Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!
Caz Bonsai Interview
This blog is from an interview with Caz that was published in one of the old Bonsai Focus magazines. Caz tells it her own way, from being captivated from the start, and how her Bonsai journey has progressed.
After leaving college I went straight into work as a graphic designer at an advertising agency in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. I worked for the same company for 20 years before the company collapsed.
After that I wanted to concentrate more on my passion for horticulture, gardening and bonsai. I started my own horticultural business in 2009. I’ve been working as a bonsai artist for many years while it ran alongside my gardening and horticultural business. Now I am a full time professional bonsai artist. It’s wonderful working with your ultimate passion.
It all started not long after I got my first job at the advertising agency, when I spotted a small article in a gardening section of a magazine. It had the headline ‘Why Not Try Bonsai?’
The photo showed a really old, twisted and gnarled pomegranate tree. I was totally awe struck. It was 1989 and nearing my 21st birthday. I was asked by the family if I would like anything special for my birthday. That was when I received my very first bonsai a Buxus harlandii.
The obsession had begun.
What is your favourite type of tree to work on?
Without a doubt, junipers and pines. I’m a conifer girl. I think it stems from my artistic background. I love the artistry and creativity in conifers. It’s the creating the image then working the tree over the years to get it better and better.
This can be from raw material and moving it onto its first path as a bonsai or what I particularly like, the detail in the refinement of that well ramified ‘finished’ specimen and the continual progression and improvement.
Who or what has influenced the most in bonsai?
When I was first interested in bonsai there was no internet. My main source of knowledge and inspiration came from reading a lot of books.
I think it must have been the early 90’s that the life changer happened. The opening of Willowbog Bonsai, run by Peter and Jean Snart.
Willowbog Bonsai over the years saw a multitude of incredible and talented bonsai artists/teachers come through its doors. The likes of Kevin Willson, Marc Noelanders, Ryan Neil, Salvatore Liporace to name but a few. I attended everyone and used the opportunity to further my knowledge.
My two main bonsai teachers would have to be Marco Invernizzi and Peter Warren. Both brilliant teachers and artists. I worked closely with both over a number of years.
They taught me to have the utmost respect for the tree at all times. Patience is paramount and to do everything you can to the best of your ability. To always focus on improving my skills and knowledge. We never stop learning.
What has been the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Learn to read the tree. If it’s ready for styling, what style the piece of material best lends itself to. If it needs repotting. How healthy it is and do I need to intervene in anyway. The tree will tell us everything. Don’t work an unhealthy tree. Be patient.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I’m still pretty passionate about painting and drawing. I love working with watercolour and pastel. I mainly paint people and pet portraits but will dabble with landscapes too.
In between the bonsai has been all sorts from motorbikes to beekeeping.
