Application Of The Golden Mean by Jeff Shortt There are many approaches by which a bonsai may be designed, in accordance with many art methods, cultures, and personal tastes. The Golden Section, however, is widely recognized as a practical means of achieving an harmonious balance between the elements which comprise the overall work; most importantly, those of shape, space, and line. What makes it so practical? Simply, the fact that this structure is so reliable. It is based on a mathematical principal that can be repeated indefinitely. The Rectangle can be flipped and rotated with equal effectiveness, depending on whatever design problem you may have to work with. The previous article, by Harry Harrington, provides an excellent background to the phenomenon of the Golden Mean, as well as its application in both natural and manmade design. To supplement this, here is some additional food for thought. There are hundreds of examples of superb bonsai to be found. The samples I have offered here demonstrate excellent use of the Golden Section. In particular, you can notice how not only the overall line follows the path of diagonal thrust within the Rectangle, but the points of intersection in the Rectangle can be easily seen to match key points in the tree design. The point of a jin, the angle of a branch, the outline of a foliage mass, the curve of the nebari, can be planned using the Golden Mean. At the end of this article I have offered an easy method by which you may learn the structure of the Golden Rectangle. Practise this until you are comfortable with it, and can draw it quickly and with reasonable accuracy. From there, you can begin many sketches of your tree using the Rectangle as a template. Consider what your planting angle might be, where you may bend a branch, develop a foliage mass, determine the length of a jin. This important process allows you to study your tree in depth, and decide what it is capabilities truly are. Many of your decisions can be made before you ever touch the tree. The rest is just play! This is not the only approach to use - it is one approach. But it has been a tried and true standard for some of the finest design in the world for many thousands of years, and has tremendous application to the art of bonsai. It will certainly help you develop your skills and appreciation of our hobby. Happy growing! Artist: Masahiko Kimura Source: The Bonsai Art of Kimura, page 135 permission granted by Stone Lantern Publishing, available at stonelantern.com Artist: Masahiko Kimura Source: The Bonsai Art of Kimura, page 70 permission granted by Stone Lantern Publishing, available at stonelantern.com Artist: Paul Chong Source: Toronto Bonsai Society