|
Articles
Interview about shohin-bonsai with
Mr. Higuchi Takeshi
Mr. Takeshi is
webmaster at the All Japan Shohin-bonsai Association
Text: Morten Albek
Photos: Higuchi
Takeshi
Morten Albek,
Shohin-bonsai Europe
When did you
started on practising bonsai?
Higuchi Takeshi
I started in
the age of five year old. Because my family had a nursery
very close as business.
Morten Albek,
Shohin-bonsai Europe
When did you
approach shohin-bonsai?
Higuchi Takeshi
I liked it very
early and see the beauty even that it is very small.
Morten Albek,
Shohin-bonsai Europe
Who teached you
the bonsai techniques?
Higuchi Takeshi
I learned the
methods of maintaining bonsai from a senior, and I learned
to style by Mother Nature.
Morten Albek,
Shohin-bonsai Europe
What are the
most important things to know about bonsai as a beginner
into Shohin-bonsai?
Higuchi Takeshi
I think it is
important to watch the nature very closely.
Morten Albek and Higuchi Takeshi
Morten Albek,
Shohin-bonsai Europe
Do you only
grow shohin-bonsai or also bigger bonsai?
Higuchi Takeshi
I have many
shohin-bonsai and also a few midd sized bonsai.
Morten Albek,
Shohin-bonsai Europe
How many
Shohin-bonsai do you have in your own collection?
Higuchi Takeshi
There is about
20 finished shohin-bonsai in my collection, and I have 80
more in training.
Morten Albek,
Shohin-bonsai Europe
Is it easier to
grow Shohin-bonsai than the bigger bonsai?
Higuchi Takeshi
I find the
techniques are equal, but some times it demands more to make
shohin-bonsai.
Morten Albek,
Shohin-bonsai Europe
What is the
most important to understand when training bonsai?
Higuchi Takeshi
First and
foremost it is the affection to bonsai that is important.
Next it is important to understand the basic techniques.
Morten Albek,
Shohin-bonsai Europe
How do you
think Shohin-bonsai will develop in future?
Higuchi Takeshi
Because it
takes shorter time to develop a finished shohin-bonsai than
a bigger bonsai, it will be supported by more people.
Also because
shohin-bonsai combines several species, and expresses the
universe.
Morten Albek,
Shohin-bonsai Europe
What do you
think is the future of shohin-bonsai in Japan?
Higuchi Takeshi
Shohin-bonsai
very fine matches the living conditions and space in Japan,
so it has good future here.
Morten Albek,
Shohin-bonsai Europe
How do you
think shohin-bonsai develops in Europe, USA and elsewhere?
Higuchi Takeshi
Shohin-bonsai
must be modified to fit the aesthetics that matches the
climate, environment and nature of the country they are
grown in.
Morten Albek,
Shohin-bonsai Europe
There are some
differences in the way of styling Shohin-bonsai in Japan,
Vietnam and also among some Europeans. Is there a right or a
wrong way to develop bonsai?
Higuchi Takeshi
Because the
environment and nature is different in each country, the
shohin-bonsai must accordingly be styled to fit this.
Therefore several styles coexist.
Morten Albek,
Shohin-bonsai Europe
If so – what do
you think about the new ways of doing bonsai compared to the
traditional way?
Higuchi Takeshi
I think the
basis of the art of bonsai must be defended.
It is not
possible to modify the basis of the art of bonsai. Because
it is the basis of this art that is important.
This makes you
able to bring in a tree in your house and appreciate its
naturalness.
One human can
move a bonsai with the hands and this shall express the
beauty of Mother Nature.
A bonsai shall
bring into your mind what observed in nature.
Morten Albek,
Shohin-bonsai Europe
What do you
think is important to know to be successful with bonsai?
Higuchi Takeshi
You must
appreciate the bonsai that you find wonderful, and it is
important to know why you find a bonsai beautiful.
Morten Albek,
Shohin-bonsai Europe
Shohin-bonsai
are getting more and more popular. What do you feel about
shohin-bonsai?
Higuchi Takeshi
I just think
that shohin-bonsai is a wonderful work of art.
Morten Albek,
Shohin-bonsai Europe
How is
Shohin-bonsai displayed on exhibition?
Higuchi Takeshi
Displaying
shohin-bonsai combines 3 to 7 species, and must express
beauty and the time of year.
To express this
balance of the beauty is important, and this combines pot,
rack, movement in the shohin-bonsai i.e.
Morten Albek,
Shohin-bonsai Europe
How important
is Wabi and Sabi in Shohin-bonsai?
Higuchi Takeshi
Wabi means
humbleness. You must secure things is not overdone and too
much.
Sabi is patina
and simplicity. You must also imagine the things that are
not there, and the open spaces are important too. Even
though it isn’t there you must behave as it is. Because your
imagination will bring it to you.
You can see the beautifull
work of Higuchi Takeshi at his website:
www.wafu.com
|
