人與樹，本來就是相互而生，有著深刻的連結。由6年前第一次在日本京都的庭園看到大型的盆景（日語稱為「盆栽」），被深深吸引後，Michael在網絡上自學、跟隨日本盆栽師學習盆景藝術，並建立Epilogue Bonsai。「最初沒有想太多，只想多點人能認識日本的盆景藝術。Epilogue 解『終章』，盆景有一種傳承的理念，我拿回來時，是養育這盆景的師傅的終章；當我把它傳承給別人，這就是我對這盆景的終章。」
盆栽像城市中的裝飾品，以自然來美化空間，同時也是有生命、每一秒都在變化的雕塑，反映四季的變遷，與大自然融為一體的藝術品。「松、柏類都很適合在香港種植，松樹主要是表現它枝條的密度，針葉越密、樹幹越粗的松就越美，給人一種霸氣的感覺。我個人喜歡柏樹，它扭曲的線條很優美，而且可以做舍利枝，相比松樹的摸索性更高。」舍利枝來自日文「Sharimiki」，是盆景藝術中常見的技術，為樹皮作打磨等特別處理，製作成光滑的白色枯木。「舍利枝雖是枯木，卻是歷久常新，不隨時日而腐朽；同一棵樹的另一邊卻在生生不息地生長，這種生與死的結合最吸引我。」
Michael說作為盆景師，如何從毫不起眼的盆栽中看到它的可能性最為重要，觀察樹木，腦海裡想像它未來的形態，這幾乎是一種天生的觸角。「日本著名的盆景師有很多，其中有被稱為鬼才的木村正彥，他的作品也是前無古人，後無來者的。他會花數十年的時間把樹上下倒轉，這是因為他看到樹木向下生長會更美。現在我的學習對象是平松浩二先生，他的小品幾乎都是半沿崖式的，也是它最喜愛的作品。半沿崖式是指樹木呈向下伸展的狀態，它設計的舍利幹大部分都磨至刀片狀，很鋒利的狀態。」這種把植物推致極端的狀態，更能體現大自然的嚴酷環境與樹木的生命力，獨特的美也能從中滋長。「盆景師不但要考慮如何纏金屬線、扭出樹枝的形狀，或是修剪出怎樣形態，簡單如選擇一個盆也很重要，把它放在一個怎樣的環境、如何擺放也是一種藝術創作。」
城市中的樹總是在努力地生存著，在街道上生存的樹也是以盆栽種植般的形式被養活著。「在香港，陽光是奢侈品。很多住市區的朋友，四周都是高樓大廈，家裡沒有陽光直接照射，若要養植物的話，便要買植物燈和風扇。」他物色了很久才找到一個倘大又陽光充足的工作室，在工業區裡養著大大小小的盆景，帶來另一道風景。「我喜歡帶點反差的東西，工業風格與盆景看似不相襯，但放在一起時，卻顯出盆景的堅韌和生命力，好像工作室裡有一盆用了數十年來扭曲，達致對摺狀態的盆栽，上面翠綠、豐滿的枝葉展現樹木在一個很嚴峻的環境中仍能生長下去的狀態，所以我特別喜歡這一棵。」
養植盆景動輒數十年，觀察、照料、造型修剪，在急促的城市生活中，倘若擁有這種餘睱，也算是奢侈品吧。「一開始學習也會有沒耐性的時候，經常苦惱創作比想像中需要更漫長的時間。例如是把一棵很雜亂的盆景弄回整齊，最快也要兩天。但是當你嘗試過，便會發現這是很沉浸式的過程，開始了便很難停下來。」Michael說，香港人習慣一步登天，往往完全不理會過程來完成一件事。「我認為盆景能幫助我們尋回正確的節奏，你可以快，但你也要有慢的時候。當你做自己享受的事情時，慢是沒關係的。」
美好的事情都需要時間吧？就如盆景創作，每一個扭轉、每一塊枝葉都需要等待。順應自然、控制自然、超越自然，盆景師做的，就是從中找到平衡。「最重要的是不要刻意為了想做的事而影響了植物的生長環境。若樹枝一直向右邊生長，你想把它扭向左邊，太急進的話反而會令樹枝折斷。我會跟它說『沒問題，你慢慢吧！』，有時候學會接受，等待時機來臨是對樹木的一種尊重。」除了等待，大自然也不時會給你驚喜。「料理盆栽期間，最難忘是雀鳥會把不同的種子放到盆栽裡，例如是樹下長出牽牛花。有一次，我們準備了一棵長滿金豆的盆栽在期間限定店作展示，可是展覽的前一晚被雀鳥吃光了，有趣的是牠們只吃成熟了的金豆，未熟的還留在樹上，讓我們哭笑不得，也只好等待來年結果了。」
The relationship between humans and trees is deeply intertwined, rooted in a profound connection. Six years ago, during a visit to a garden in Kyoto, Japan, Michael was captivated by the sight of large bonsai trees. This fascination led him to self-study online and learn from Japanese bonsai masters, ultimately establishing Epilogue Bonsai. “At first, I didn’t think too much about it. I simply wanted more people to appreciate the art of Japanese bonsai. The name ‘Epilogue’ signifies ‘the final chapter.’ Each bonsai carries a legacy; when I bring it home, it symbolizes the concluding chapter for the master who nurtured it. When I pass it on to someone else, that becomes my chapter.”
