Avant Garde Bonsai Pots

Much like the distinction between Japanese gardens and the formal, geometric shapes of traditional European gardens, I like the pots with organic shapes (curvy), but am less interested in the angular geometry of others.

The angular stuff reminds me of turn of the century Boccioni sculpture.

There are some interesting pots here, and ones that I believe are, or can be merged well with bonsai. I am a big fan of Nick Lenz more bizarre bonsai combinations and looking back he is one who I can say has been working Avant Garde for a while. So far it seems that in this thread we are primarily looking at form (or shape) as the defining attribute of Avant Garde however I think that is only one of the principles of art, there are many more. Preston I think you are being a bit humble in your reply, and think your work is different than any I have seen. Although your years in bonsai are not that many, you are very accomplished at gas reduction and have access to more consistent and predictable ways of making your pots. You are not trying to master the basics as you are a very skilled potter, you are trying to make “your own” bonsai pots that separate from the pack whether ahead (Avant) or not time is the judge of that. If you took many of the pots in this thread, the general consensus would be that it goes beyond the metaphor of the “Frame” of a bonsai pot and even most would compete for first fiddle, or in my own metaphor play harmony with the tree, which is a good variation from the norm and I think in part the point of this thread. I believe that one of the great things about this site is it offers an avenue for the exchange and dissemination of ideas through the bonsai and pottery community. I think that aside from this particular thread (and I personally find it difficult to self proclaim my work “Avant Garde”) you can find elements of Avant Garde in the color, proportions, movement, texture, scale, contrast, balance, form, or pattern of many pots posted by experienced potters on this site trying to show/share something different.

Here are some pots of mine that I feel use the wood-soda firing process with the elements of visual movement, and contrast, attempting to step out of the box. (At least in relation to the tradition and process of making bonsai pots)






And as recently posted on the bonsai thread, with tree

A few more that vary from the norm, not in form but finish





A pot fired 3 times for a combined ash and soda effect



Another with a tree (from the NC Arboretums Collection)

That last pot has a shocking finish that is totally different from the status quo. It has nothing to do with imitating japanese pots, but it is in perfect harmony with the tree. The bark and the glaze work. It's very western.

Robert,
Excellent comments and ideas, and I agree for sure.
Bonsai potters know It's not always easy to come up with a new idea for a 'shape' of a bonsai pot, after all, they all must hold soil and a plant. But there is sure no end to finishes!
The biggest hurdle, at least for me, has been to keep moving and coming up with new ideas which is the only way to stay successful and moving forward, especially in this day and age where your new ideas are so quickly 'modified' by others.

A few different ideas

Another one

some more forms, finishes and color

Here are a few from years ago when I furst started doing bonsai pots These are scanned from old photos.

Hey, I don't like the scanned old ones at all

Yet, cheesy as they look to me, I can see a personal touch in them, I mean they don't look as conventional as others. They are kitsch, but they already have this sort of energy that is the mark of a true craftsman, or a real artist.

To me, as far as I know, you're the best in the New world

Dale,
Nice finishes, particularly on that first piece on this page. I like how the unique glaze effect works with the carving.
Robert

Dale Cochoy wrote:

A fascinating pot Dale..... I love it, dan barton

Thank you so much Dan

Slab building scraps ya know.

Dale

Now that's recycling

A bump to the thread.

Here is something I made that could take a while to find a tree for!
but, it sold right off!
My 5-sided asymmetrical pot trademark shape
D.