President's Message
by
Alisan Clarke
I hope everyone had as good a time as
I did at the LSBF Convention! And to remind EVERYONE that our 4th
Wednesday group gives the good hands-on experience that prepares you for
these conventions. So let's see more of you there on that Wednesday!
Please help me organize the job description
portfolio that I am doing. Anyone and everyone, you help this club
in so many ways that only you know the procedures. Just jot it down
and give it to me, anytime, so that when & if that has to be
done again, and you are not available to do it, someone else will have
an idea of where to start.
If you haven't signed up for a covered dish
for our next SATURDAY meeting, bring one with you and join us anyway!
General Meeting Minutes
by
Charlotte Cranberg
The June meeting of the Austin Bonsai Society
was called to order at 7:30pm in the Austin Area Garden Center by President
Alisan Clarke. She thanked the hostess/host Eileen Deeter and Don Rehberg.
Mike Powers gave a report on the success
of our club's recent bonsai exhibit.
Chuck Ware reported on the progress of the
LSBF Convention to be held in 2002 jointly with San Antonio.
John Pittenger showed the group the
native Texas Ebony that he had carved at the LSBF Convention in Corpus
Christi. Charlotte Cranberg showed her Wrightia Religiosa.
Both were impressed with the quality of the Corpus Convention and encouraged
others to attend these bonsai opportunities.
Elaine White spoke on the status of
the Permanent Exhibit. She said that LSBF had voted, at the meeting
in Corpus Christi, to support the exhibit . Also, that $162.00
was collected for the exhibit at our May show. She has contacted
Don Freeman, Horticultural Chairman of the Austin Area Garden Center and
set up an appointment for Friday, June 23 at 1:30pm for Terry & Sheila
Ward and herself to talk to the board of the AAGC about getting space in
Zilker Botanic Gardens for the Permanent Exhibit. Any Society member
is welcome to attend. Bill Cody has volunteered to be chairman of
the foundation funds. The first meeting of the exhibit committee
will be Wednesday, June 28 at 7;30pm at the Garden Center. Subsequent
meetings will be held on the third Wednesday at 8pm after the Society's
board meeting. Members are encouraged to attend and participate in
the first stages of this project.
A sign up sheet was passed around for food for our
barbecue dinner in July.
Mr. Yande Li spoke on "The Art of Pensai". He was introduced by his son, Richard, who proceeded to translate for him.
Mr. Li then showed us many beautiful slides of Chinese pensai.
Boon Manakitivipart
Boon's start in bonsai was the result of a
birthday gift: of a small juniper bonsai. Before long, he joined
the Bonsai Society of San Francisco, the club through which he took his
first beginner class in the spring of 1989. Anxious to learn as much
as possible about bonsai, Boon studied with as many teachers as he could
find in California.
Serious study began when he hosted Akio
Kondo, Kihachiro Kamiya's first apprentice. Mr. Kondo arrived as
what the Japanese call a first-year professional, and he stayed at Boon's
home for one year.
In 1993, the Golden State Bonsai Federation
awarded Boon a Teacher Development Scholarship; two years later, he received
the Ben Oki International Design Award for styling a Sierra juniper.
In 1995, Boon received several informal
offers to study bonsai in Japan. Several months later, he traveled
to Tokai En, Toyohasi, Japan, where he studied bonsai as a formal apprentice
with the Kokufu-prize-winning Yasuo Mitsuya.
No longer an apprentice, Boon still returns
every year to Japan for prolonged work periods in the famous bonsai garden
Tokai En.
In 1998, Boon founded and became the
teacher of Bay Island Bonsai. He also started his service and styling
company, Bonsai Boon. In April 2000, Boon won the Grand Prize in
the Kindai Bonsai Styling Contest in Japan (Sponsored by Kindai Bonsai
Magazine). All contestants had to style a large Japanese white pine,
Boon was the only non-Japanese in the top ten. Today, Boon makes
his living as a full-time bonsai artist in Northern California. He
styles client trees, lectures, puts on demonstrations, holds workshops,
and finds sources for customers show-quality bonsai.
Reprinted from website: www.bonsaiboon.com
Board Meeting Minutes
by
Charlotte Cranberg
The June Board meeting of the Austin Bonsai Society
was called to order at 7:15pm by Vice President James Allan in the absence
of President Alisan Clarke. Present were James Allan, Mike Powers,
Charlotte Cranberg, Chuck and Pat Ware.
Every chairperson and committee person is
going to be asked to write a job description of their job for the club
files. James suggested putting the job descriptions on the web site in
the archives. There was also a discussion of where the minutes are
being kept.
Mike reported on the financial results of
the bonsai exhibit. Total revenue minus expenses was $250.00.
In addition the permanent exhibit collected over $160. at the entrance
table to the exhibit. Mike said that Terry Ward had donated all the lecture-demo
material he used both days; and, of course, his time and efforts in presenting
the excellent demos which were then donated to the raffle. Other
raffle donors were Charlotte Cranberg and Elaine White. Refreshments
were donated by many members - too many to mention but all were to be thanked.
