Page 68 - Tạp chí bonsai cây cảnh BCI 2016Q3

Concluding Thoughts
Images of untamed, wild nature travel with us for
the rest of our lives. Back when I was a university stu-
dent, almost forty (40) years ago, I had such an op-
portunity. While visiting DaXue Shan (Great Snow
Mountain) with a group of classmates, I had my first
encounter with Taiwanese High Mountain Junipers.
Humbled by their strong appearance, the feeling of
qi (氣) and how that life force reminds us of how in-
significant we are when compared to the natural en-
vironment overwhelmed my sense of self. My life as
a bonsai artist would never be the same. To this day
and after many years of study, that first meeting with
the mountain, that fresh mountain air and that ini-
tial impression of the mighty junipers has constantly
resonated within my thoughts and creative endeavors.
The arrangement featured in this article is inspired
by alpine forms and is an opportunity to create a new
stage in juniper bonsai, honoring Nature’s Masters,
who are the true source of creativity and inspiration.
Observation, meticulous study, patience and personal
search for encouragement should be a goal and aspira-
tion of all bonsai artists. Although failure sometimes
is inevitable, the chance to overcome adversity should
drive us to outshine every obstacle within our person-
al journey. I encourage all to be inspired, be observant
and be creative, but, most of all, never give up!

Forty years ago,
while visiting DaXue
Shan (Great Snow
Mountain) with a
group of classmates, I
had my first encounter
with Taiwanese High
Mountain Junipers.

66 | BCI | July/August/September 2016