Page 4 - BSAM 2018 Q2

You are invited to be a part of the BCI Vision.
We are raising funds for the future of BCI! Any donation you can make, will help.
Remember BCI in your will, your trust, your future!
For more information contact:
Glenis Bebb, president@bonsai-bci.com
AMessage froM the editor
topic of discussion in many bonsai circles is how to successfully promote bonsai as an art form. The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy defines art as “artifacts or performances, intentionally
endowed by their makers with a significant degree of aesthetic interest, often surpassingthatofmosteverydayobjects.”Inthisregard,bonsaidefinitely qualifies, but for bonsai to be treated as fine art, it has to be supported by diverse groups; from individuals who create the art, to organizations and institutions that provide venues for exhibits, events and competitions.
Fortunately there are many individuals and organizations that can provide role models. They are able to elevate bonsai from a horticultural curiosity associated with the gardening world, to works of art that can be appreciated for their beauty and emotional power. In this issue there are great examples of such people and organizations.
The Bonsai Association Belgium has been very influential in showcasing bonsai as art, and the 19th edition of the Noelanders Trophy is no exception. The extraordinary trees and stones are supported by a beautiful venue, contemporary staging and professional photography. Another group to provide a wonderful convergence of bonsai, stones and art, is the host of BCI’s 2018 Convention, the Fédération Française de Bonsaí, organized by bonsai artist François Jeker.
Bonsai’s pan-cultural appreciation is affirmed by reports on bonsai in Bali, where artists are creating suberb bonsai from native trees, and on South Korea, where bonsai exhibits complemented the Winter Olympics.
Tom Elias’ article on the modern age of Suiseki in Japan provides interesting historical context for this contemporary art form, as does Bradley Barlow’s commentary on pots: A presentation of bonsai-related artifacts that can attain the level of art.
Philosophy, history, creativity and collaboration come together to show how Massimo Bandera, Masihiko Kimura and Alessandro Bonardo transform a beautiful and exceptional bunjin into a contemporary masterpiece. BCI member and artist Rudi Julianto shows how he works with nursery grown junipers to create amazing bonsai, like the yamadori from nature.
Every artist needs raw material to transform into art. Danilo Scursatone provides a detailed and efficient process for creating a root-over-rock planting. Jyoti and Nikunj Parekh show us another way to bring nature and art into our life with a creative variation on Saikei, or tray landscape.
Artists actively participate in their communities and look for inspiration everywhere they go, seeking to improve their work. Stu Innes shares his strategies for mixing his bonsai interests with family vacations.
Is your club creating bonsai art? BCI would love to see your photos. —Joe Grande, Canada (editor@bonsai-bci.com)
MISSION STATEMENT
BONSAI CLUBS INTERNATIONAL
Bonsai Clubs International, a not-for-profit educational organization, advances the ancient and living art of bonsai and related arts through the global sharing of knowledge. We educate while promoting international friendship and solidify world relationships through cooperation with individuals and organizations whose purpose is consistent with ours.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Glenis Bebb, President Queensland, Australia president@bonsai-bci.com
Helen Su, 1st Vice President Taiwan, R.O.C. bcivp@bonsai-bci.com
Nikunj Parekh, 2nd Vice President Mumbai, India nikunjyo@gmail.com
David DeGroot, Secretary Washington, USA degrood@comcast.net
Roger Snipes, Treasurer Washington, USA treasurer@bonsai-bci.com
DIRECTORS
Massimo Bandera, Italy
mb@massimobandera.it
Gudrun Benz, Germany
Benz-W@t-online.de
Sujata Bhat, India
sbhat@hotmail.com
Enrique Castaño, Mexico
ecs7768@yahoo.com
Vic Ceballos, Philippines
chilloutprof@yahoo.com
Chen Chan, China
chairman@pck.com.cn
Les Dowdell, Canada
hokkoku@telusplanet.net
Min Hsuan Lo, Taiwan
bonsailo@mail2000.com.tw
Frank Mihalic, USA
mihalicf@yahoo.com
Ing Suan Ng, Malaysia
isng1818@gmail.com
Budi Sulistyo, Indonesia
budisulistyo22@gmail.com
BCI BUSINESS OFFICE
Larry Stephan, Business Manager PO Box 639, Prospect Heights, IL 60070-0639, USA office@bonsai-bci.com
WEB SITE MAINTENANCE
Bonnie Moore, Canada
neveryonas@shaw.ca
WEB SITE EDITOR
Joe Grande, Canada
editor@bonsai-bci.com
TO JOIN BCI OR RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP
New members, go to www.bonsai-bci.com and click on “Join BCI Today” button. Renewing members, log in to your account and go to Manage My Profile/Renew My Membership.
Join or Renew Online, by Phone, by E-mail or by Mail.
www.bonsai-bci.com, office@bonsai-bci.com, phone 847-612-5133,
PO Box 639, Prospect Heights,
IL 60070-0639, USA.
2 | BCI | April/May/June 2018