May 2008 Demonstration

Brian Sampson gave a demonstration with Figs entitled The Stone Temple that ended with a beautiful 'reveal'


Before Brian began the demo, all was hidden. Brian was assisted on stage by Quentin
Brian explained that he had made the landscape from almost a hundred pieces of pottery, which were attached to a slate base. Brian initially described this view as the 'front'.

The pottery landscape was made hollow, like several pots and potting mix needed to be added.
Brian and Quentin arranged the port jackson figs, with the largest towards the centre and smaller trees towards the outer edges to give perspective. Some of these figs Brian had grown as individually potted bonsai, but decided it was time to place them into this forest planting.



Amongst the many things Brian explained as the demonstration progressed was that this style of landscape was more akin to Chinese penjing than traditional Japanese bonsai.


At the end of the planting, Brian and Quentin turned the landscape around to reveal this exquisite detail in the pottery landscape. Brian Sampson's Stone Temple



The finished work inspired a rush to take photos of Brian's landscape.

Brian was inspired to create his landscape by this
work of Nick Lenz, the famous American bonsai artist and potter.

Details of the Stone Temple. These figurines called 'Mud men' are traditionally associated with Chinese penjing.



Brian stated he had spent approximately 75 hours of pottery classes making this landscape.

 

Bonsai from the Members' Display table

 


 


 



Brian also brought along this volcano he made from pottery


 


 


 


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