Bonsai serves as a living artwork that enhances urban spaces with their natural beauty. It is also a dynamic sculpture; ever-evolving and reflecting the changing seasons while harmonizing with nature. “Pine and cypress trees thrive well in Hong Kong. Pines showcase the density of their branches; the thicker and denser the needles, the more majestic they appear, exuding a sense of strength. Personally, I’m drawn to cypress trees for their elegant, twisted lines and the potential for creating sharimiki.” Sharimiki is an advanced bonsai technique that involves meticulously treating the bark to achieve smooth, white deadwood. “Though these branches are lifeless, they remain timeless, representing resilience and continuity, as one side of the tree thrives while the other embodies decay. This interplay of life and death fascinates me.”
Michael asserts that, as a bonsai artist, the ability to perceive potential in seemingly ordinary plants is essential. By keenly observing the trees, he envisions their future forms in his mind—a process that feels almost instinctive, guided by an innate sensitivity to their possibilities.“Among the many esteemed Japanese bonsai artists, Masahiko Kimura stands out for his innovative techniques, often dedicating decades to the transformation of trees. He believes that a tree growing downward can possess unparalleled beauty. My current mentor, Koji Hiratsuka, specializes in semi-cliff-style bonsai, where the tree cascades downwards and the deadwood is sculpted to a razor-thin edge.” This extreme approach emphasizes both the harsh realities of nature and the resilience of life, allowing for a unique beauty to emerge. “As a bonsai artist, I consider every detail—from wrapping wire around branches to selecting the perfect pot and environment. Each choice is a form of artistic expression.”
Trees in the city strive for survival, much like bonsai nurtured in pots. “In Hong Kong, sunlight is a luxury. Many friends living in high-rises find that their homes lack direct sunlight, so they resort to grow lights and fans to care for their plants.” After searching extensively, he found a spacious, sunlit studio in an industrial area, where he cultivates a diverse array of bonsai, creating a unique landscape. “I enjoy contrasting elements; the industrial aesthetic juxtaposed with bonsai seems mismatched at first, yet together they reveal the resilience and vitality of the trees. One bonsai, twisted over decades into a folded shape, displays lush green foliage, symbolizing growth even in harsh conditions. This tree holds a special place in my heart.”
Cultivating bonsai can take decades, encompassing observation, care, and meticulous shaping. In the fast-paced urban life, such patience becomes a luxury. “In the beginning, I struggled with impatience, often frustrated by the lengthy creative process. For example, tidying up a chaotic bonsai can take at least two days. But once you immerse yourself, you find it hard to stop.” Michael notes that Hong Kong’s culture often favors rapid success, overlooking the value of the process. “I believe bonsai can help us rediscover the right rhythm. You can move fast, but you also need to embrace slower moments. When you engage in something you enjoy, it’s okay to take your time.”
Good things require patience. Just like creating bonsai, every twist and leaf demands waiting. Balancing the forces of nature, the bonsai artist navigates the delicate art of control. “The key is to avoid forcing the plant’s growth. If a branch is growing to the right, trying to bend it left too aggressively can lead to breakage. I tell the tree, ‘Take your time!’ Sometimes, learning to accept and wait for the right moment is a way of respecting the plant.” Nature often surprises us, too. “One memorable experience involved birds depositing various seeds into my bonsai. I’ve had morning glories flourishing beneath the trees. Once, we prepared a bonsai laden with golden beans for a pop-up exhibit, only to find the birds had devoured them the night before. Interestingly, they left the unripe ones untouched, leaving us both amused and awaiting next year’s harvest.”
Epilogue Bonsai最近與本地生活概念店HOW合作盆景快閃店，展示一系列由盆景師精心創作的盆栽，同時推出松葉拿鐵等限量飲品和食物，為觀賞盆景帶來另類的體驗。
Recently, Epilogue Bonsai collaborated with the local lifestyle store HOW to create a bonsai pop-up shop, showcasing a collection of meticulously crafted bonsai alongside limited-edition Pine Leaves Lattes and All Day Breakfast with Matcha Scone, offering visitors a unique experience of appreciating bonsai.
【HOW to live well – epilogue Bonsai Pop-up】
Date:11-13 Oct 2024
Venue: HOW to live well, Shop 414-417, 4/F, Hysan Place, Casueway Bay, Hong Kong
