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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 Q2 2025
As we explore the ever-evolving world of bonsai and suiseki, this issue takes us on a journey that highlights tradition, innovation, and the growing global exchange of ideas. In particular, we turn our attention to South America, where bonsai artistry is flourishing in unique and exciting ways.
Brazil stands out in this issue, offering a glimpse into its dynamic bonsai culture. Carlos Tramujas introduces us to Bonsai do Campo, showcasing its scope of products, services and forward-looking vision in producing high-quality plants at affordable prices. Meanwhile, Marcelo Gallep presents the smallest bonsai in Brazil, proving that artistry knows no size limits, even if it means acquiring micro bonsai tools. Check out the QR codes that link to his provocative videos! Across continents, bonsai remains a practice of patience and passion, and the voices from South America enrich our understanding of its evolution worldwide.
In Europe, The Trophy 2025 in Belgium marks a milestone, celebrating its Silver Jubilee with an ever-evolving standard of excellence. Christian Vos, Public Relation Manager, BAB. (Bonsai Association Belgium) reports on the exhibit and Gudrun Benz writes about her passion: the outstanding suiseki display at The Trophy.
In the Second Edition of the Kifu Bonsai Awards, Gaetano Conte guides us through the competition’s highlights, introducing the Super Jury, award categories, and winners.
From Taiwan, Min Hsuan Lo and Andrew Lo share the poetic beauty of Severinia buxifolia, reflecting on the pursuit of beauty, experimentation, and the joy of bonsai—a passion that continues to unite people worldwide.
Marco Mei, a recent BCI Life Member, meditates on the Breath of Leaves with his love of words, reminding us that bonsai is about aesthetics, endurance, creation, and harmony with nature.
In an exclusive interview, BCI Contributing Editor and Director Massimo Bandera speaks with Emanuele Cappellano about his deeply personal journey in cultivating a bonsai forest from seed—a story of patience, growth, and connection.
This issue also brings comparative perspectives, with Budi Sulistyo and José L. Rodriguez Macias discussing the differences between ASPAC and ABFF, while Sebastiano Villante traces the journey of an Olea europaea from collection to exhibition. In every story, we see bonsai as a bridge between cultures, generations, and artistic interpretations.
We conclude with a review of Bonsai Empire’s Kimura Techniques Masterclass 2, which showcases Kimura’s extraordinary ability to transform massive trees through extreme bending, radical redesign, and intricate refinement.
Wherever you are in your bonsai journey, we hope these stories inspire you to grow, learn, and connect—perhaps even looking southward for fresh perspectives.
—Joe Grande, Canada
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| Q3 (J/A/S) | June 1 |
| Q4 (O/N/D) | September 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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