Learning About Living Art: Bonsai

What This Ancient Art Can Teach You About Reciprocal Relationships Between Humans and the Natural World

Fringe ArtsNanor Froundjian — Published February 5, 2019

Most conventional artworks are created—sometimes over the course of many years and decades—and are then framed or put on display to be appreciated; they become a piece of the past. The transformation of a tree into a bonsai however, will leave the artist with a creation that is alive, almost like a companion, that requires commitment and patience as it keeps growing and changing over time.

Flower art is present in many forms today ranging from detailed mosaics, tattoo design, intricate colouring books, to drawings and paintings. Flower arrangement, so obvious that we can sometimes forget it, is one of the earliest forms of floral art that has stood the test of time across oceans to different continents and is still present today. It is more than a two thousand year-old tradition that first began in China.

However, flower art is not limited to traditional Chinese customs. It is also found in artistic expression without its deep-rooted ties to cultural and religious beliefs, bonding humans with nature in a more organic fashion.

Ikebana

The art of floral arrangement originated in China during the period of Wei, Jin and Southern and Northern Dynasties. In Japanese culture there is a similar art known by the name of ikebana.

Orysia Krywiak is the co-owner of the flower shop Fig Fleurs, located in Pointe-Claire. Having been in the flower business for over two decades, Krywiak has dedicated her career to creating and promoting floral design, and sharing the beauty of nature with her clientele. Fig Fleurs caters to the various wants and tastes of a wide demographic, who purchase flowers to enliven their homes, give gifts or celebrate holidays.

Although she doesn’t practice ikebana, Krywiak works with flowers and recognizes the aforementioned benefits. She explained that, “Being around plants and flower is very comforting, calming, it’s a good feeling all the time. It’s hard work.”
“But you’re surrounded by beauty and nature,” she continued.

Krywiak, whose focus is the design of the floral arrangements, explained that her style and approach to flower design is very natural. “We don’t do anything dyed or overly stylized,” she added. “We make it as natural and free-flowing as possible.”

The Living Art of Bonsai

Art involving the manipulation of trees is specific to East Asian cultures. The age-old tradition, marrying human artistry to nature by crafting a small tree, is known as bonsai. That art also originated in China, where it was called penjing, before it crossed the sea and was mastered in Japan where it flourished within the Zen Buddhist culture.

Isabelle Harvey, vice president of the Société de bonsaï et de penjing de Montréal, explained that bonsai is an art form that each artist will interpret differently; there is no right or wrong way to do it. Harvey simply described it as a skill anyone can learn, and said everyone is capable of learning how to interact with the trees.

The SBPM, a non-profit organization founded 40 years ago, has a long established partnership with the Botanical Gardens in Montreal and works to promote the art of bonsai in Quebec. Their annual exhibitions display around 45 to 60 bonsai crafted by the members of the SBPM who are passionate amateurs.

“They had a year or two […] of experience and their trees were amazing, and people like it, they are happy to share,” Harvey said. She emphasized that the artist is engaging with an ever-growing piece of work which allows a relationship to form between the tree and its owner.

From Japan to the Western World

The art of bonsai evolved over centuries as it was transmitted from one generation to the next and gained popularity in the western world during the twentieth century. As the art became globalized, it was interpreted and adapted in different ways.

Harvey explained that each group or organization can have their own, perhaps modernized, approach to the craft. However, she added that, “In Montreal, we try to be more conservative and the quality scales up every year.”

In other words, organizations in Montreal such as the SBPM adhere to the traditional Japanese guidelines, rules and principles regarding the measurements and shapes of bonsai.

A motif that strings together all practitioners of floral art, regardless of any cultural elements or beliefs, is the reward of creating an ideal aesthetic and the self-satisfaction derived from the personal connection with a part of nature.

The art of flower arrangement and bonsai is interpreted differently between cultures and individuals. The objective is to reach a harmony between man and nature—which is manifested differently for everyone—while learning and mastering techniques that contribute to one’s grounding.

“Trees are always something that will calm you down. You can spend five to 10 minutes in front of a tree,” Harvey said, “and there are so many small details that it makes you peaceful.”

How Do They Stay So Small?

The term bonsai translates to potted tree.(“bon”=dish/pot/container + “sai”=planted tree/plant). Contrary to popular belief, a bonsai is sculpted out of a standard full-sized tree. In fact, these curiously small creatures require ceaseless maintenance and a lot of patience.
There are two ways of creating a bonsai, either starting with a full-grown tree, or starting with a seed. Bonsai are kept small by the trimming of the roots.

“But if you start with a seed, it could take years and years to get something big,” she said. The process cannot be rushed “by cutting the roots, because we are using a soil that has a lot of little rocks, the roots will hit a pointy rock and usually divide [into mini roots].”
This happens because bonsai are traditionally planted in a soil with lots of small stones in it. Having the option to create a bonsai from a seed or to craft it from a grown tree demonstrates the dualistic aspect of bonsai.

The pot or container, which is an essential part of the final product’s design, retains the bonsai at a certain size. Harvey explained that the pot must seem like a continuation of the bonsai and the feeling it evokes.

The price of a bonsai varies depending on its age and size. On average, Harvey estimated costs at $150. However, she noted that the buyer must be mindful of quality. She said buying from certain nurseries or greenhouses such as Les Bonsaï Enr. and Bonsaï Gros-Bec located in Montreal will ensure that the bonsai is of good quality and health. “[It] is a fun art because it is so small that everyone can have it, even in an apartment, as long as you can meet the plant’s requirements,” Harvey said.

“It’s a mutual relationship that we have,” Harvey continued, describing profound connection to her trees.
“You need to always think about your trees, almost as much as you care about your kids,” she said, laughing.

Having been a practitioner for more than 10 years, Harvey says bonsai is an art that demands mutual respect between the caretaker of the bonsai and the bonsai itself. A bonsai can live with its owner for centuries. “It’s an art in total evolution.”