Page 57 - BSAM 2015 Q1

of cut marks, wire scars, and shoddy branch taper are now glaringly obvious. True craftsmanship reaching back to the infancy of a bonsai can be traced.
The two largest bonsai exhibitions in Japan are held at the end of November and beginning of February. There is an inherent risk to bringing high quality bon- sai into a heated, low humidity space for two weeks like at the Kokufu-ten, but it’s also a great lift to the spirit for those who appreciate Nature’s beauty.
While this exhibition in Kannapolis, North Caro- lina, has a short track-record, it sets a precedent for other organizations to pursue. The experience for me was enlightening. An exhibition of bonsai in such a beautiful space added to much to the experience.
There was a sense of formality that made the bonsai on display that much more regal.
The event is the brainchild of Steven Ziesel; Director of The Nutrition Research Institute for The Univer- sity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and seasoned bonsai practitioner. As a scientist and professor, Ste- ven felt that bonsai would be a great creative outlet. The Winter Bonsai Silhouette Expo was conceived to
Top left and right; William
N. Valavanis conducted a demonstration and a critique of the exhibition.
Bottom; John Geanangel’s Ulmus parvifolia ‘Yatsubusa’ raft style with base accentuated well by the long, narrow stone.
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