Page 8 - BSAM 2015 Q4

Bottom and top left inset; Mr. Ho Chih Xiong, President of TBCA
Top right inset; Mr. Chen Tsan Sing, Chairman, BCI-ASPAC 2017
Bottom right inset; Mr. Su I Chi, BCI Past President
During the last few years, Southeast Asia has played a contributing role in the de- velopment of the world bonsai commu- nity. In the global bonsai arena, Taiwan has garnered countless accolades as a
source of bonsai greatness because of the high quality of artistry and technical ability of its bonsai practitio- ners. However, little is known about the foundation of Taiwan’s professional bonsai community and Tai- wanese bonsai. Because ecological and climatic factors play an important role in the development of bonsai in Taiwan, we begin with a brief description of Taiwan’s microclimate. e island of Taiwan (Isla Formosa) lies on the Tropic of Cancer and its general climate is marine tropical. e northern and central regions are subtropical, whereas the south is tropical and the mountainous regions have temperate belts. is diver- sity of climates, combined with the tropical heat and humidity, makes it possible for growing a vast number of tree and plant species, thus contributing to the di- versity of those used in bonsai. is huge ecological assortment and availability of resources, united with
a thirst to improve and excel the quality of Taiwanese bonsai artistry, moved a group of bonsai professionals to establish the Taiwan Bonsai Creators Association (TBCA) in 1997. is was the rst time a group of Taiwanese bonsai professionals organized as a collec- tive with the single goal of improving technical, cul- tivation and display aspects in Taiwanese Bonsai Art, so the future was anticipated with apprehension but with immense enthusiasm towards its continuity and overall success. With this in mind, preparations for its inaugural exhibition were set for the summer of 1998 and the southwestern city of Chiayi was chosen to introduce the association to the Taiwanese bon- sai community. As o en is the case, nature played a hand in the newly created professional group, with the threats of typhoons Akang and Nichole, minimizing the occurrence of their initial show. Against all odds and with impending natural hazards lurking in the Taiwanese skies, preparations were not suspended and the maiden exhibition was opened in July 2, 1998 with no typhoon in sight! Exceeding expectations, partici- pation was a success, making it possible for bonsai to be selected as top ten, top twenty ve and top y entries. is rst show set the foundation for years to come and has been held consecutively for the last eighteen (18) years.
As stated before, the judged exhibition is held an- nually, usually in summer, with membership partici- pation consisting solely of bonsai professionals who have distinction in artistry and have excelled in bonsai
This year, under the leadership of President Ho Chih Xiong and the wonderful natural backdrop of Sun Moon Lake in Nantou County, the 18th annual Taiwan Bonsai Creators Association show was celebrated
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