Today we concluded a three day Classical Bonsai MasterClass with five students from New Jersey and New York state, plus my assistant. We first discussed the topics they would like to study and selected studying classical bonsai design, wiring techniques, maple bonsai, bonsai refinement as well as bonsai display appreciation.

Each day began with the theory and creation of the main bonsai displayed in the studio alcove as well as the counter display of smaller trees. Powerpoint programs were presented with handouts highlighting the important elements of the topics. On the first day each student went to their hotels with a 23 page Classical Bonsai Design Test comparing 50 different sets bonsai and graphic designs.

After lunch we proceeded into the garage workshop where three more displays were shown and discussed. Finally, the rest of the afternoon was spent training each student’s personal bonsai. My small power washer to clean the bark on bonsai was demonstrated and some tried it out. Looks like they liked this tool to save considerable time cleaning with a toothbrush and sources for similar pressure washers were shared. We all had dinner and discussed bonsai species as well as growing techniques.

Tom Friday and Paul Eschman

Paul Tuttle

The next morning we all discussed the Classical Bonsai Design Test comparisons of bonsai and graphic designs. There were no right or wrong answers, but lively comments were made on several of the images. We then spent considerable time on wiring and forest bonsai design and creation. Again my personal alcove bonsai display was explained. After lunch during the afternoon workshop, while students worked on their trees, my assistant began preparing a large established Ezo spruce forest for redesigning into a rather unusual mixed species planting. When it came time to add the European beech to the Ezo spruce forest all students gathered to discuss the techniques and new design. We all dined together in the evening and several students returned to the workshop to continue working on their bonsai.

Sergio Cuan

Bob Taylor

Paul Eschman

Sunday morning began with students pairing together to create three bonsai displays in the garage workshop. They could use any of my personal bonsai along with my vast collection of display tables, scrolls and companion plants. When each group finished their displays we went into the studio to watch three Powerpoint presentations on Maple Bonsai, Creating Impressive Root Sisplays for Maple Bonsai and Refining Maple Bonsai.

Three student displays

Ginkgo bonsai display

After explaining my Ginkgo alcove display we went out and discussed each of the three student displays. The displays were quite outstanding, looks like they listened well, plus added their own creativity. Students spent time thinking of what they wanted to express and explained their theory to everyone. I was quite impressed with the displays and the selection of display tables, companion plantings and scrolls.

Tom Friday and Bob Taylor displayed a Deshojo Japanese maple bonsai

Paul Tuttle and Sergio Cuan displayed a Dwarf Austrian pine

Paul Eschman and Alan Adair displayed a Scots pine bonsai

After lunch we spent the rest of the afternoon with the final workshop. Some students worked on several trees while others concentrated on a single bonsai. Several larch, maples, pines and a large Zelkova bonsai were refined and improved.

Sergio Cuan with a Zelkova bonsai, not completely finished

Nearly completed Zelkova bonsai on its way to refinement

This was an excellent group of serious students who wanted to improve their understanding of classical bonsai art as well as refine their own bonsai. Each expressed their individual opinions while respecting comments from the others. Additionally they learned and practiced bonsai display which will improve their individual displays in future club shows as well as for the next U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition.

Wood sculptures and masks created by remote cultures for use in daily life and ritual will be on view, combined with classical bonsai in the unique exhibit: “Mastering Worlds; Exploring Space & Scale in Tribal and Asiatic Art.” The exhibit runs from May 13-17 at 291 7^th Ave. PH, in New York, NY.

The exhibition is vetted, containing only authentic museum quality objects and marks the first time classical bonsai and ethnographic arts have been formally paired together. This exhibition and New York Tribal Arts Week is running concurrent with Frieze Week (Art Auction Week) and as well as the other Spring Art Fairs for visitors in New York City.

Among the several bonsai on display include an important Sargent juniper bonsai approximately 100 years old, originally from the Kennett Collection and a Japanese white pine approximately 100 years old, last styled by Sean Smith and displayed in the 2012 U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition.

Cole Harwell, CEO Cole Harrell African & Oceanic Art organized and is sponsoring the exhibition. Mr. Harrell comments: “In conjunction with New York Tribal Art Week, I’m proud to present this selection of African & Oceanic Art with classical bonsai to explore how cultures condense and materialize concepts of faith, identity and belief. By examining the different art forms with mutual regard to space and scale, I’m hoping viewers develop a fresh perspective into our mutual humanity.”

Admission to the exhibition is free. It opens on Wednesday, May 13th, with a viewing party Saturday, May 16, 6-9 pm, 291 7th Ave. PH, at 27th Street in New York City. Show Hours are by appointment only Wednesday, May 13th 11am – 8 pm through Sunday May 17th 11 am – 7 pm. RSVP: cole@coleharrell.com For details please visit: http://www.coleharrell.com or http://www.nyctribalartweek.com

American larch bonsai on cork board

Most spring bonsai shows have probably taken place by now in southern areas. However, it’s now show time in the north. Our local bonsai exhibition will take place next weekend in Rochester, New York, and I’m always trying to improve each member’s display. Last month information was presented in this blog on how to make a quick and low cost companion planting from dwarf Columbine.

