Page 3 - BSAM 2018 Q2

President’s Message
One of the wonderful things about sharing an interest in bonsai and stones with like-minded people is the friendships we make along the way. I treasure the time that I get to spend with my bonsai and stone friends.
Lindsay and I were fortunate to be invited by Kim Sae Won, President of ABFF (Asia- Pacific Bonsai Friendship Federation) along with a small International group of delegates to attend The World Bonsai Festival Exhibition in Gangneung, South Korea, commemorating the Winter Olympics. Our group including Michael Grace, Karen Harkaway, President of ABS (American Bonsai Society) and Frank Mihalic BCI Director from USA; Jorg Derlien and Herbert Obermyer from Germany; Peter Czeniachowski and his wife Małgorzatae from Poland; and Willy Evenepoel from Belgium. We traveled together for four days visiting bonsai collections, gardens and others sights and enjoying new food and drink experiences. The camaraderie was very special. I’ve written a report in this issue.
Another long time friend, Bradley Barlow, shares his vast knowledge of old pots in this issue. Spending a day with Brad and his wife Jen is always a great experience. Brad is always happy to share a new “find” which may be an antique pot, stand, woodblock print or other Asian artefact, or his latest virtual bonsai that he has hand made. As well as a talented and award winning Bonsai artist, Brad is a “collector.” He has a vast collection of Viewing Stones, antique pots, stands and other related art pieces. His collection is now housed in a newly constructed museum. We recently visited the museum. Seeing so many pots, stands, and other accessories on display in his museum is overwhelming.
Our Annual Convention is fast approaching and Convention Chair François Jeker gives an
update in this issue on what you can expect. Until I read François’ report I was not aware that John Naka’s famous group Goshin, which is housed in the US National Collection in Washington, was not the only one he created. He actually created three! Whilst one is no longer around, the other one is in Europe and will be exhibited at the BCI Convention in Mulhouse, France 12-14 October. I can’t wait to see it! For stone lovers, stones from the collection of the late Willi Benz and his wife Gudrun will also be displayed. I know that François and his team have put a lot of work into this event, paying a lot of attention to every detail.
Ken Carlson from Joshua Roth Tools, a long-time BCI advertiser, has donated a tool kit for the tree and stone of the month com- petition. This will be the prize, along with a certificate, for the tree winner. The stone winner will receive a certificate and a display stand. The competition is open for all BCI Members and I encourage you all to par- ticipate. Members will vote on the monthly finalists. Check it out on the BCI website bonsai-bci.com
A new feature recently added to the BCI website is that you can now not only view the BCI magazine online, you can download the magazine to view off line. This facility is also available for back issues of the Magazine
Unfortunately due to illness, BCI Director, IS Ng had to cancel the Malaysian Exhibition and Tour scheduled in April. Our prayers are with him for a speedy and full recovery. We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused.
Cheers from Down Under, Glenis Bebb
Our Annual Convention
is fast approaching and Convention Chair François Jeker gives an update in this issue on what you
can expect. Until I read François’ report I was not aware that John Naka’s famous group Goshin, which is housed in the
US National Collection in Washington, was not the only one he created.
April/May/June 2018 | BCI | 1