Page 17 - BSAM 2018 Q1
P. 17
who was just nishing her speech next door in the Symposium’s lecture hall, in her role as president of BCI. He explained that she knew exactly how to wire the branches so as to give him complete control when setting them in place. As if this was her cue, Glenis arrived just in time to help her partner in life and in bonsai, make sense of this exemplar with yamadori- like character.
Michael Hagedorn did not complete his long list of myths plaguing American bonsai during his country report, so he continued this discussion to an interested audience a er his demonstration on a black pine. His demonstration tree looked very promising as Michael outlined the choices to be made on this professionally- grown specimen. He invited audience participation as he analyzed the possibilities. Once a front was chosen, Michael selected the branches that would harmonize best with the line of the trunk. During his pruning process he explained how strong and weak branch tips were eliminated in favor of intermediate-strength terminals that would balance growth and create an even texture in the foliage.
The Museum’s serene and spacious Oval Plaza was adjacent to the demonstration area, providing visitors easy access to the many beautiful bonsai and handsome bonsai containers on exhibit there.
While many of us nd comfort in the timelessness of bonsai as a concept, this symposium proves that bonsai around the world and in Taiwan in particular, is a vibrant industry on the move. It is propelled by artists, growers, scientists, educators and govern- ments, as well as patrons and philanthropists who are creating new opportunities for the art form to grow and evolve. We can only dream of what comes next.
Top left and right; Many gorgeous pots were on exhibit in the Museum’s Oval Plaza.
Middle; Bonsai exhibit in the Oval Plaza: A beautiful cascading hibiscus, Hibiscus tilliaceus.
Bottom left; Bonsai exhibit in the Oval Plaza: Juniperus chinensis.
Bottom right; Bonsai exhibit in the Oval Plaza: Taiwan White Pine, Pinus morrisonicola .
January/February/March 2018 | BCI | 15