American Bonsai Potters
- Thread starter thams
- Start date
thams
Omono
Thanks, my man! I do it for the love of bonsai pottery. We have a lot to offer in terms of ceramics here in the US. Bonsai trees aren't the only thing seeing refinement in America. When the Japanese pros start shopping American bonsai pots, you know we're starting to get down to business.
Owen Reich
Shohin
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@thams , thanks for listing my page on the site (Bonsai Unearthed). I try not to sell American made pottery currently available, but older pieces of those styles the potters no longer make.
Any potter willing to make good semi-cascade or long, narrow containers has my respect and likely my patronage.
Sean Smith makes bonsai pots btw.
Any potter willing to make good semi-cascade or long, narrow containers has my respect and likely my patronage.
Sean Smith makes bonsai pots btw.
thams
Omono
I know you've got some real gems that I've seen pop up on Facebook bonsai auctions from time to time - especially some funky Nick Lenz pots. When I've got a little more cash to spend I'd also like to see if you still have some Roy Minarai accent pots still kicking around for sale. If I remember correctly, you posted some matte gold accents some months back at auction.
You've always been great every time I've purchased pottery from you, so I'm more than happy to promote your site. I'll have to dig around the interwebs to see if I can find some examples of Sean Smith's stuff.
Go Dawgs, by the way. I assume you'll be plastered to the television like me tomorrow night. Fingers crossed that our defense and offense decide to show up together for this one - we're gonna need it.
PeaceLoveBonsai
Chumono
sorce
Nonsense Rascal
I'm No Specialist...
But I got a couple out recently we can get reviews on.
These are available, hiding secrets on the left one, the 2 right ones are fully fired to dark brown and come with a "slight rock" discount!
The most squarish one as finished there...
The 2 that got shipped etc.
Fittin to cop a few new colors, I'll have an array by repotting season.
More if your repotting season is summer!
Sorce
Vance Wood
Lord Mugo
There is a lot to be said about Japanese and Chinese pots but it is almost obligatory to search and use domestic pots. This field is getting better and better.
thams
Omono
I don't know any that "specialize" in unglazed rectangles, per se. There are at least a few artists that some to mind that could produce some nice unglazed rectangles depending upon your needs - Sam Miller occasionally makes some decent slab-built rectangles. @hometeamrocker has also produced some nice unglazed rectangles that I've seen. Ron Lang makes some really nice pots too. You can occasionally find some unglazed Nick Lenz unglazed rectangles for sale, but expect to pay at least triple what they're probably really worth.
Honestly, there aren't a lot of American potters that really nail unglazed rectangles. Slab-built stuff is time-consuming and can be tricky to get level and straight (especially in bigger sizes). @sorce are you out to fill the void? We need someone to pick up the slack!
PeaceLoveBonsai
Chumono
Along the same lines, if you have a great RMJ with masculine features, I would think you would want to place that in an American pot. I suppose the only issue is that an older tree deserves an older pot, my assumption is that there is not a lot of older, large, unglazed rectangles to choose from. Is that correct?
sorce
Nonsense Rascal
Not intentionally. But without a wheel, and noting the trend of non-rounds selling for more, I will tend to make more rectangles. Not that I care to sell them for more...but I can't afford rectangles myself, so I have to make them, and hope I can afford to keep one or 2!
I appreciate the Japanese way of Older for older..
But I appreciate your thoughts on American trees in American pots more.
Odd note.....
I recently found out that In Europe, they are less likely to, or completely do not do commissioned pieces.
My question..."so you mean none of Walter's trees are in commissioned pots?"
Answer ....No. (Degrees to be corrected?)
I was shocked because almost every one of Walter's pairings seem perfect, or commissioned. Purpose built.
Of course having a metric shit ton of pots helps I reckon!
But to know that some of the tastiest visual treats Bonsai offers are with new or newer, "modern" pots....
Well.....it has fully adjusted the way I will think moving forward.
