There are countless forms of art out there today. You can sculpt,  write poetry, design buildings and grow incredible gardens, it's all art. You can even throw some paint at a canvas, and call that art as well! One type of art that I really love is that of the Bonsai tree.

A Bonsai tree is quite simply, a tree in a pot. It can either look like a twig, or a mighty oak that stands proud and tall, something from a large forest, yet captured in miniature. What's the appeal of Bonsai creation, I wonder? Why make a Bonsai? After all, it takes many months, many years to get to a creation that is what you want it to look like.

Here are my main reasons that I love Bonsai creation:

1) Connecting With Nature. Far too many people today don't get the 'blast' of nature that they need. The majority of people around the world live in cities that are concrete and steel and glass constructions with the odd green space every now and again (if you're lucky). Creating a Bonsai tree is a fantastic way to connect with nature. After all, you are modeling something here that should belong in the wild. That's the goal - to make it look as natural as possible. Working with nature, even with something as simple as a Bonsai tree can be a fantastic way to get back in touch with some form of nature.

2) Discipline. Who would want to discipline themselves? Many do. Bonsai creation is a little bit like meditation... but quite different! Creating Bonsai requires one to practice patience. As I said in the opener to this article, it can take quite a long time to reach a level with the Bonsai that you will be happy with. Actually, that's a bit of a lie. You can reach a happy state with your Bonsai very quickly... it can just take a little longer to reach an appearance that you're happy with. No matter. Part of Bonsai creation is the discipline that you can teach yourself in the process. No short cuts here!

3) Attention to Detail. How many times have you finished something in a rush? Perhaps for a client, or something you wanted to do for yourself. How many times have you finished saying that 'that's good enough'. But never excellent. Bonsai allows you to focus on the tiny details... that little bit of moss there, or perhaps that little branch that sticks out there... a successful Bonsai is about all the little things. You'll find that you pay a lot more attention to things (although especially trees) if you're a Bonsai creator.

4) Imagination. Imagination is the creative force of the soul some would say. The ability to imagine is so immensely important, that without it... well I think you'd live a very sad existence. Creating Bonsai allows you to imagine the tree in a vast landscape, among mountains and among other magnificent trees... somewhere other then the pot that's on your back porch. Creating great Bonsai requires great imagination... so if that's lacking in your mind, then perhaps creating Bonsai is something you'd be interested in doing.

I may have made it sound like Bonsai will change your life. It won't. It's a hobby. A very artistic and beautiful hobby at that, but a hobby none the less. Unless... you give into the wonder of the mini trees that are Bonsai. Then you'll find that there's an excellent reason that people like creating Bonsai. The same way people like making music, or art. It's expressive. Creating Bonsai is an excellent expression of you. Or maybe I'm just a romantic. But whatever the reason, go! Create Bonsai!