Winter Bonsai 2024, Kannapolis, NC (outside of Charlotte) December 7 & 8, 2024

[Gabler]

Oh I can’t hold my tongue anymore lol

Come to think of it Mach5 tree composition was all deciduous which IMO for being someone that likes natives most would have been my best deciduous... .. the best devious wasnt even the main tree.

I'm trying to apprehend whether there is a bias against deciduous trees or conifer growers are better at bonsai than deciduous growers.

 

[Shogun610]

I'm trying to apprehend whether there is a bias against deciduous trees or conifer growers are better at bonsai than deciduous growers.

You mean a judging bias?

 

[Gabler]

You mean a judging bias?

I don't know. Either a judging bias or a bias more broadly. I'm just wondering if that's what people are thinking.

 

[penumbra]

I really enjoyed this one. Definitely cool and it really sells the fallen tree image to me, including mushrooms like a forest floor. I missed them the first time, and Steve pointed out them out to me

The display bugged me a bit and leaned into the one-or-two entries thing in my head. A (very dope) hinoki cypress was right next to it, but the two trees were on stands that were identical size and shape, but slightly different colors. I understand making the best display you can, but that seemed pretty glaring

To be honest, even though a lot of work goes into the total display, it means very little to me. I judge each tree composition by its own merit. This was my favorite in the show. I can't even express how much I love it.

 

[SouthernMaple]

I really enjoyed this one. Definitely cool and it really sells the fallen tree image to me, including mushrooms like a forest floor. I missed them the first time, and Steve pointed out them out to me

The display bugged me a bit and leaned into the one-or-two entries thing in my head. A (very dope) hinoki cypress was right next to it, but the two trees were on stands that were identical size and shape, but slightly different colors. I understand making the best display you can, but that seemed pretty glaring

I took a horrible picture there, hand shot no tripod on a 40mm micro lens, half asleep. Next year I'm gonna see if steve will let me shoot from the 2nd floor with my telephoto

 

[Pitoon]

Center of the room was Jason Harrow.

 

[arjun]

Judging and critiquing a bonsai display involves much more than I initially realized, and I’m still learning how detailed the process can be. Here’s an example: this is a picture of my display from last year’s Winter Silhouette Show. At first glance, I thought it looked great. However, after receiving a critique, I realized there were several areas for improvement.

For instance, both of my stands presented issues. The stand for the conifer was overly ornate, which distracted the viewer’s eye from the tree itself. Meanwhile, the stand for the deciduous tree was slightly too large, creating a visual imbalance. Additionally, both trees were relatively similar in size, whereas one should have been noticeably smaller to establish better proportion.

Another observation was about the deciduous tree itself. At first, it looks very well ramified, but on closer inspection, it’s starting to get a bit leggy and could use a light haircut. It’s not a major issue, but it’s something that should be addressed before showing to maintain its refined appearance. Additionally, I have missed some areas on the trunk which need to be cleaned.

These observations aren’t about adhering to arbitrary rules—they’re rooted in fundamental design principles. A well-composed display requires thoughtful attention to balance, negative space, and harmony, much like any other form of art. This critique taught me how to better refine my displays and enhance the overall impact of my bonsai as an art form.

 

[BrianBay9]

....For instance, both of my stands presented issues. The stand for the conifer was overly ornate, which distracted the viewer’s eye from the tree itself. Meanwhile, the stand for the deciduous tree was slightly too large, creating a visual imbalance. Additionally, both trees were relatively similar in size, whereas one should have been noticeably smaller to establish better proportion....

And here I was thinking the pairing of those stands with those pots was brilliant. Took some attention away from the trees? Maybe, but then what trees could you possibly use with these stands and pots? I enjoy it.

 

[bwaynef]

@arjun: Speaking of your display from last year that you critiqued: The "repetition" (not exact) of shapes between the deciduous pot & stand could probably be improved upon as well. A less ornate pot on the conifer may harmonize with the stand its on a little better too. I say all this as a bystander with lots of exhibit books. This was still a commendable display.

Was it disallowed to elevate the tables at the Silhouette show? I have photos of your clump pine at two different heights and they show a decidedly different tree.

 

[arjun]

@arjun: Speaking of your display from last year that you critiqued: The "repetition" (not exact) of shapes between the deciduous pot & stand could probably be improved upon as well. A less ornate pot on the conifer may harmonize with the stand its on a little better too. I say all this as a bystander with lots of exhibit books. This was still a commendable display.

