Pot School

I find those Indonesian pots to be quite fascinating and usually the composition is about the pot. The tree is (or trees are) there only to complete the display --> otherwise, one is left to wonder why it is empty. I notice similar impressions with the painted pots often seen in shohin displays = the pot is so much more interesting with something (nondescript) in it.

It seems to be much more difficult to pair up an outstanding detail pot with an outstanding tree. It is done, but I see it as a tour de force akin to a formal upright pine. Harmony is difficult.
Yes I have found with painted pots, you must use a complicated tree to pair it with or the tree looses the focus.
 
I think it’s about dominant, sub-dominant and subordinate. The arrangement of them create different effects and feelings. Talking about them develops an aesthetic vocabulary to describe it.
Different cultures interpret it. I think for the most part we’ve adopted a Japanese aesthetic for our bonsai display which is why the terminology is so intertwined.
 
So now lets throw this into the mix. Norman Rockwell being used for bonsai display created by Indonesian artist Robert Stevens.
What Fun!!!! So which component is the dominant, sub-dominant, subordinant and why.

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Norman Rockwell being used for bonsai display created by Indonesian artist Robert Stevens.
I really liked the compositions in this show. Robert in the pose of The Thinker on the toilet, trying to decide how to fix the styling of the tree he's looking at. Been there, done that myself, just without the tree really being right in front of me.

The MC Echer-esque one of a hand coming with scissors coming out of the picture frame to trim the tree and more.

It is hard to believe how far and wide Vargas' drawings went, but I think the tree should be naked ! 🤣

We need more of that, IMHO.
I certainly do.
This stuff talks
 
I really liked the compositions in this show. Robert in the pose of The Thinker on the toilet, trying to decide how to fix the styling of the tree he's looking at. Been there, done that myself, just without the tree really being right in front of me.

The MC Echer-esque one of a hand coming with scissors coming out of the picture frame to trim the tree and more.

It is hard to believe how far and wide Vargas' drawings went, but I think the tree should be naked ! 🤣

We need more of that, IMHO.
I certainly do.
This stuff talks
I think he’s one of the most talented bonsai artists out there. Trees will always look like trees but how they’re displayed is where there is so much room for creativity.
 
This is @bleumeon Sempai? We had a few broken words at the Dinner here when I was fortunate enough to go. Would have been more if I knew he was into clay!


Dope!

Sorce
Yes! Maeoka-san is a very hardworking and talented individual. I've seen his pots in person and they're very clean.
 
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