Page 4 - BCI Bonsai & Stone Appreciation Q1 2025

You are invited to be a part of the BCI Vision. We are raising funds for the future of BCI!
Remember BCI in your will, your trust, your future!
 For more information contact:
Any donation you can make, will help.
Mr. Chen Chang, president@bonsai-bci.com
Message from the Editor
The 13th Liuzhou Viewing Stone Festival & BCI International
Landscape Bonsai Invitational Convention was a feast for the senses
and the soul. From the moment attendees arrived, they were greeted
with warm smiles, a rich program of events, and artistry that inspired
many. The creative brilliance of Chinese Bonsai and Penjing masters
shone brightly, setting the tone for a gathering celebrating tradition,
innovation, and the bonds uniting us as a global bonsai community.
This issue brings you the reflections of authors who were there to
experience it all firsthand, each offering a unique perspective shaped
by their personal journeys in the art of bonsai.
Dr. Sujata Bhat, BCI 1st Vice President, a bonsai artist and teacher
from India, captures the event’s essence with the keen eye of a storyteller,
weaving together art, nature, and the friendships that blossom at such
gatherings. Indonesia’s Budi Sulistyo shares his joy in discovering the
intricate beauty of stones and bonsai, vividly depicting the convention’s
unforgettable moments.
From the UK, award-winning bonsai artist Tony Tickle shares his
admiration for the Penjing landscapes, offering personal photographs
and reflections that reveal how deeply he was inspired by this journey.
In contrast, Australia’s second-generation bonsai professional Tony
Bebb brings warmth and camaraderie in recounting the signing of
friendship agreements at Baowen Garden—a significant milestone
for the global bonsai community.
Yang Xi and Liu Chuangang, both from China, delve into the artistry
of the event with an eye for tradition and innovation. Their reflections
remind us why Liuzhou is a vital hub for bonsai and suiseki enthusiasts.
This issue also features BCI 2nd Vice President Min Hsuan Lo and
his son Andrew, a dynamic duo from Taiwan, whose technical expertise
and poetic approach to bonsai are as inspiring as they are educational.
In two articles presented by BCI Director and contributing editor
Massimo Bandera, Alessandro Bonardo from Italy, an apprentice
of the legendary Masahiko Kimura, shares a fascinating look into
the Nemaki technique, while Carmelo Bonanno brings us a story of
triumph with his award-winning mountain pine.
Our technical minds are also treated to an article by Doctors Enrique
Castaño and Luis Carlos Rodriguez Zapata, who offer a deep dive
into how plant cells communicate in response to water. Their work
exemplifies the union of art and science that defines bonsai.
Closer to home, I had the pleasure of attending the Toronto Bonsai
Society’s 60th Anniversary Exhibit. Witnessing the dedication of
volunteers working in one of the most challenging growing zones
for bonsai was genuinely inspiring. Their passion and commitment
remind us of the vibrant community that sustains our shared art form.
As you read through this issue, I hope you’ll feel the same sense of
connection and inspiration that I did while preparing it. Behind every
article is a story, a personality, and a shared love for bonsai and stones
that transcends borders. Let us celebrate the authors, their contribu-
tions, and the volunteers who make it all possible.
—Joe Grande, Canada
2 | BCI | January/February/March 2025
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
Chen Chang, President, China
president@bonsai-bci.com
Sujata Bhat, 1st Vice President
India
bcivp@bonsai-bci.com
Min Hsuan Lo, 2nd Vice President
Taiwan , R.O.C.
bonsailo@mail2000.com.tw
Les Dowdell, Secretary
Canada
secretary@bonsai-bci.com
Roger Snipes, Treasurer
Washington, USA
treasurer@bonsai-bci.com
Past President
Frank Mihalic, USA
mihalicf@yahoo.com
BCI Legal Advisor
Vic Ceballos, Philippines
chilloutprof@yahoo.com
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Glenis Bebb, Australia
glenisbebb@gmail.com
DIRECTORS
Pisith Ariyaamornkul, Thailand
pisith.ira01@gmail.com
Massimo Bandera, Italy
mb@massimobandera.it
Enrique Castaño, Mexico
ecs7768@yahoo.com
Piotr Czerniachowski, Poland
piotrbonsai@interia.pl
Sae Won Kim, South Korea
ilovebonsai@naver.com
Susan Lee, Philippines
susanclee@yahoo.com
Dato’ Pui Khiang Khang,
Maylasia
datopui.mbss@outlook.com
Peter Macasieb, USA
petermacsr@ gmail.com
Bhavna Shah, India
bhavna.atul.shah@gmail.com
Mike Siow, Malaysia
mmikesiow7332@gmail.com
Helen Su, Taiwan, R.O.C.
hweiying.cheng@gmail.com
Budi Sulistyo, Indonesia
budisulistyo22@gmail.com
BCI BUSINESS OFFICE
Larry Stephan, Business Manager
PO Box 5068
Woodridge IL 60517 USA
office@bonsai-bci.com
WEB SITE MAINTENANCE
Bonnie Moore, Canada
neveryonas@shaw.ca
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 5068
Woodridge, IL 60517
USA.