Page 69 - BSAM 2015 Q4

have captured my heart and ignited a desire to share them with the bonsai community. I gravi- tate to narrative. I love stories and think they are able to communicate the emotional connections that make true art come alive. I have had the op- portunity to write about wonderful work in the essays and reviews that I have had published. Interviewing to nd the story behind the work involves genuine interaction and openness—at times, intimacy. Artistic aspirations are, a er all, close to the heart. Seeds of friendship have been sown and have taken root.
I have to mention my deep friendship with Jonathan Singer. Jonathan is giant of man who towers over most scenes. He is also bigger than life—one minute brash and, perhaps, beyond con dent, the next tender. He plays life large, it would be di cult to invent a ctional character of his many dimensions and remain credible. He is a dear friend—I enjoy the ride. e two books of his and his collaborators that I have written about Fine Bonsai: Art and Nature and Spirit Stones: the Ancient Art of the Scholar’s Rock are monumental. ey provide compelling evidence of Jonathan’s artistry and have brought me into contact with many others who are involved in his story. I remember, for example, quite vividly Bill Valavanis’s stories of guiding Jonathan through Japan. I also had occasion to listen Kemin Hu describe her love of stones as entailing a deep devotion to family history. Without my writing, I would not have had these experiences. I feel privileged and grateful both to have had them and to share them in print.
I have been taught much in all kinds of ways. Tom Elias’s consummate scholarship has shown how much can be known about the cultural and historical dimensions of bonsai and of viewing stones. Walter Pall o ered, by personal example, how to allow trees to express their own identity and Jim Doyle demonstrated compellingly how a community can develop that both embraces and challenges each member.
I want to express gratitude to my editor, Joe Grande. The layouts illuminate and magnify content and elevate the impact of the articles. I also would like to thank BCI and the editorial board for the latitude I have enjoyed. Each article has somehow provided the impetus for the next. Potential articles now extend toward the hori- zon. Writing has been fun, it has been enrich- ing, it has been its own reward. I am, however, deeply touched and warmly appreciative of re- ceiving the BCI Artist, Writer, and Photographer Award. Recognition for doing what one loves is special. Behind this special recognition there is a very special group of people who share in this award. I rst pursued bonsai early in the process of recovery from nearly complete paralysis. e members of the Bonsai Society of Winnipeg not only welcomed me, they held me with kindness and generosity. I am truly grateful for their gi s of friendship, acceptance, and encouragement. ere just has to be a story here!”
“I have had the opportunity to write about wonderful
work in the essays and reviews that I have had published. Interviewing to nd the story behind the work involves genuine interaction and openness—at times, intimacy.” —Michael Collins McIntyre
Canadian bonsai artist Norm Haddrick recognized for his many years of volunteer service
By Joan Greenway, Canada
rough the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre, the Toronto Japanese Garden Club President, Arthur Ikeda, nominated Norman to the Ministry of Citizenship, Immigration and International Trade, and Ontario Honours and Awards Secretariat, in recognition for 20 continuous years of volunteer services, and membership to the Toronto Japanese Garden Club.
is was directly related to his bonsai promotional e orts with Toronto Japa- nese Garden Club and the Toronto Bonsai Society, since he joined in 1969.
On June 18, 2015 at a Volunteer Service Awards Ceremony, Norman was pre- sented with two certi cates, and a 20 year lapel pin, by e Honourable David Zimmer, Member of Provincial Parliament, who was acting for the Honourable Michael Chan, the Ontario minister. is event should stimulate others to share their love of the Art of Bonsai with others.
Norman is also a past member of BCI and has contributed as teacher and artist to many of BCI activities.
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