| About The Origin Of Bonsai |
| by: Patrick Desnoyers |
| Miniature trees are originally rooted in the mountains of China, where only a specific species of plants and trees grow. Because of its hostile weather conditions, the trees were often stunted and contorted. The strong mountain winds also left these trees twisted in ice and the cold. Essentially, it is nature that has rendered the inspiration for the art of potting trees as students of the art do their best to mimic what nature has created. By “training” trees through specialized means of pruning and shaping them to a desired height and structure, these students of the art were able to recreate the sample nature has provided.Bonsai, a Japanese term for “miniature potted trees”, actually originated from the Chinese. Called “pensai” in China, these miniature trees first appeared in artworks and poems in this Asian country in 200 B.C. Early own, the mini-tree, or rather, the work of art, has already become a symbol of harmony and tranquility. Chinese Monks and the nobles or upper class, who appreciated the beauty and significance of plants and trees or nature in general, cultivated mini-landscapes of mountains, rivers and little tree houses placed on big plates. Sometime in the 15th or 16th century, this artistic hobby grew among the people of Southeast China. Many of them have become master designers and experts of the art of tree potting. What was first known as a hobby for Chinese artists, monks and nobles in those days became a significant part of modern day Japanese tradition.
How this came to Japan was made possible through the officials of the Japanese government, who often come to China at the height of the Tang Dynasty and have brought the art back home. During the Kamakura period, while Zen Buddhism was introduced in Japan, these Zen masters also introduced the hobby of tree potting to its people. As a result, it became widely popular among the wealthy class (daimyos or feudal lords), the merchants and even the Samurais. In addition to this, daimyos even sought pottery masters on their employ, to make one of kind pots for their miniature plants. Initially popular among the Japanese priests, the ruling class and those on the upper hierarchy, Bonsai eventually reached popularity with the middle class. As Japanese culture and their way of living dictates it, where the Japanese have always believed in keeping a harmonious relationship with their surroundings as beneficial, miniature gardening became one of Japan’s favorite pastimes. The fact that these potted trees took up just a small space inside the house was also compatible with how the Japanese lived. It was during these times too, that the word “bonsai” was coined. Today, the art of Bonsai is still practiced in China. It is characteristically different from the Japanese versions as they are somewhat bigger than the popular Japanese Bonsai. And while thinking of potted trees, one easily attributes this to Japan, the hobby/art form appeals not only to the people of the East today, but students and enthusiasts all over the world have also become devotees to the art of tree potting. |
| About the Author |
| Patrick Desnoyers
Avid full time hobby bonsai grower. As been practicing bonsai and gardening for more then 8 years. Owner of http://www.mishobonsai.com, a website with ressource for bonsai seeds and tree seeds. |
Archivio per Digital Art Gallery
Basic Photography Tips from Photo Field Imaging
| Basic Photography Tips from Photo Field Imaging |
| by: Stephen Cornfield – Photo Field Imaging |
| You found this articile because you are interested in photography or live in the Newmarket Ontario area, which is located just north of Toronto. My name is Stephen Cornfield and I own a company called Photo Field Imaging (www.photofieldimaging.com). We provide photographic as well as digital photo editing and digital scanning services (photographs, negative and slides).
