Page 19 - Tạp chí bonsai cây cảnh BCI 2014Q1

bci: How would you characterize the difference between bonsai and penjing? How
do you think bonsai will change as more bonsai enthusiasts in America and else
where are exposed to Chinese penjing?
ms: Traditionally, bonsai tend to be more formalized, idyllic, whereas penjing are
thought of as being less formalized, cultivated with a clip and grow methodology
as opposed to wiring. Some people feel this a more natural look, but today, the
term penjing is thought of as cultural (China), and the two forms increasingly
come together. But, of course, there are outstanding bonsai in China and Taiwan
that are extremely formalized.
bci: Historically, Americans have embraced many cultural influences and then
created new expressions uniquely American. Do you think this applies to bonsai
and viewing stones?
ms: There are regional differences in the diversity of species that are found in
North America, with the attempt to replicate them as they are found growing in
nature. But I don’t subscribe to the notion that there are American bonsai, Ital-
ian bonsai, Norwegian bonsai, etc. Bonsai is bonsai. It is not the same as music
and cuisine culturally. It has a universality that is to produce artistic trees in
containers. I feel that too many people want to put a tag on the bonsai of their
country, as if to say, “look at us.” It is not necessary. In North America, there
has been an insecurity of being behind Asia and Europe for a long time, and the
need to prove that we can do it as well. The gap has dissipated quite a bit, and
there are bonsai in this country that are world class in any one’s definition. The
geographical tag is mainly due to the native species of a particular country. The
same universal perspective applies to Viewing Stones. The daiza carver can add
different look, a freedom of expression, if you will, to add diversity to a stone
collection. Perhaps the one difference with trees and stones is in the way they
are displayed. While it certainly is a wonderful aesthetic, it is no longer gospel to
have to use shoji and tatami. Here is where different cultures can demonstrate a
unique atmosphere for their display. As much as I have a passion for traditional
suiseki, I’m also drawn to many other forms of evocative stones that lie outside
suiseki boundaries and categorization.
bci: You have travelled extensively in the US as a featured bonsai artist. Are there
regional attitudes and approaches to bonsai in America, apart from different spe-
cies and climate, or do American bonsaists share a common approach?
ms: I do not really notice regional attitudes. Great artists produce great bonsai
all over the country, often using native material to their maximum potential. So
I do feel there is a common approach in most of the country.
bci: How important is the local or regional bonsai club for bonsai enthusiasts? Can
one learn bonsai on their own?

ms: When one is beginning, bonsai clubs can offer direction, guidance and
awareness of the nature and scope of the bonsai hobby. And depending on the
interest level, will often produce stimulation and motivation. If someone is very
serious, they need to also find a competent teacher for a period of time. This can
provide a quantum leap quickly in knowledge and technique.
bci: When was Stillwater Studio founded? What prompted its establishment?
ms: Stillwater Studio was founded in 2002. I have wanted an art studio for a
very long time and finally was able to build it. I have personalized it to create
atmosphere and a soulful nature, making it very conducive to being creative. To
an artist, being immersed in this type of environment is paramount.
bci: You have gone to a great deal of effort to acquire large landscape stones for
your Japanese-style garden. Where did you get them and how difficult was it to
transport them and then find the best places for them in your garden?
ms: I am blessed to live in a region (Sussex County, NJ) that is on a huge lime-
stone foundation that stretches for miles. Many of the stones have a Chinese
feel to them with the water erosion so evident. To me, a garden is not a garden
without stones. I have gotten help from a friend that has a backhoe, and I have

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