Dwarf Columbine companion planting on cork board

This month I’d like to suggest a quick and low cost “wooden slab” for companion plantings as well as smaller size bonsai. Traditionally, wood is used and although inexpensive types can be found, high end quality wooden slabs can cost hundreds of dollars, even for small 10 inch sizes. The prices increase with rare wood species and hand carved edge details.

Elm burl by Michel Villeneuve, Montreal, Canada

Wood from western USA tree species

Chinese quince burl

Edge detail of Chinese quince burl

Several pieces of bamboo or reed can be tied together to make similar flat board for companion plantings and bonsai as well. However, traditionally bamboo “rafts” are only used during the summer season. Since the weather for the past few days in Rochester, New York, has been over 90F, summer has probably arrived here so bamboo “rafts” are suitable now.

Pack of 4 cork tiles, $10

Thin cork boards are readily available from craft stores or Lowe’s Home Improvement Centers. Although they come in different sizes, the 12” x 12” size is great and comes in packs of four cork boards for only $8-10 making each board about $2 each.

Round shape

Free form shape

They are easy to design by sketching an irregular round, oval or free form shape using a pencil. Then simply cut out the shape with a pair of scissors. But, if you carefully try to tear the oak with your fingers and finger nails the irregular edge will look better. The sizes can be individually made for specific containers or to fit many containers of similar sizes. That’s it, finished ready to show.

Unstained cork board

Unpainted cork board edge detail

However, the cork board color is light and if you want to present a more finished “wooden slab” they are easily to paint. Dark colors are preferred to present a quite feeling, but ideally they should be a different color from the container and display table for the featured bonsai. I tried spray paint to darken the light colored cork, but got much better results using Minwax Wood Finish Stains that come in numerous colors. A foam brush works well for applying the stain, especially for coloring the edges. Simply press the foam brush around the edges first, then paint the flat surfaces last. If both sides are painted two different shapes will be created thus providing greater diversity when selecting the perfectly matched “wooden slab” for your companion planting or bonsai. This entire process can be done in only about an hour, but it’s best not to make them the day before the show.

Minwax Wood Finish Stain and foam bruch

Unstained and stained cork boards

Chinese quince bonsai on stained cork board

Crabapple bonsai on cork board

Larger Size “Wooden Slabs”

Sometimes larger sizes are necessary since the “wooden slab” should be larger than the container. It’s difficult to find larger sizes cork boards, but easy to place two smaller sizes together to appear as one. If the container is carefully positioned it is impossible to determine if one or two or even three cork boards are placed together. Once in Japan I saw a large forest style bonsai on an artificial flat stone displayed on a wooden board. But, upon closer study I found numerous smaller wooden boards carefully placed to appear as a larger size. When cutting out the cork boards, simply shape two boards with similar shapes.

Two unstained cork boards to be displayed together

Two unstained cork boards under larger bonsai

Companion planting on two stained cork boards

Thicker Larger “Wooden Slabs”

The thin cork boards are fine for smaller size companion plantings or small bonsai. However they may appear visually too light to anchor larger size containers. Ceiling tiles come in many sizes, but the 24” x 48” size is pretty standard and cost about $5. A utility knife comes in handy cutting out the initial design of the ceiling tile, but the edges look better when shaped by hand.

Unpainted ceiling tile after shaping

Painted ceiling tile

Ceiling tiles are usually white with small holes, not the best for displaying with bonsai. After shaping I sprayed the ceiling tile with a brown spray paint, making certain the edges are completely covered with paint. I did not initially like the effect, but the spray paint did fill in many of the ugly holes. So after the spray paint dried I simply used some of the same Minwax Wood Finish Stain used on the thinner cork boards and painted again. The result came out quite well. The thicker size is well proportioned for smaller and medium size bonsai.

Unpainted ceiling tile edge detail

Painted ceiling tile edge detail

Dwarf Ezo spruce bonsai on painted ceiling tile. Note the thicker size is in proportion to the larger size bonsai.

Both of these inexpensive “wooden slabs” are ideal for flat rock planting style bonsai where larger size display tables are difficult or expensive to purchase. They can also be cut to the shape of the individual stone. Make them a couple of inches larger than the stone all around for best effect.

The 42^nd Upstate New York Bonsai Exhibition & Sale will be held on May 16-17, 2015 at the Monroe Community Hospital in Rochester, New York. The show hours are 10am to 5pm daily with bonsai and ikebana demonstrations at 2pm. Approximately 100 fine quality bonsai from local members will be on display as well as Ikebana flower arrangements from the local Ikebana International society. About ten vendors will have bonsai and supplies for sale.

International Bonsai Arboretum Spring 2015 Open House & Sale 

Additionally to make a full day of your trip to Rochester, my annual Spring Open House & Sale will take place at the International Bonsai Arboretum on the same days as the bonsai exhibition from 10am to 4pm. Contact me for directions, questions or details.

The annual Lilac Festival down the street from the bonsai exhibition features over 700 lilac shrubs in over 400 cultivars. Come, visit Rochester– the snow has finally melted and warm weather has arrived (and I hope it stays), so come see, study and buy some great bonsai!