It's a different feel completely.
The Japanese Aesthetic.
The W.P. aesthetic.
Niether better and both grand.
Something about this information is supposed to be freeing.
To understand that pretty is pretty regardless of a "rule".
Just bored.
The fun stuff is done.
Firewatch is boring.
Sorce
PeaceLoveBonsai
Chumono
What % of the trees displayed at this year’s US Nationals will be in American pots? Does that % need to be high (80% FE) for the US to be able to say “we arrived”, so to speak. Or does it not matter?
thams
Omono
I doubt there will be many American pots displayed. I'd bank on seeing some Sara Rayner pots, as they're seemingly everywhere (not that it's necessarily a bad thing). I don't think the American pottery representation needs to be high in national shows to truly "arrive" on the scene. There are so few trees displayed and so many non-US potters that the chances of encountering American made pots are going to be somewhat low. I don't claim to be a pottery expert, but I also think there are relatively few exhibition quality pots being produced domestically. Certainly there are show-worthy examples, but the numbers are far fewer than those being made in the East and even Europe.
I'm doing my best to collect as many what I consider to be American made show quality pots to hopefully display them in the future. Hell, I would even gladly loan some of the pots to people looking to show in American containers, as long as I trust the individuals.
sorce
Nonsense Rascal
If this spirit doesnt get amplified we will stagnate forever!
A void to fill intentionally.
@William N. Valavanis as a new potter, I have been wondering what the judging on the pots consist of.
In short...I want to get into the show.
What are the pot requirements?
Lose points for wobble?
Any information you could share that may help me create quality containers worthy of the Nationals would be appreciated!
And of course.....your gift pot is imminent!
Sorce
Owen Reich
Shohin
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Here's Sean's container page: http://bonsai-suiseki.com/pots.html
I still have 3-4 Roy pots I commissioned for a workshop and can send photos later.
Unfortunately, I'll be somewhere over the Pacific during the game; headed to help my teacher in Japan for two months....... I will find a way to watch the game if possible. UGA will win against BAMA tomorrow. It will likely be a very close game, but their performance in the Rose Bowl had 24 un-answered points during the first part of the second half. I'm more worried about BAMA's quality defensive line limiting conversions.
John Cole, a relatively new potter in Nashville, TN is making some pretty nice pots right now. You can contact him through facebook or on Pinterest.
thams
Omono
A worthy goal, for sure. I'm sure Valavanis can give you all the really good technical stuff you need to have in order to produce top pots. I think the bottom line is you need to be absolutely ruthless with your own work. I've universally heard this from the great potters I've spoken with.
I don't think I'll ever produce pots of national exhibition quality, BUT... I've promised myself that I won't let any pot leave my hands that I wouldn't be absolutely proud for someone to display a tree in. The so-so ones will be used as training pots by me, or will get the hammer. I think that's the only way to cultivate a reputation worthy of national recognition.
sorce
Nonsense Rascal
I heard someone recently state this....
That seconds should never be viewed, that they must be destroyed.
I feel it, but it is rather difficult, as I hate waste more than I want a Good reputation.
But I guess, as in everything else I am or do, I only need "honest" attached to my name, and somehow, it feels like a lie to pretend I only produce worthy stuff.
That and, though I want to use the containers.....I don't have the right trees.
The biggest conundrum.
Can't sell em, can't use em all, can't hammer ALL of em...
Freebies? Wait till I get the tree?
Sorce
thams
Omono
I hear you on the waste part. I plan to keep the seconds to sort of document my progress. There's nothing wrong with giving them as gifts either, so long as the person understands it doesn't represent your best work. Only releasing your best stuff doesn't make you dishonest, it shows integrity of work. All the greatest potters readily admit that a decent portion of their work falls short of expectations. As long as you're not pretending to be perfect, there's no harm in putting your best work forward.
chicago1980
Omono
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thams
Omono
Nice! Thanks for passing this along. I'll have to link it to my website.
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