This shot presents a glimpse of a small piece of the Pacific Rim Bonsai Collection. David De Groot is the resident bonsai artist (curator) of this impressive collection.
A while back I put up a couple posts (here and here) on the Weyerhaeser Pacific Rim Bonsai Collection.
At the time I spoke with David De Groot, the collection’s curator. David told me that the bright spot to the (temporary) closing of the collection, is that he will have more uninterrupted time working on the trees. This has got to be good for the collection as David is an accomplished bonsai artist (and teacher and author).
David and tweezers working in harmony on a Pacific Rim bonsai.
Personally, I’m waiting for the day when the collection reopens. From what I’ve heard and from the photos I’ve seen, it’s a real American treasure.
The following is a short bio on David:
Mr. David DeGroot has been curator of Weyerhaeuser’s Pacific Rim Bonsai Collection since its creation in 1989. He is an award-winning designer and author, who has been studying and practicing bonsai since 1972. He has studied bonsai with Yasuo Mitsuya, satsuki with Tatemori Gondo (BCI has an impressive satsuki of Gondo’s on their magazine’s cover) and Hayata Nakayama, and display with Uhaku Sudo. His educational journal articles have been published throughout the U.S. and in eight foreign countries, and his book Basic Bonsai Design is now in its fifth printing. He travels widely to lecture, and has presented programs across the U.S. and in Brazil, Canada, England, South Africa, and Venezuela. He has also served two terms as a director of the American Bonsai Society.
There are many outstanding bonsai artists/designers, but Mr De Groot is one of the best “teachers” I have met. Many can design a great tree in a demo or class , but none explain and “teach” like De Groot can.
Hi David …
Maybe you remember me or not ..I have to check it out …
I did a Ptecolobium with you in Rio …so long ago …
i`ll never forget you…..you`re a master …..
How are you ? ……
Watting for your reply …..
Roberto Gerpe
Yeah. I agree with Jim and Roberto. I saw David teach years ago in Portland OR. He took a rough stock plant and drew what he was going to do, and then made a bonsai that looked remarkably like his drawing. I was very impressed.
Like Roberto, an old friend, I had the pleasure to meet David in Rio de Janeiro and work with him on a shimpaku.
His passion and teaching skills are remarkable. I agree with Jim, nobody can beat him.
David DeGroot has been curator of Weyerhaeuser’s Pacific Rim Bonsai Collection, a great teacher and numerous author.
Thanks,
Yes, I agree. David is an excellent teacher.
Are you the Dave Degroot who studied percussion with Vic Firth at NEC in the early 1970’s? If so, I would love to reconnect with you. I am retired from music making (sorta) and living back and forth between Honolulu and Maine (in Maine currently). If its you, I’d would appreciate hearing from you.
Aloha, Bill Wiley
Hello William,
I am not Dave, but you can reach the same Mr DeGroot who studied percussion at the Pacific Rim link provided above.