The July meeting was discussed, as well
as the August meeting, which will also be on a Saturday. Sign up sheets
for food for the joint meeting in San Antonio in August will be available
at the July meeting.
All members need to be encouraged to come
to the 4th Wednesday meeting as it is no longer just for beginners, and
is our only "hands on"opportunity this year with all the invited speakers
and guest artists we're having. We need to practice what we learn
for the speakers.
Chuck had approached the Lone Star Bonsai
Federation delegates about the 1/3 split for the State Convention
in 2002. Approval was given.
The meeting adjourned at 8:15pm.
Designing Bonsai
by Richard E. Hayes (reprinted from LSBF Publication "Texas Bonsai"Fall 1992)
Have you had the experience of watching a
bonsai artist create a jewel of a tree from what appeared to be a confusing
mass of trunks, limbs and masses of foliage; getting inspired enough to
run to our favorite nursery to find something that resembled the artist's
original material; and achieving frustration when you started, forgetting
where to begin and what to do next - much less ending up with something
resembling a bonsai?
Of course you have had this experience!
We all have. It's basic to the beginning bonsai experience.
If, however, you are now marking your fourth, tenth or twelfth year in
bonsai and still have extreme difficulty in finding a bonsai in a collected
tree or nursery grow specimen, you might need to review the basics of bonsai
design, while keeping in mind that there is not always a bonsai - at least
what will look like a bonsai in a short time - to be pulled from every
potted, healthy-looking tree.
John Naka and other Masters of bonsai have
repeatedly pointed out the good bonsai can be made only from good starting
material. In an IBC workshop a few years ago, a bonsai teacher was
aghast at the prospect of using the poor plant material which had been
selected by members of the host society. Very few bonsai artist allow
their lecture/demonstration materials to be preselected by members of the
host society. Nearly every Master chooses his material after close
and thorough examination. For what does he look? Obviously,
he seeks those elements of design inherent in natural material, which will
combine to produce a near-instant bonsai.
If you were to follow the "Golden Girls of
Texas Bonsai"- Fran Bruchmiller, Yvonne Padilla and Cathy Rehberg - as
they go through a nursery, you would see them pushing aside foliage to
examine trunks for character, taper and line. You would see them on
their knees feeling
in pots for root development. You might hear them ask about growing
habits of unknown, interesting material.
These three local bonsai experts have so thoroughly
integrated the basics of bonsai design that they can quickly "separate
the sheep from the goats." So much for rambling. Now, now to
basics!
The trunk and surface root development are
the two most important aspects of bonsai design. To create the image
of an old tree, made small, there must be a trunk which has a buttressed
base exhibiting the character and strength produced by age. The tree
would taper upward from a firm, full base to the thinner top trunk gone
to branches.
In bonsai the trunk is inclined toward the
viewer. Roots radiate from the trunk; yet they do not grow straight
to the front, not do they reach the edge of the container before disappearing
into the soil. Major cuts are made, wherever possible, so as not
to be visible from the front. In formal and informal upright styles,
branch placement is begun, generally, one-third (1/3) up the trunk, either
on the right or left, with the next branch opposite and higher up and with
next higher-growing branch placed behind the trunk. Ideally, the
side branches should be angled slightly forward in order that the leaning
trunk and limbs embrace the viewer. As in Nature, the lower branches
are the thickest, with the smallest growth at the top of the tree.
Where to begin? Most bonsaiists work on the basic structure of the
tree first and then do the refining. Wiring of secondary and tertiary
branches, to produce foliage pads, comes as the last stage.
Apex alignment to the nth degree is usually
done after potting. Frequently, the potting process will inadvertently
misplace several limbs which can then be realigned.
Except for round, square or equiploygonal
containers, bonsai are placed off center. Conifers, by tradition,
are planted in unglazed containers. Trees for glazed containers should
have a dominant color feature which harmonized with the glaze. Oops, I
got off the topic!
To make the bonsai design work for us automatically,
we must practice ad infinitum! Educational psychology tells us that
we retain about 10% of what we hear, 15% of what we see, 25-30% for both
and 40% of what we have learned by doing. Take workshops, help others
with their trees and give lecture/demonstrations. We remember most
what we teach. Grab those new members and TEACH THEM!
Gifts to the National Bonsai Collection
In late March 2000, the collection was
enhanced with the arrival of seven large satsuki azaleas. They were
a gift from the Japan Satsuki Association to the Arboretum. Discussions
had begun two years ago. The trees were on a direct flight from Tokyo
to Dulles International Airport. Following a detailed inspection,
the plants were released and immediately placed into pots that had been
shipped with them Each of the plants has produced new leaves and
appears to have survived the ordeal.
Six of the plants are finished bonsai
while one of them is an unfinished azalea with a beautiful broad tapering
trunk. This bonsai will be kept in an unfinished state until next
spring when members of the Japan Satsuki Association come to Washington,
D.C. to present a lecture and demonstration on the styling of satsuki azalea
bonsai. Watch for a later announcement concerning the precise time
and date for this event. This indeed will be a rare opportunity to
see and interact with the leaders of the Japan Satsuki Association.
