All applicants are to enter submissions online through Juried Art Services. Applicants may submit up to four pots per application, one in each category, with no category repetitions. Only one application per artist allowed.
A P P L I C A T I O N S O P E N I N G S O O N
Applicants will be asked to provide the following information in their applications:
A R T I S T I N F O R M A T I O N
Full Name
Potter Name (If applicable) Phone Number Address Artist Biography (200 word limit) Portrait Photo (Optional) |
P O T I N F O R M A T I O N
Title for Each Pot (Optional)
Category Competitive or Non-Competitive Dimensions (16 inches max) Weight Firing Temperature Date Completed Description* (300 word limit) Up to Six (6) Photos Per Entry Photographic Credit For Sale? (If yes, provide a price)* *For Sales information, see Terms & Conditions.
*See Descriptions explanation below. |
P H O T O S
All photos submitted must be of the highest possible quality and resolution. Photos are required to contain only the pot, have a solid color background, and have adequate lighting. Photos submitted are required to show at a minimum the:
Front
Feet
Drainage holes
Photos submitted can also be of the sides, top, bottom, back, close ups of details artists want judges to see, and sketches or concept images of a complete composition/pairing with a tree. Photographer credit must be provided if the artist and photographer are different individuals.
Front
Feet
Drainage holes
Photos submitted can also be of the sides, top, bottom, back, close ups of details artists want judges to see, and sketches or concept images of a complete composition/pairing with a tree. Photographer credit must be provided if the artist and photographer are different individuals.
D E S C R I P T I O N S
Each pot description should be no more than 300 words and must include details on how the pot was created, as well as the inspiration behind it. Below are some suggested questions and ideas to help guide your writing. Please note, you do not need to answer all of them—these are simply meant to provide direction. Applicants are free to share as much or as little information as they wish. However, judges would like to understand at a minimum how the pot was made and what inspired it. Writing ability will not be a factor in the judging process. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us.
Questions for applicants to consider when writing their description:
M A K I N G O F T H E P O T
What clay or material did you use?
How was the clay or material sourced?
If the material is not clay, why was it chosen?
What was the method of creation? (Examples: slab, coil, wheel thrown, slip cast, etc)
If the pot was cast, when and how did you create the mold?
Are the feet created/carved by hand or made with a mold? Did you create the mold?
How long did it take you to create it?
Describe the firing process.
Glazed pots: Is it a store bought glaze or a unique recipe? Did you invent the recipe?
Was an oxide wash or other form of finishing or coating used?
Questions for applicants to consider when writing their description:
M A K I N G O F T H E P O T
What clay or material did you use?
How was the clay or material sourced?
If the material is not clay, why was it chosen?
What was the method of creation? (Examples: slab, coil, wheel thrown, slip cast, etc)
If the pot was cast, when and how did you create the mold?
Are the feet created/carved by hand or made with a mold? Did you create the mold?
How long did it take you to create it?
Describe the firing process.
Glazed pots: Is it a store bought glaze or a unique recipe? Did you invent the recipe?
Was an oxide wash or other form of finishing or coating used?
T R A D I T I O N A L E N T R I E S
How did you interpret the theme or how did you incorporate the theme into your work?
How is the history/tradition of bonsai ceramics represented in your work?
How is your personal identity or aesthetic viewpoint represented in your work?
What type or style of tree do you see paired with your work?
Tell us about the role of your work in a future composition. This is your chance to get imaginative.
How is the history/tradition of bonsai ceramics represented in your work?
How is your personal identity or aesthetic viewpoint represented in your work?
What type or style of tree do you see paired with your work?
Tell us about the role of your work in a future composition. This is your chance to get imaginative.
C O N T E M P O R A R Y E N T R I E S
How did you interpret the theme or how did you incorporate the theme into your work?
How is your work innovative and or pushing the boundaries of the art of bonsai containers?
What type or style of tree do you see paired with your work?
Tell us about the role of your work in a future composition. This is your chance to get creative and imaginative. Potters are welcome to provide a concept illustration (not required).
How is your work innovative and or pushing the boundaries of the art of bonsai containers?
What type or style of tree do you see paired with your work?
Tell us about the role of your work in a future composition. This is your chance to get creative and imaginative. Potters are welcome to provide a concept illustration (not required).
I M P O R T A N T N O T E
The following details from applications will be included in the event program: artist's name, potter's name, general location (state and/or country), portrait photo, artist's biography, and all pot-related information provided above. If you wish to keep the method of creation confidential, please indicate so in your application, and we will ensure it remains private.
The following details from applications will be included in the event program: artist's name, potter's name, general location (state and/or country), portrait photo, artist's biography, and all pot-related information provided above. If you wish to keep the method of creation confidential, please indicate so in your application, and we will ensure it remains private.
For Learning Seminars tickets, lodging, transportation, merchandise, and all other event information, please visit the American Bonsai Society website.
|
D I S C O V E R P O T T E R S I S P R O U D T O S P O N S O R T H E 2 0 2 5 N O R T H A M E R I C A N B O N S A I P O T T E R Y C O M P E T I T I O N