As a photographer in Newmarket Ontario, I have found that no matter where you are, there is a seemingly endless amount of subjects to shoot. All you have to do at times is to open your eyes and go find them. Sometimes when I go out I do not know what I will find. Often, though, I will have an idea of what I would like to shoot, but finding the exact subject and location for my idea do not always come together. In the Newmarker area there are many outdoor places that can provide you with photographic opportunities. Fairy Lake (my favourite) and the trial systems are just a couple. You can also shoot indoors at “The Tannery” once a permit has been attained. As you go around and talk to photographers you will find that some love landscapes, for others it is wildlife but for me it is people. Does that mean that I do not occassionaly go and intentionally shoot landscapes or wildlife? Of course I do, when the opportunity arises. I love shooting people in both formal and informal settings. By formal settings I mean for occassions when people are dressed up and are expecting to be posed or posing in certain ways (i.e. weddings). Informal settings could be birthday partings, social get togethers, etc.. To me, when I am looking for a shooting location I am always thinking background, background, background. What is in the background? Will the background be a distraction in the photograph? Will the background serve as simply background or a backdrop? Is there garbage or other unwanted artifacts lying around? Will the background add to or take away from the subject? Trust me. A background can either make or break a photograph. The second thing that I look for is lighting. What time of day is it? Is the sun high in the sky? Is it overcast (i.e. cloudy)? Etc. I personally love to shoot on overcast days, where the light is more diffused (i.e. no harsh shadows or “speckly” backgrounds). If the light is harsh then I prefer to shoot in shady areas where the light can be more controlled. If I am shooting a subject that is out in the open I try to make sure that the scene is not backlit. If a scene is backlit it can make it very difficult to get proper exposure for the intented subject. Last, but not least, is the subject. Even a photo of my beautiful wife can turn out bad if the first two steps have not been completed properly. When working with your subject some things to be considered are: How is the subject posed? How is their posture? Are they sitting/standing straight or do they have rounded shoulders? How are there hands positioned? Are their hands simplying hanging like clumps of meat or are they doing something? I personally like to have the guys with their hands behind their backs or one hand in their pocket with the other leaning or resting on someone or thing. I believe that if you are mindful of these things, your photographic results will greatly improve. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or comments. Stephen Cornfield |
Finding an Online Art Gallery
| Finding an Online Art Gallery |
| by: Morgan Hamilton |
| Are you an artist? If so you may have began your art career in as someone that is commonly referred to as a “starving artist.” It can be difficult for an artist to get people interested enough in their work to want to purchase it. It is very expensive to arrange for a gallery showing, but don’t despair, there is a viable alternative known as an online art gallery.An online art gallery is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a website that features art. But better yet, this can be a web site featuring YOUR art. The art is photographed and displayed on the website. Often times an online art gallery will feature the work of several artists at once. If you are not a web designer, or our computer illiterate, don’t despair. You can always hire someone to do the work for you.
Of course you can also join an online art gallery where there are many artists featured in and the actual management of the web site is the responsibility of someone other than you. One of the ways that an online art gallery makes money is by commissioning the work of the artists. An agreement is entered into that states that any piece that is sold through the online art gallery is subject to a fee. The fee will then be deducted from the sale of the featured artwork that was sold. This type of arrangement works well for the artist as it allows them to showcase their work to a broad audience without the expense that can be associated with that. The Online art gallery basically is supported by the commission’s decrease the for the work sold through the site. Not all online art galleries work with this type of system in place. Some will forgo a commission and simply charge a one-time, upfront fee. It is almost like a landlord, tenant arrangement. The site owner is allowing the artist to use their bandwidth space to show their work and therefore a fee is fair and justified. As I stated before, there are no commissions involved in in this type of arrangement. It is yet another option, and a very viable one at that. One of the benefits of utilizing the services of an online art gallery is that for the price the artist is receiving some promotion as well. Exposure is key to the success of any artist. If no one’s future work, then you don’t exist. An online art gallery also makes money when people visit the site and purchase from it. Therefore they are always working hard at promoting their virtual space and their very real artists. For the artists whose work is visible on the site, this means more exposure which can translate to more sales. It’s all about getting your product in front of interested parties. Not every online art gallery features the work of up and coming artists. There are many that will be focused strictly on the well-known, celebrated artists. This type of gallery allows individuals who are interested in art the chance to see it online. Unfortunately, not all people who have resources and ability to visit the great galleries of world. Being able to see world class art online is a luxury that many people really appreciate. It is yet another wonderful way in which the Internet and enriches our lives. Whether you are an artist or an art connoisseur I encourage you to look over for various works that you can find on an online art gallery. Out that you’ll see some things there that will really pique your interest. |
| About the Author |
| Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning arts. Get the information you are seeking now by visiting http://www.onlineartsinfo.com/all-about-the-arts/arts/finding-an-online-art-gallery.html. |
