The bonsai passion of Adam Jones
While teaching English language in various countries throughout Asia for some years Adam Jones fell in love with Japanese culture, particularly the art of bonsai.
My steps into the world of bonsai began almost serendipitously during my years of teaching English in Japan. One of my colleagues mentioned a bonsai garden nearby, suggesting it as a place worth a visit. Curious, I decided to explore it, not realizing that this visit would change the course of my life. The moment I stepped into the garden, I was transported into a world of miniature landscapes, each tree telling a story of time and meticulous care.
How did it all start?
My education in the arts, especially my specialization in ceramics, has deeply influenced my bonsai practice – the principles of form, balance, aesthetics in ceramics translate directly into bonsai artistry. Just as every touch on clay shapes a pot, every cut and bend in bonsai shapes the tree’s future. My experience in ceramics taught me to respect the medium, to understand its limits and possibilities, that is crucial when working with living trees.
Adam Michael Jones (41)
Education: University degrees in The Fine Arts and Ceramics. Certified by the Nippon Bonsai Association in 2018 after a successful five-year apprenticeship at Mansei-en (JP)
Profession: Bonsai professional.
Into Bonsai since: 2012
Favourite trees: Ezo Spruce
How did you come in contact with bonsai?
The fusion of art, nature and the evident dedication in bonsai cultivation resonated strongly with my artistic soul, particularly echoing my background in the fine arts. This discovery was not just an introduction to a new hobby; it was a trigger that awakened a deep passion for bonsai. The garden was more than just a collection of trees; it was an exhibition of living art and I knew then that I wanted to be a part of this beautiful, intricate world.
What is more, my time as an English teacher proved invaluable. It not only honed my communication skills, but also instilled in me the art of patience and joy of sharing knowledge. This has been instrumental in teaching bonsai workshops and in articulating the stories behind each bonsai tree. Ceramics and teaching have made me a better listener and creator and allowed me to approach each bonsai with a blend of artistic vision and educational insight.
Who was your bonsai teacher, and what is the most important thing you have learned?
A pivotal lesson that deeply influenced me is something my teacher, Kato Takahiro, said to me early in my apprenticeship. I was trying to wire a red pine and failing at the task. I was attempting to push the tree against the form it had taken while growing to this point and force on to it the dull unclear image I had in my mind when my teacher stopped what he was doing and, from across the room, simply said ‘Adam, it’s not a painting’ and went back to his work. It took me a while to realize the profound meaning of this comment.
On a basic level the work we do with trees necessitates a collaborative endeavour. We cannot bend a tree to our will as much as we cannot tame nature. We must listen to it, work with it, build from it. A bonsai is not a blank canvas waiting for the artist to mark, it is a living thing ready to communicate and respond to the hand of the artist to bring beauty into the world. I keep this seemingly simple comment from my teacher close to me and it surely impacts on how I will interact with and develop my bonsai, my garden and even personal relationships in my life.
Any plans for the future?
The future of my bonsai practice is deeply rooted in innovation, particularly through the establishment of Bonsai Collectors. Our unique approach blends traditional bonsai art with modern financial and blockchain technologies, creating a new paradigm in the world of bonsai. This innovative perspective not only reshapes how we appreciate bonsai, but expands its reach and relevance in today’s digital age. As a Westerner who has successfully established a bonsai garden in Japan for over five years now, I am keenly aware of the importance of bridging cultural gaps and inviting an international audience to explore this fusion of tradition and of innovation.
Starting in 2024, my aim is to be featured in bonsai exhibitions worldwide, thereby increasing awareness of both my work and the broader possibilities within bonsai art. I am hugely excited to explore how technology and innovation can be harmoniously integrated with traditional bonsai techniques.
Your thoughts on bonsai?
My philosophy towards bonsai is deeply intertwined with a respect for tradition coupled with a drive for innovation. I view each bonsai as a living story, a narrative that unfolds through its growth and our interaction with it.
To me, bonsai is more than just shaping trees; it’s a form of communication between the artist, the tree, and the viewer. It’s about creating a balance between nature’s inherent beauty and our artistic expression. At the heart of it all, I believe bonsai should evoke emotion and provoke thought. My goal is to make bonsai an accessible and engaging art form for everyone.
It's about creating a balance between nature's inherent beauty and our artistic expression
Adam Michael Jones
Any other interests or hobbies besides bonsai?
