Michael Hagedorn

This book is about the why of bonsai, not the how. The author studied in Japan as an apprentice for three years. Understanding of bonsai came over time, by intense exposure to a huge number of trees, lots of hard work, and occasional guidance from his master. He explores what being an apprentice is like, and tries to describe the Zen and Taoism of bonsai. The artist tries to reveal the inner beauty of the tree, and the tree changes the artist and those who thoughtfully observe it. Well worth reading by anyone trying to participate in this art form.… (altro)