In May 2025 over the Memorial Day weekend the Bonsai Society of Brevard will be managing the Bonsai Societies of Florida exhibition at the annual convention. Under the convention theme of “Let’s Do Something Different”, BSOB has embraced the concept of Creative Display. I am the chair of the committee and have been touring the state discussing the concept of display and in particular creative display. At these presentations some BSF members have cited they are not certain what is meant by creative display or they don’t have any creative ideas. Let’s see if we can help.
In the grand scheme of things bonsai art in the USA is still fairly new at least compared to other arts such as painting and sculpture. Combined with the way bonsai promulgated itself through the USA via Japanese Americans and via Japanese didacticism (we even use a Japanese word word, “bonsai”, to describe growing trees in a pot) the art has naturally looked to Japan. Therefore, when American try to display bonsai art, they have had a tendency to copy what they perceive as the Japanese way. While Japanese display can be beautiful, subtle and effective, even in Japan there is more than one way to display a bonsai tree.
In the USA we have the reputation of trying new things. Here on the Space Coast of Florida in particular when the US space program departs earth for new frontiers the precedence is there to try things never done before. Let’s offer some simple suggestions to consider ways to display things differently.
First, creative display occupies a continuum.
Many levels or means exist to effect a creative display. One can simply place a tree in a pot on a table, or use a three point display with stands and complements, or place a bonsai on flying on trapeze swinging through the room. The degree of creativity varies depending on personal preference.
Second, Find a Display Design Concept
For those that say they are not creative nor have any creative ideas, all is not lost. Simply placing a tree in a pot and imposing your will on how the tree grows is an exercise in creativity. When you worked on a tree you had a design concept for that tree. That process entailed creativity. Just extend that thought. What concept would you like your display to portray? Junsun Yamamoto in his book “Beautiful Bonsai” said that only when a tree is in a container and displayed with props to convey majestic scenery is it a bonsai. In his case he is looking for creating the feeling of majestic scenery. Eliciting the feel of scenery is one of many of the nearly infinite display possibilities.
Is there some statement you want to make about nature, the seasons, or some local geography? Would you like to portray another of your personal interest such as golf, baseball, knitting, painting etc.? Is there an emotion you would like to convey, or perhaps an abstract concept like austerity, elegance or timelessness. The ideas are nearly infinite. Just take a different view at how you create a display.
If you have an unusually styled tree, perhaps you can build off that tree’s design. For example, if a tree has interesting curves one can mimic or contrast the curves with accessories. If you have a distinctive container not typically used for bonsai, one can use that temporarily for the exhibit via slip potting. Think of the items as scenery to build the display idea. After the exhibit you can put the tree back in its growing container.
Another possibility that opens avenues is to collaborate. Work with a friend on creating an interesting idea. Sometimes two heads are better than one. By collaborating one can build on the synergy of each partner. It can also be lot of fun.
Third, submit your Idea. There is no harm in trying.
To summarize pick a concept, think a bit outside the box and submit an idea for the exhibit. Use this link to submit. And if you need any kind of help along the way just contact me. In doing so we are certain to create a memorable convention and exhibit.