Well, jokingly I often say my only hobby outside bonsai is my garden! In reality, my ‘spare time’ often merges with my professional life. Creating and fine-tuning the garden around my house and bonsai collection isn’t just a side activity; it’s a harmonious extension of my passion. It’s like painting a beautiful landscape around a meticulously detailed subject.
On a lighter note, I do try to take some moments for myself and my family, spending time exploring and playing with my young son in and around the garden is a true delight. So, in a sense, my work is my hobby, and my hobby is my work. It’s a lifestyle more than a profession.
Do you have a favourite bonsai?
Each tree in my collection is part of an ongoing story, a narrative shaped not just by my hands but also by those of previous caretakers. This collaborative, historical aspect of bonsai is fascinating, yet leaves me with somewhat mixed emotions when identifying a single tree as uniquely meaningful.
I am still in the process of leaving my indelible mark, of becoming the defining creator of a bonsai masterpiece. A journey with each bonsai is a blend of respect for its past and vision for its future. In this way, every tree I work with is significant, as each one offers a new opportunity to contribute to its legacy and learn from its unique character. This perspective keeps me humble and eager to learn.
Your worst mistake?
In bonsai, the ongoing challenge – and a significant part of my learning – has been mastering the nuances of environment, particularly with the changing climate. Year after year, it’s a never-ending task to adapt to the unique conditions of my garden and the specific requirements of each location.
What is your best achievement?
The achievement that stands out most notably is, as a foreigner, successfully establishing my own bonsai garden in Japan. As the first non-Japanese to take on such a challenge and succeed holds a special significance for me. It was more than just setting up a garden; it was about immersing myself in a culture deeply rooted in tradition and earning a place within that community.
This accomplishment isn’t just about the physical space of a garden. It represents a journey of cultural understanding, respect, and acceptance within the bonsai community, in Japan and internationally. The recognition I’ve received from peers within the Japanese bonsai community, and from enthusiasts around the world, is incredibly humbling.
To navigate the complexities of this undertaking, to blend into the intricate bonsai community, and be acknowledged for it is something I hold with great pride. It’s a testament to the universal language of bonsai and its great power to transcend cultural barriers
Your dream comes true when...
My ultimate dream is to elevate the awareness and appreciation of bonsai as a profound art form worldwide. It’s about more than just cultivating and selling bonsai; it’s about creating a narrative that connects people to this art form, helping them understand its depth and beauty.
Do you favour the Japanese or Western bonsai style?
I always adhere closely to a traditional Japanese approach, a discipline I was rigorously trained in as a Japanese bonsai professional. This traditional method, steeped in centuries of history and the refined techniques, forms the backbone of my practice. I deeply value the precision, philosophy and the aesthetics inherent in this approach. My work is a testament to these enduring principles.
While I am aware of and appreciate the Western bonsai styles, my role leans more towards being a conduit between the traditional Japanese bonsai world and enthusiasts from other parts of the globe.
Through my work, I aim to demystify the Japanese bonsai tradition for a global audience, providing insights into its practices and philosophies. Having said that though. there is no denying I am an American with that cultural and aesthetic background. The merging of these two worlds is an ongoing pursuit.
What inspired you to establish a nursery in Japan?
It was a decision deeply inspired by my desire to immerse myself completely in the world of traditional bonsai. Being in Japan, the heartland of bonsai, offers an unparalleled opportunity to engage with the art in its most authentic form. It’s about being in the place where bonsai has its deepest roots and where its traditions and techniques have been refined over centuries.
Having a nursery here has profoundly shaped my bonsai practice. It has allowed me to learn from the Masters, to observe and participate in the seasonal rhythms which dictate bonsai cultivation, to access a variety of high-quality species. It’s an immersive experience that has deepened my understanding, appreciation of bonsai on multiple levels.
Furthermore, being based in Japan has given me a unique perspective that I can share with the rest of the world.
I aim to demystify the Japanese bonsai tradition
Adam Michael Jones
What unique challenges and rewards have you encountered in operating a bonsai business in Japan?
One most significant challenges for me has been navigating the nuances of traditional bonsai industry in Japan, that’s filled with deeply rooted interpersonal relationships and traditions. Understanding and respecting these traditions, while at the same time finding my place within them, required not only deep commitment, but understanding of the cultural subtleties.
Another challenge has been building relationships and trust within the local bonsai community. Bonsai is more than a business in Japan; it’s a lifelong pursuit, and being accepted and recognized in this community has been a journey in itself. On the plus side, these challenges have been responded to with equally profound gratification. To gain acceptance and respect from Japanese professionals and enthusiasts has been incredibly fulfilling.