Letter from............
I wish to thank all of the members who supported
the convention, the raffle and for participating in the Texas Stars.
Austin's support of the convention was a big part in making the convention
a success.
Again thank you.
Sincerely,
Yvonne Padilla
Convention Chairman
This website was sent to me with pictures of the LSBF Convention 2000
held in Corpus Christi. There are some nice pictures and you will
probably recognize a few of the faces.
http://members2.clubphoto.com/clint205521/
Go down the page to "Private Albums" and type in the word symposia
for the password. There are 2 album pages with 72 pictures.
The Four Seasons
by
Wanda Woods
Graceful, curving limbs
Black etchings on azure skies;
Winter's bare beauty...
Tiny curls unfurl
Emerald decorations
Signaling rebirth..
Shimmering yellow,
Hot, glowing sunshine saunas;
Bathing our world gold...
Nature's artistry
Painting speckled, russet leaves;
Clinging, brittle flecks...
LSBF Minutes
May 27, 2000
The President, Buddy Allen, called the meeting
to order at 7:03 AM.
Buddy stated that our budget was not
approved at the January meeting. Bob Swindle moved that the budget
be approved. Chuck Ware seconded. Motion passed.
Chuck Ware moved that the minutes of
the last meeting be accepted as presented. Sheila Ward seconded.
Motion passed.
Pat Ware distributed and summarized
the Treasurer's Report. $746. dues income received. $400. paid
to Dallas for preparation for the next convention. $306.77 for newsletter
expenses. $37.95 for preparation of the LSBF handbooks. Attachment
to Treasurer's report included the convention schedule of responsible clubs
from 1982 to 2012. Pat also presented an attached proposal for the
disposition of the books and videotapes in the LSBF library to the clubs.
After a brief discussion, attendees agreed to the book disposition and
to table the videotape decision until the October meeting. John Miller
made a motion to approve the treasurer report, convention schedule, proposed
library book disposition and hold the videotape decision until October.
Bob Swindle seconded. Motion passed.
Chuck Ware distributed third draft for
Dennis Makishima's fall tour. Chuck asked for feedback from the delegates
and alternates regarding the schedule and the names of the club members
that will be driving Dennis around the state. Attendees asked Chuck
to continue as the chairman for 2001 fall tour. He agreed and requested
help from the attendees to locate and contact potential speakers.
Yvonne Padilla stated the "we are out
of the red" regarding the convention budget. Approximately seventy
four (74) are fully registered and a few partial registrants. Eighty
one (81) were in attendance at the Friday night dinner and program.
A full convention report will be prepared for the next meeting.
John Miller distributed a preliminary
brochure for the 201 convention in Dallas. The convention will be
held in early spring on March 23-25th. Pedro Morales and Craig Coussins
will provide the feature demonstrations and will direct workshops.
Greg Setter and Vito Megna will also lead workshops. Dave Schleser
will teach "Preserving your bonsai in print". Trident Maples, Australian
pine, buttonwood, ash junipers, and Japanese maples on slab.
Chuck Ware presented that plans are
underway for Austin, San Antonio and LSBF to jointly sponsor the 2002 convention
November 15-17th at the Civic Auditorium in New Braunfels. Chuck
made a motion that the clubs and LSBF co-sponsor this event. John
Kline seconded. Motion passed.
Chuck recommended the formation of a
volunteer committee to investigate the future of the convention and how
to encourage a stronger LSBF presence in the state event. The committee
would consider alternative event formats, schedules, locations, club roles
and/or responsibilities for future state-wide events. The four volunteers
are Gail Williams, Buddy Allen, Chuck Ware, and Todd Davis.
Alisan Clarke presented a recommendation from
the Austin Bonsai Society (led by Elaine White) that a Permanent State
Bonsai Exhibit be developed in Austin at Zilker Park. The Austin
club has been investigation how other states have developed their respective
exhibits. After brief discussion, Chuck Ware made a motion that we
approve the concept of a State Bonsai Exhibit. Bob Swindle seconded.
Motion passed.
Terry Ward & Bob Swindle proposed
the formation of a historical archives of all the Texas Bonsai newsletters.
Several issues of the newsletters are missing which have valuable educational
information for historical and current reference. Terry distributed
a list of missing issues. The proposal is to consolidate all available
documents, solicit missing issues from past club members, scan the documents
into a computer zip drive and transfer to CD's for club member use and/or
purchase. It would provide a permanent record of the history of LSBF.
The time and cost to prepare the archives is estimated at 116 hours and
$100-200. respectively. Terry said he would attempt to pay the cost
out of the current newsletter budget funds. John Miller made a motion
to approve the formation of the newsletter archives. Bob Swindle
seconded. Motion passed.
John Miller made a motion to adjourn.
Bob Swindle seconded. Motion passed and meeting closed at 8:01AM.
The butterfly
Even when pursued,
Never appears in a hurry.
Garaku
