The Shohin-bonsai book, Less is more (name changed later – see the post from November 2007 and later) is on the way to the public.It has taken a long time but progression is done quickly now, and the book will be printed in July.
Right now the text part is finished with the final editing, and the layouter is preparing the book. A process that will take about a month.I look forward very much to the release of the book, that has been delayed some.
I hope it will meet the requirements of both beginners and more experienced Shohin enthusiasts.
The book will describe different techniques well suited for Shohin and Mame-bonsai. I also focus on some of the different issues about displaying Shohin-bonsai, hopefully succeeding to spread out the knowledge of this special part of the art.
A lot of pictures are included, and I have tried also to include other artists in order to show different kind of works for inspiration.
I will of course keep you updated of further news about the release, how to purchase the book, prize i.e. here and at www.shohin-europe.com
Regards, Morten Albek
I had the pleasure travelling to Ribeirão Preto in Sao Paolo, Brazil, in late May. Kind Mario A. G. Leal hosted the Bonsai 2007 event focusing on Shohin-bonsai. As head demonstrator at this event I had the privilege to work on some very good material. The Shinpaku Juniper presented for me I must admit looked extremely difficult at first, but after a closer examination it proved very talented.
I found the fellow Brazilian demonstrators very enthusiastic, and also very talented. There really are some potential in South America. Furthermore the growing season is very long which makes it possible to shorten the time reaching results by almost the half of what is needed here in Northern Europe. Japanese black pines and the Shinpaku juniper grows very good under this hemisphere, allthough the big differences of climate must be taken into account, Brazil stretching over an enormous area, from cold south to hot north regions.
Four hour of works later, assisted by Charles White, a talented Brazilian bonsai artist, it was possible to present a future good and powerful looking cascade bonsai in Chuhin size (app. 45 cm high), assisted by another work done at the same time, a native Brazilian Cherry, Cerejeira. Also a number of Shohin-bonsai I styled for some participants, giving me good training and the fun of styling some native species I normally do not get my hands on. In the evening good talks, local music jazzed by Mario, his son brother and friends made this week in Brazil a very good one.
Thank you Mario my friend, Bergson, Charles, family, friends and all you enthusiastic and nice people participating in the event, for the pleasant stay.
