Commentary

Tightening Loose Ends

by Art Hewitt, reprinted from the October '93 issue of "The Journal"

There are treatises on bonsai that stress the occult nature of it. For example, you must never have a four-trunk grouping in a grove of bonsai - it's bad luck. I know of several members who actually do have four-trunk bonsai, and nothing (touch wood) untoward has happened to them. Too, the triangular shape of the ideal bonsai foliage silhouette is deemed to represent the symbols of heaven, man and earth - whereas the triangular shape is actually the simplest two-dimensional shape mathematically possible, and Japanese art stresses simplicity.

No, bonsai has nothing occult about it. In fact, if you consider the practitioners, the materials and the audience involved in bonsai, you find that kindness, cooperation and assistance are the watchwords. Are you having difficulty deciding how to style a tree? Ask anyone involved in bonsai, and you will get willing, friendly assistance. Having difficulty with the care of a tree? Ask any bonsaiist about it, and you will be given detailed instructions or be directed to someone who can. Are you a stranger in a strange land? Find a local bonsaiist and make yourself known - you will find instant friendship and a kindred spirit.

Well, there are limits, you know. Ask a bonsaiist where he collected a tree, and he (she) will wave vaguely northwards to an area bounded by Ottawa and Winnipeg, and say, "Up north". But, if you ask how to collect, you will get a detailed response, complete with the hand gestures of an accomplished charades player.

You see, there is no competition between bonsaiists. Bonsai are not given red, blue and white ribbons. It is understood that if a tree is not quite presentable this year, then it will be better next year, and even better than that the following year.

You see, bonsai isn't an occult rite: it's a philosophy of life. Of helping your friends. Of giving pleasure to the beholder. Of recognizing character. Of slow, gentle, constant improvement. Of discarding the bad (pruning) and encouraging the good (wiring). Of nurturing (watering, fertilizing). Of providing a healthy environment (light, humidity).

Wouldn't it be nice if everyone were bonsaiists?