By KA Schultz

This is a relatively new book on the market, copyrighted in 2001. This book combines the highest quality photographs that I have seen with some very philosophical text. Each photograph presents its bonsai with artistry and each is a composition of a tree ready for show in a well chosen pot. As Gail Penner explained to us at our January meeting, the backgrounds do not compete for our attention, they are solid colors such as blue, black, gray or white. While there is a caption with each photograph, its primary purpose is not to scientifically identify the tree or give its size. Rather the captions draw our attention to a particular bit of the artistry of the composition. There is a listing of photograph credits at the back of the book. Each has the scientific name, height and a little history.

The book is divided into five chapters, but I found that the theme of book flowed from beginning to end. Each chapter begins with a quote that seems appropriate. “Discovering the Personality” begins with this quote by Auguste Rodin; Art is contemplation. It is the pleasure of the mind which searches into nature and which there divines the spirit of which nature herself is animated. Douthitt then begins this chapter by stating; “The use of living material is what separates bonsai from traditional forms of sculpture. This difference requires an unusual and demanding commitment from the bonsai artist. Having read a number of bonsai books, I found that Douthitt has captured an essence that takes the understanding of how to style a bonsai to a new level. When he talks about selecting buds, he talks of growing them into branches that configure with the tree’s design. He speaks of the selection of the container and its lines, noting that these should reflect the tree’s style and character.

In the chapter called “Growing and Changing” the excitement of seasonal changes is discussed. Douthitt points out that since bonsai are portable, each tree can be moved around the artists display garden to the most suitable location with the best light for that particular plant. Subparts of this chapter are: “Seasons and Color” and “the Aging Process”. I cannot say enough about the quality of the photographs in this section. It is noted that older trees have smaller leaves, and that the roots eventually become exposed.

At the back of the book there is a listing of public bonsai collections; Franklin Park and the Krohn in Cincinnati are listed. I could go on, but I’d rather read this book again!