Page 48 - BSAM 2015 Q4

commitment to the art of bonsai was there for all to see. During the interactive discussions he acknowledged his teacher, Masa- hiko Kimura, with whom he apprenticed for six long years. Ryan redesigned two historically important Pines of the late Becky Lewis, a pioneer of South African Bonsai, from the Stellenbosch Arboretum. It was a pleasure to witness his complete respect for the history of the trees as well its future health as he redesigned the pines while also giving us invaluable tips on growing and designing junipers and pines. He explained that the strength of junipers lies in their foliage and that of pines in their roots. e sessions were highly interactive and all information, from the soil composition to branch selection and design aspects, were freely exchanged.
François Jeker is well known for his artistic ability to create deadwood on bonsai which is both natural and detailed, a tes- timony to his being a great artist and painter. His approach to the designing of trees is meticulous. He works steadily on the bonsai down to the nest detail. François rst worked on an olive yamadori giving it an exciting basic design. He then selected and worked on a well-established twin-trunk juniper which he re ned to create a beautifully styled bonsai. For his nal demonstration he chose a Chinese elm with good branching and rami cation and transformed it into an exquisite and well balanced tree by bringing down the apex, carefully wiring the branches and meticulously placing them in their appropriate positions. He supported his designs with beautiful sketches. His work was really impressive and showcased his complete dedication and systematic approach to his work.
e convention in South Africa was supported by the World Bonsai Friendship Federation for the very rst time and to com- memorate this occasion the directors of WBFF planted a forest
Top; Tony Tickle during a critique session on a Juniper planted on a unique ‘shovel’ container.
Middle; Ryan Neil’s demonstration on a Pinus radiata – a tree which is part of the Stellenbosch Arboretum.
Bottom left; Francois Jeker demonstrated on a twin-trunk Juniperus chinensis.
Bottom right; WBFF Director Mr. Hiroshi Takeyama worked on a native Schotia afra.
46 | BCI | January/February/March 2016