Was it disallowed to elevate the tables at the Silhouette show? I have photos of your clump pine at two different heights and they show a decidedly different tree.

When it comes to the pot and stand of a tree, I’ve often observed at Kokufu and Gafuten that it’s best to mimic their shapes to create harmony, but avoid repeating the same style elsewhere in the display.

In the Atlanta club show we have PVC raisers to elevate the tables as thats a better viewing angle. I am going to ask Steve next year if I can bring them for my table. Good call thanks

 

[johng]

When it comes to the pot and stand of a tree, I’ve often observed at Kokufu and Gafuten that it’s best to mimic their shapes to create harmony, but avoid repeating the same style elsewhere in the display.

In the Atlanta club show we have PVC raisers to elevate the tables as thats a better viewing angle. I am going to ask Steve next year if I can bring them for my table. Good call thanks

PVC extensions for tables have been used many times in this show...at least outside of the inner circle.

I wish this show would switch to a judging method like that used at PBE. No more one or two professionals making all the judging decisions..that is far too subjective. I'm sorry but Tyler should never be the judge in a room full of his clients trees (I know that was not the plan)....Critique certainly but not judge. Trees that have previously won should not be considered for judging in any future events...especially if they look exactly the same as they did previously. This years show was very good with many great trees! Judging by one or more individuals is tough...I was not a fan of the judging results this year.

Judging by the exhibitors would not be perfect either but at least the results would not be as easily influenced by the preferences of one or two individuals and would be representative of the participating community.

And just for the record, I have never won an award at this show do not suspect I ever will as long as it remains so heavily influenced by Japanese standards. I create bonsai and bonsai displays based on my life experiences and because I enjoy the process.

 

[Hartinez]

PVC extensions for tables have been used many times in this show...at least outside of the inner circle.

I wish this show would switch to a judging method like that used at PBE. No more one or two professionals making all the judging decisions..that is far too subjective. I'm sorry but Tyler should never be the judge in a room full of his clients trees (I know that was not the plan)....Critique certainly but not judge. Trees that have previously won should not be considered for judging in any future events...especially if they look exactly the same as they did previously. This years show was very good with many great trees! Judging by one or more individuals is tough...I was not a fan of the judging results this year.

Judging by the exhibitors would not be perfect either but at least the results would not be as easily influenced by the preferences of one or two individuals and would be representative of the participating community.

And just for the record, I have never won an award at this show do not suspect I ever will as long as it remains so heavily influenced by Japanese standards. I create bonsai and bonsai displays based on my life experiences and because I enjoy the process

I’d almost rather there be no awards given if that’s how the judging is going to be structured.

 

[Dan W.]

I also bit my tongue through a good portion of this thread. It saddens me really. There is so much about the American bonsai scene to be proud of, but it seems much of the judging is still highly influenced by bias and favoritism.

This is an absolute stunning venue full of many great trees. I really don't mean any offense to the award winners in any way. I congratulate you, as you obviously worked hard and showed excellent displays.

BUT, from the outside looking in, I have serious questions for the organizers and judges. What is the criteria for judging/awards at this show? Were exhibitors informed of the criteria? Were judges prepared and informed? Or was it just "Good ol' boy" style judging?

I'm a huge fan of how PBE and the Artisans Cup have been so transparent with their judging criteria and results. At least then judges have to own their biases if nothing else.

All of this comes from a deep desire to see American bonsai thrive. Why should the top artists bother showing if they know that their work will not be judged impartially? If we really want to see the level of bonsai continue to rise then shows need to rise to the occasion.

I tend to agree with Hartinez. It's better to not have awards at all than to not even recognize the best trees in the room.

 

[The Barber]

And just for the record, I have never won an award at this show do not suspect I ever will as long as it remains so heavily influenced by Japanese standards. I create bonsai and bonsai displays based on my life experiences and because I enjoy the process.

I'm not sure why we follow any rulebook anyways, other than the process etc where not much changes. Is art really art when the artist is confined to a set of standards? Look at the trees from Vietnam, Italy, etc. Every country, every artist, each has their own interpretation of what they want their trees to say. If every painting was a Rembrandt, or a Picasso nobody would have remembered them. So why would we judge a tree based on how good we are at making an American bonsai look like a Japanese bonsai?

Keep doing what you do @johng . The way you think outside the box is what I like best.

