Photo of Bob's display courtesy of Jörg Derlien from Bonsai Gestaltung. Many thanks, Jörg!!

My Bonsai Passion

Nearly a quarter of a century ago, my journey into the world of bonsai began in a place seemingly unrelated to this delicate art form. I was working in the pond department of a garden center, primarily focused on koi. It was there, amidst the water ponds, that I first encountered the enchanting world of bonsai. My fascination with bonsai was ignited by the Acer Palmatum, a tree species in which I discovered the magic of the changing seasons. But my love for shohin bonsai runs even deeper, as it offered me the opportunity to experiment with countless variations in arrangements and pots.

Pride

I take pride in the displays I've created for The Trophy and the last Bonsai-San show in 2019. In 2011, I won the prize for the best shohin display at The Trophy, but what truly makes me even prouder is the tribute I displayed at the Trophy in 2023 for my Oyakata, Nobuichi Urushibata, in whose nursery I studied bonsai during the past decades. Above, you can see a photo of my display at the Trophy 2023. What's remarkable about it is that all the trees come from my teacher and were created using the techniques I learned from him. I'm proud of the balance in shapes and colors. The pots are all high-quality Japanese and antique Chinese. This makes this display truly unique.

Challenges

Bonsai often presents challenges. One of the biggest challenges in the world of bonsai, in my opinion, is keeping all the trees healthy and vital. Especially with shohin and its various subtypes, this is a challenge. Each tree has its own care requirements, and it's a continuous challenge to meet them. When it comes to tips and techniques, I recommend everyone to find a good (Japanese) teacher. Grafting and marcotting are techniques that can greatly improve your bonsai relatively quickly.

I always strive for further refinement in my bonsai skills. What Mario Komsta of BonsaiMotorWorld can do is truly impressive. His ability to refine deciduous and coniferous trees is unparalleled, and inspired by his mastery, I constantly seek to improve my own skills.

The Bonsai Community

Clubs, associations, schools, and networks of bonsai enthusiasts play a crucial role in the world of bonsai for me. I have been a member of an association for years and even had the honor of being the chairman of the Bonsai Association Midden-Nederland for years. It's wonderful to be part of a club where people come together without commercial motives and help each other because of our shared passion.

As soon as I started, I immediately became a member of my local bonsai association, Midden-Nederland. It was there that I received my first bonsai lessons. Eventually, I had the opportunity to go to Japan, thanks to Maarten van der Hoeven of Bonsai Plaza and Yoshiro Nakamisu of Bonsai Network Japan.

Through Maarten, I got in touch with my teacher, my Oyakata, Nobuichi Urushibata. I spent a longer period of time at his nursery, Taishoen, in Japan nine times, totaling about a year and a half. It made me realize how much I still had to learn each time. My time with Urushibata was intense, but it provided me with valuable knowledge and a deep appreciation for bonsai and bonsai pots that I couldn't have gained elsewhere.

For beginning bonsai enthusiasts, I have a simple piece of advice: find a good basic course. The foundation lays a solid groundwork on which you can build the rest of your bonsai journey.

Finally, why is bonsai so important to me? It allows me to work with nature, a source of tranquility in my busy life. Although I now work with the most beautiful and best materials daily, my days are busier and fuller than before, and I cherish the moments when bonsai offers me comfort and inspiration. The bonsai community is like a second family to me, and I appreciate the connections we share because of our shared interest.