Page 43 - Tạp chí bonsai cây cảnh BCI 2016Q4

been created among the people who attended, dogs in-
cluded. Their names are Haiko and Takumi. Antonio
and his wife Gigi have been able to create ideal condi-
tions in which the we were able to express ourselves
to the maximum.
Is it necessary to have an assistant for this work?
Of course it is! Not only does it take an assistant
because alone it is difficult to have enough strength,
but it also takes a good understanding between people.
Antonio Jesús is a student of mine with whom I have a
great artistic rapport, comparable to the best Japanese
tradition.
What are the characteristics of the Taxus species
that make it good material for bonsai and how does
this tree compare to this ideal?
The yew along with juniper are the two really
sculptural conifers of the bonsai world, with their Top; It takes considerable
strength to bend the branch
unique aesthetic and their artistic potential: the simple into the desired position.
and dynamic movement of the juniper, the strong and Middle; A guy wire is used to
austere yew, as is shown by this specimen. Il Nettuno keep the branch in the desired
also has a fantastic group of natural Jin that create an position. The tree is now ready
impressive sculptural effect evocative of the trident for more detailed wiring.
associated with Neptune, god of the sea. Bottom; Detail of the heavy
copper wires.
Are there any aspects of a yew that make it difficult
to grow as bonsai?
I would say no, it is a species that lives thousands
of years in nature and is very resistant to everything!
What made you decide it was time to work on this
tree now?
I realized that the tree had sufficient vigor when I
saw that the annual growth was 20 cm long, a lot for
a yew confined to a pot, then I gave it a special plant-
based nutrition program.
Do you consider this heavy branch bending tech-
nique routine or is it to be used when there are no
other options for the design of the tree?
This bending technique is certainly not easy, but
if done correctly on vigorous specimens, it is a safe
option to be applied if it is really necessary in terms
of aesthetics.
What is the best season for this work?
Heavy branch bending can be carried out from
November to April.
How do you prepare for this work? Which tools and
materials do you use?
I always have all the possible tools, even for collecting
yamadori ... I have an adoration for the tools of the
noble arts, even as objects, and I collect everything,
both hand tools and electrical tools. In this case I used
a powerful grinder with tungsten carbide saw blades,
among my favorite tools.
Tell us about the electric grinder and the special bit
that you use for hollowing out the branch.
I used a powerful grinder and a carbide tip at
27000 rpm. The important thing is to reach at least
22 thousand, but when I carve deadwood on a bonsai
usually work with a 34000 rpm machine.

October/November/December 2016 | BCI | 41