Doing it with “meraki”

Bonsai enthusiasts often devote their lives to this art form, spending countless hours trimming, wiring, and shaping their trees to create the perfect expression of their vision.

One concept that is often talked about in the world of bonsai is “meraki.” This is a Greek word that means “to do something with soul, creativity, or love.” It is often used to describe the process of creating art, and it can be applied to bonsai as well. The idea is that when you create a bonsai, you should do it with a sense of passion and dedication that goes beyond simply following a set of rules or techniques.

Meraki is about putting your heart and soul into your work, and allowing your creativity to shine through. It’s about creating something that is truly unique and reflective of your own personal style and vision. When you work with meraki, you are not simply creating a bonsai, but you are creating a work of art that has the potential to inspire and move people.

Creating a bonsai with meraki involves a deep understanding of the tree you are working with. You must learn about the species of tree, its growth habits, and the unique characteristics of each individual specimen. You must also understand the principles of bonsai design, such as balance, proportion, and harmony. But beyond these technical skills, you must also have a deep love for the tree and a desire to bring out its full potential.

Meraki requires patience, dedication, and a willingness to take risks. You are creating something that is uniquely your own, and you must be willing to experiment and try new things in order to achieve your vision.

Ultimately, the concept of meraki in bonsai is about creating a living expression of your passion and creativity. It is about using your skills and knowledge to create something that is both beautiful and meaningful. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced bonsai artist, incorporating meraki is to create bonsai that are truly unique and leaving something of your soul in the tree.

Hell no!

Why do we do bonsai? Some of us do it for the accolades and the “Likes” and “Hallelujas”. And some of do it for ourselves, the “Oh-Yeah’s” and the “OK’s” and the “This-Is-Just-For-Me”! What the last two years have taught me is that life is too short. I do bonsai for myself and yes, I can only talk about plants. Ok, not just plants, but also the conditions they need for optimal growth, the soil they need for proliferation, the food my trees need, and, and, and. Then I can talk about lots. I am seldom concerned about bonsai styles or which way the first branch bends or how far it is from the top of the soil. I feel that is personal to the “artist” and should reflect some of your own style and or personality. Let me explain: maybe nobody ever taught Picasso to draw. Or what if he got a paint-by-numbers kit for Christmas and that started his career as an artist? Make no mistake, there is nothing wrong with a bit of bonsai-by-numbers, but bonsai should be about fun, too. I am first and foremost a Tree-Lover and secondly a bonsai artist. I collect species and have some very rare and exotic trees in my collection. I love growing trees from seed or making truncheon cuttings. I have no illusion that they will never be called bonsai by anyone but me. But they are my bonsai. And that makes me happy. I will post a series of care instructions on various species. That said: there is ONE rule!  Know your area and know your species!