiue, and later Bonsai.
The Bonsai as we know it today is a relatively new art form, a couple of centuries old. Over the years there have developed rules and traditions defining what a bonsai is, or isn't.
In general terms, bonsai can be defined as the art of making a tree in a pot look old, large, and natural. Bonsai is then seen as capturing the essence of nature in a pot or tray.
Bonsai grows out of a long and established tradition, and it is not my intention in posturing the term Bonarte to change or interrupt that tradition, nor to water down the
traditional rules and aesthetics of bonsai.
 Working as a bonsai artist and practitioner for the last 20 or so years, I have been confronted with a problem, though, inherent in traditional bonsai from the artist's point of view - how to confine the fire of artistic creativity within the tradition and the classical definitions of bonsai. In traditional bonsai, we strive to create a natural looking tree or scene. We place the tree in a simple, understated pot so as not to distract from the tree, and shape the tree within the confines dictated by nature - although greatly refined.  Thus the problem, can, for example, trees be shaped to please the vision of the artist without regard to the dictates of nature, and without reference to the traditional rules of classical bonsai? Can we place the tree in a container that is bold and dramatic? Do the tree and plants need to be alive? Can we add new elements to the container? These are some of the questions that brought about the term Bonarte - container art.  This problem did not develop overnight, nor did it confront me as an artist alone. But in my practice and thinking, I've tried to confront it directly. My intellectual training and skills are well and solidly grounded in the classical tradition, and I have constantly strived to refine my skills within the rules and aesthetics of that tradition, as have all artists, but I have also, in confronting the problem posed by tradition, used those skills to break the rules as my artistic vision dictates - sometimes successfully, sometimes not. And, in fact, when I have been successful, it is because I had mastered the traditional skills.  Bonarte does not change, dilute, or directly challenge traditional bonsai, but seeks instead, to extend it's boundaries to encompass the new within the old, and to bring
new art forms and visions within its confines in a meaningful and enriching way.
In my classes and instructional DVDs, I teach the traditional aesthetics and skills, since every student needs a solid grounding in the classical
techniques and the artistic philosophy that serves as their foundation, but, if you look closely and wisely, you will see hints of Bonarte.
Desktop Bonarte A further refinement of Hiro's concept of Bonarte is Desktop Bonarte, which are small durable plants in handcrafted pots that can be enjoyed in the home or office.  The majority of the small bots that Hiro uses for Desktop Bonarte are ones that he handcrafts in his studio, and the plants vary from small pre-bonsai trees, such as Juniper, Japanese Boxwood, and various species of Maple. The two in the picture above are Juniper and Boxwood, while the one pictured below is a nice little Maple.  Hiro also uses various small accessory plants such as Sedge Grass and Ice plant. In constructing your on Desktop Bonarte, you can use any hardy small plants or young trees that you have handy.  |