BCI Store, Events & News
Message from the Editor
The true beauty of bonsai as an industry, is that it attracts hobbyists,artists and professionals alike. It attracts not only those who areinterested in plants, but also people who pursue collateral hobbies and artforms such as viewing stones, pottery and carpentry. It attracts people from many different parts of the world and from every walk of life.
While some of these pursuits require solitary work,there is a huge social component to Bonsai and Stone appreciation. It is at the annual exhibit, expo or convention, where bonsai hermits become social, gregarious, fun-loving people eager to share their experiences with one another.
These events, made possible by volunteer organizers and workers, allow many of us to exhibit our work and enjoy a moment of recognition for a tree or stone we proudly present. Whether the event is a local club show or an international convention that attracts the best of the best, this issue is a celebration of the exhibits and conventions that feature the bestwork of hobbyists and artists.
The 8th World Bonsai Convention, the prestigious quadrennial organized by WBFF (World Bonsai Friendship Federation),exceeded all expectations.
If you weren’t there, we have three reports for you. Nikunj Parekh, Jyoti Parekh and Sujata Bhat report on the convention and present some of the bonsaion exhibit. Gudrun Benz reports on the Nippon Suiseki Association’sviewing stones exhibit held at the same time. For Alan Jabsfrom Australia, the convention was the highlight of his once-in-a-lifetime tour of Japan. I think you’ll enjoy his point of view and enthusiasm.
BCI Director Massimo Bandera, devoted supporter of BCI, faithfully awards the BCI Excellence Awards at the preeminent Arcobonsai and Arcofiori in Italy where this award has become a tradition. Gudrun Benz s report on the 2017 Bonsai Triennale an event staged by Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic is a great example of how many countries are creating world quality bonsai and viewing stones. As a BCI Director, she too awards BCI Excellence medals to deserving artists.
Budi Sulistyo, BCI Director, was invited to demonstrate at the 2017 ABS Convention hosted by the Bonsai Societies of Florida. ABS (American Bonsai Society) is celebrating its 50th anniversary and the quality of trees exhibited by their members is proof of this organization s success in promoting bonsai in the USA. Our most northerly event was held on the Laurentian Plateau where there are just a scant 114 days to the growing season. Organized by four societies in Quebec and one in Ontario to display their best, Joan Greenway went there to represent BCI and report on the event. Joan s article includes husband Brian s expert photos.
Our BCI Member Spotlight, presented by BCI Director IS Ng, is on Chee Peng Tan who successfully cultivates ancient-looking bonsai in a matter of years. Speaking of a short bonsai time frame, be sure to read how Budi Sulistyo transforms a Bucida spinosa to make it his own creation.
Joe Grande, Canada (editor@bonsai-bci.com)
Message from the Editor
About Q1 2024
Last year, 2024, was a banner year for BCI with two regional conventions and a record-breaking annual international convention in Shuyang, China, where 1360 Bonsai and Penjing were exhibited. This is a testament to President Chen’s commitment to the art of bonsai. The coming year promises to be just as spectacular for the bonsai world. On April 25 to 28, BCI and the Lone Star Bonsai Federation will convene in Houston, Texas, for the 2024 Annual International Convention, Bonsai on the Bayou, hosted by the Houston Bonsai Society. Typical for a North American convention, the focus is on teaching. The organizers offer 24 workshops, six seminars, four exhibit critiques, and two demonstrations limited to a few participants for maximum interaction with the demonstrating masters. As the fourth largest city in the USA, Houston provides the perfect backdrop to this outstanding bonsai experience. Don’t waste a minute; go to www.houstonbonsaisociety.com and reserve your spot. Space is limited.
Bonsai, Penjing, and Viewing Stone appreciation have experienced many golden ages. As these captivating art forms have spread worldwide, people from all walks of life continually discover these meditative and creative expressions. From professionals to passionate enthusiasts, these art forms have a life-changing effect, as you’ll see when you read the stories in this edition.
Herbert Obermayer and Gudrun Benz traveled to Milan, Italy, to participate in and report on the Crespi Cup, one of Europe’s premier bonsai and suiseki events. The Crespi family avidly supports the Japanese aesthetic and provides an immersive experience for lovers of all things Japanese; taiko drumming, tea ceremony, calligraphy, and more.
BCI’s 2nd vice president Min Hsuan Lo and his son, Andrew, report on the Taiwan Bonsai Creators Association’s exhibit. This exclusive organization requires all bonsai to be created by the exhibitor. The trees are superb. By the way, Vice President Lo is one of the headliners at Bonsai on the Bayou in Houston this spring.
Some of bonsai award-winner Tony Tickle’s best friends are women who are passionate about bonsai. Tony profiles four artists who have amazing trees and have well-earned international reputations. Watch for them at a bonsai event near you.
I watched one of Bjorn Bjorholm’s videos about his “legacy” tree and approached Bjorn for a collaborative reboot in print. The tree could be described as “drop-dead gorgeous,” and it is just at the beginning of its bonsai journey. As Bjorn moves to Japan, the tree has a new home.
BCI Director Massimo Bandera presents the work of one of his students, an inspiring story of how bonsai can enrich a hobbyist’s life and provide meaning.
Some people, whether through training, intellect, or a combination of both, excel at whatever they do. Pierre Leloup, a professional designer, is such a person. He shows us how he carved a base for a stone and showcases his collection of suiseki.
We are enjoying another golden age of bonsai and related arts, this time international in scope. Let’s keep innovating and excelling!
—Joe Grande, Canada
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| Q4 (O/N/D) | August 1 |
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Joe Grande, editor
Bonsai and Stone Appreciation Magazine
41110 MUN 53 N, Ste. Genevieve, MB, R5J 0B3 Canada
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