MACH5
Imperial Masterpiece
For those here that might be interested, I had the opportunity this past week of visiting the garden and studio of bonsai artist David Benavente in Madrid, Spain. David is widely considered one of the top working professionals in Europe. He has won numerous awards including the prestigious Noelanders Trophy award a few years ago. Unfortunately he was not there the day I stopped by, but I met with a few of his students. One of them, Justo, took me all around explaining many of the trees on display and David's working methods.
One striking aspect of his garden is how meticulously clean and organized it is. Every area and every corner is kept free of debris and perfectly manicured. He works with a wide range of species although most trees were conifers.
One interesting fact about David is that he never apprenticed in Japan. He mostly learned everything from his mentor and teacher Luis Vallejo, who is also a well known and respected artist in Europe. I was told that he also learned a great deal by emulating what he saw in Japanese magazines and specially from Kokofu books. He eventually has develop his own styled that is clearly grounded in Japanese aesthetics and philosophy.
Justo also explained how many of the trees at the nursery have little chance to mature. He said that often, as David finishes styling a tree, it is quickly snapped up by collectors and professionals alike. As a result, many trees, although old in themselves have had a chance to fully settle into their own. Regardless, I found this place completely inspiring. I do hope you'll find inspiration as well from these photos.
One striking aspect of his garden is how meticulously clean and organized it is. Every area and every corner is kept free of debris and perfectly manicured. He works with a wide range of species although most trees were conifers.
One interesting fact about David is that he never apprenticed in Japan. He mostly learned everything from his mentor and teacher Luis Vallejo, who is also a well known and respected artist in Europe. I was told that he also learned a great deal by emulating what he saw in Japanese magazines and specially from Kokofu books. He eventually has develop his own styled that is clearly grounded in Japanese aesthetics and philosophy.
Justo also explained how many of the trees at the nursery have little chance to mature. He said that often, as David finishes styling a tree, it is quickly snapped up by collectors and professionals alike. As a result, many trees, although old in themselves have had a chance to fully settle into their own. Regardless, I found this place completely inspiring. I do hope you'll find inspiration as well from these photos.
