This Shohin display is from Suthin Sukosolvisit’s Bonsai Gallery. Every National Bonsai Exhibition has featured at least one these by Suthin. This year I challenged myself to pick out Suthin’s display as I walked into the Shohin section of the Exhibition. It was easy. Taking nothing away from some other wonderful displays, still, Suthin’s immediately demanded my attention from across the room.
Though word is trickling out, we’ll wait for the official announcement (and photos) of the winners of the 4th U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition before we say anything.
Meanwhile, here’s a collection of bonsai that belong to some of the people I ran into at the exhibition.These are not necessarily trees that appeared at the exhibition. Just trees I like.
Though Colin Lewis did show a tree at the Exhibition, this gnarly old Ponderosa pine isn’t it. I think Colin would be the first to tell you that most of the rugged character of this remarkable tree was already present when it was dug. Still, it takes a sure hand and good eye to bring out the best in any worthy yamadori.
Here’s a tree that was in the show. It’s an Englemann spruce that belongs to Andy Smith (Golden Arrow Bonsai). It was dug by Andy in the Wyoming Rockies and is one of several trees in the show that, to my eye at least, evokes rugged western North American terrains. There’s much that can be said about the topic of bonsai styles that reflect local terrains, but that’s enough for now… except to say that the pot is by Sara Rayner, who was also at the show, displaying an impressive large selection of her impressively large (and other sizes) bonsai pots. Sara also exhibited a very impressive tree at the show (stay posted for the album).
This elegant, fluid Japanese black pine belongs to Michael Levin (Bonsai West). Turns out Michael is the person who got me started with bonsai. Thirty years ago and I finally got around to thanking him.
Okay, this waterfall garden is clearly not a bonsai. But any beautiful Japanese influenced garden is a close cousin. It belongs to Candy Shirey, long time student of Larch Master Nick Lenz, and gardener as well (I guess that’s obvious).
Stay posted for part 2. There’s more to come.
Wayne,
It was great seeing you at the show. So much fun, so much to see, such amazing trees, a superb venue .. and totally agreed that the vendors were one better than the next!
Glad you enjoyed it – can’t wait to see the exhibition album!
Thanks Dave,
Yeah, Great show, great venue with beautiful bonsai and very spirited people everywhere.
Ditto it was great seeing you and your sweet little trees as well.