 

[Hartinez]

I'm not sure why we follow any rulebook anyways, other than the process etc where not much changes. Is art really art when the artist is confined to a set of standards? Look at the trees from Vietnam, Italy, etc. Every country, every artist, each has their own interpretation of what they want their trees to say. If every painting was a Rembrandt, or a Picasso nobody would have remembered them. So why would we judge a tree based on how good we are at making an American bonsai look like a Japanese bonsai?

Keep doing what you do @johng . The way you think outside the box is what I like best.

For these types of shows, I def feel like having a standard, or a general guideline to follow is a must. No different than like a Westminster dog show type of thing. I think that is much better example to compare these shows to over work by the likes of Picasso and Rembrandt. They held openings at a gallery with just their work. They didn’t enter shows to win prizes.

I absolutely prefer avant garde display and want to see much much more of it in bonsai, just not in the traditional show setting. I firmly believe that we have many artists who think differently could put on their own expositions with a backing artist statement or idea behind what’s being represented.

Ultimately though, there is room for both. But if we’re gonna give out awards at least give it as democratic approach as possible with transparency and standards to follow. Like, well, the way the PBE does it. just my 2 cents

 

[Shogun610]

I i agree w Dan , Hartinez ,or John H. Others have shown their frustration too and I’m disappointed honestly by those who run the shows on east coast…. If it’s never said then nothing can change .. or say the thing that most people think.

 

[arjun]

The judging featured a public critique session that lasted nearly three hours. During this session, the judges carefully analyzed each bonsai on display, providing a balanced assessment of its strengths and weaknesses. The critique included both positives and negatives for every tree, offering valuable insight into the reasoning behind the decisions.

The awards were based directly on this critique, ensuring there were no surprises. If an award didn’t go to a tree you personally favored, attending the critique would have made it clear why. The judges’ evaluations were thoughtful and detailed, and their feedback shed light on the precise elements that influenced their decisions.

The judging panel consisted of three highly skilled judges, all of whom are more or less Japanese-trained in bonsai. Their evaluations adhered Japanese aesthetics and criteria, focusing on qualities such as refinement, balance, proportion, and harmony between the tree and its container. Even Bill Valavanis, in past did a public critique.

While there are many approaches to bonsai, in my opinion this show is rooted in Japanese traditions with room for creativity.

 

[Colorado]

The judging featured a public critique session that lasted nearly three hours. During this session, the judges carefully analyzed each bonsai on display, providing a balanced assessment of its strengths and weaknesses. The critique included both positives and negatives for every tree, offering valuable insight into the reasoning behind the decisions.

The awards were based directly on this critique, ensuring there were no surprises. If an award didn’t go to a tree you personally favored, attending the critique would have made it clear why. The judges’ evaluations were thoughtful and detailed, and their feedback shed light on the precise elements that influenced their decisions.

The judging panel consisted of three highly skilled judges, all of whom are more or less Japanese-trained in bonsai. Their evaluations adhered Japanese aesthetics and criteria, focusing on qualities such as refinement, balance, proportion, and harmony between the tree and its container. Even Bill Valavanis, in past did a public critique.

While there are many approaches to bonsai, in my opinion this show is rooted in Japanese traditions with room for creativity.

Thanks for providing this insight - as someone who didn’t attend the show, I was not aware of this.

I am curious to know why an award did not go to the large arakawa maple. What critique from the public made it clear why this tree was not recognized?

In my humble opinion, that tree was clearly a standout. It has it all: presence, refinement, beautiful form, indication of excellent handling.

It also was actually a “winter silhouette” which is the namesake of the show. Maybe I’m just reading too much into the name of the show. But for me, it’s at least a nice cherry on top.

I am no expert here, just a guy doing some bonsai in my backyard. I thought that arakawa was the best tree in the show by a long shot. This is not to take away from any of the other trees. Lots of very good looking trees in the show, I think!

 

[arjun]

Yes, the judges carefully evaluated the pros and cons of each bonsai display.
It's also worth noting that "Winter Silhouette" is simply the name of the show—it doesn't imply that all bonsai on display must be leafless deciduous trees.
I must add, Sergio is a great friend, and I absolutely love his Arakawa. It's an amazing bonsai and deserves an award

 

[Shogun610]

the best deciduous trees in the show wasn’t even a main tree… doesn’t take a Japanese trained person to tell lol

But oh 125 years of training has been shared amongst the professionals so how dare I state my opinion ..