Ryan Neil interview of Bill Valavanis

Djtommy

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Been there...done that:( I am not exactly sure what this crowd is for.....I did get a kick out of the portion about those that make it and Bills comment about rich families.....something I have mentioned many times but always gets a shrug...The look on the faces was priceless. Bill for saying it, and Ryan that he did...
Did you also enjoy the part where Bill said he would like to take classes with Ryan?
 

Smoke

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Did you also enjoy the part where Bill said he would like to take classes with Ryan?
I have no idea how that keys into what I was talking about. Now I don't know about you, and I don't know how much time you have spent around Bill, but Bill spent a lot of time biting his tongue. My opinion. He answered most questions like a business man.
 

Djtommy

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I have no idea how that keys into what I was talking about. Now I don't know about you, and I don't know how much time you have spent around Bill, but Bill spent a lot of time biting his tongue. My opinion. He answered most questions like a business man.
I love Bill’s work, I think he is truly an amazing person with a great approach to bonsai. an approach many can learn from.
 

Waldo

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A great interview. And a great perspective and overview of the evolving state of the art and industry.
Thanks for posting !
 

crust

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That is an interesting video. Thanks for posting.

Too bad you haven't heard more about Bill V. Not surprising though, if you're younger (under 35 or so).

He has been a major presence in bonsai for decades. He was doing bonsai before Ryan was born with legends from Yuji Yoshimura to John Naka. He's better connected to the Japanese scene than, arguably, anyone in the U.S.
Yup, the dudes a Bonsai legend. I recently heard a story of how he walked into the famous Japanese show the Kokufu-ten went up to a displayed tree, eyeballed it, and immediately commanded the attending Japanese apprentices to adjust the orientation of the stand a fraction of an inch, which they hurriedly did--the man is deep in bonsai worldwide.
 

LanceMac10

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Anybody see any "professional" aside from Bill V. rippen' up a demo in TWO WALKING BOOTS?!?!

@William N. Valavanis and Chuck Norris have never been seen in the same room....Chuck Norris of the Bonsai world!!!


….could stand to leave the Croc's for people of less action and get some high-top Jordans….protect them dogs, son!!! 🙏 😁 😁 😁 😁 😁 😁
 
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Unfortunately, I'm NOT ready to retire. Here is one of my newest creations, A dwarf Scots pine. Very few people have seen this bonsai in a new handmade Tokoname container by Gyozan. A very powerful bonsai named "Thor."

My two broken feet have not stopped me in my activities to promote and raise the level of classical Japanese bonsai. They may slow me down a bit but do not stop me. They actually slow me down so my tour members can keep up with me....

I leave for Tokyo in a few hours to lead a tour of 11 people through the Japanese bonsai world. On Tuesday I'm presenting a lecture on my teacher to accompany a special exhibit on Yuji Yoshimura at the Omiya Bonsai Art Museum. On Thursday I will be judging the 39th Nippon Bonsai Taikan Exhibition. And, on Friday and Saturday leading English walk through tours through the exhibition. All this with two broken feet.

I have not finished promoting and raising the level of classic Japanese bonsai yet!

Bill

TWIN SCOTS.JPG
 

Anthony

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It was explained to me, that after the war, the Japanese
intended to use the US as a market to sell to.
{ they didn't anticipate the Nukes ]

Better to develop, mini trees, for yourself than purchase
seconds.

Don't believe, deep read on cars.
Studying Art / Design / Nature is your answer.
Good Day
Anthony
 

PiVo

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Unfortunately, I'm NOT ready to retire. Here is one of my newest creations, A dwarf Scots pine. Very few people have seen this bonsai in a new handmade Tokoname container by Gyozan. A very powerful bonsai named "Thor."

My two broken feet have not stopped me in my activities to promote and raise the level of classical Japanese bonsai. They may slow me down a bit but do not stop me. They actually slow me down so my tour members can keep up with me....

I leave for Tokyo in a few hours to lead a tour of 11 people through the Japanese bonsai world. On Tuesday I'm presenting a lecture on my teacher to accompany a special exhibit on Yuji Yoshimura at the Omiya Bonsai Art Museum. On Thursday I will be judging the 39th Nippon Bonsai Taikan Exhibition. And, on Friday and Saturday leading English walk through tours through the exhibition. All this with two broken feet.

I have not finished promoting and raising the level of classic Japanese bonsai yet!

Bill

View attachment 271215
Happy for you Mr. Valavanis. Hope your health will improve further in the next future. I’m sorry to hear that you took it personally. But, saying that, even a “dude” like me (as someone called me) with only 3 posts done (this included) in this high venerable forum, will continue to think what I said. Nothing personal of course, only expression of a single idea (if some “expert ”out there - knowing anything about me - will never be able to accept that a “dude“ with only 3 posts have the permission to think and express opinions). And yes, better a questionable idea than a conformistic one. Enjoy guys!
 

rockm

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Happy for you Mr. Valavanis. Hope your health will improve further in the next future. I’m sorry to hear that you took it personally. But, saying that, even a “dude” like me (as someone called me) with only 3 posts done (this included) in this high venerable forum, will continue to think what I said. Nothing personal of course, only expression of a single idea (if some “expert ”out there - knowing anything about me - will never be able to accept that a “dude“ with only 3 posts have the permission to think and express opinions). And yes, better a questionable idea than a conformistic one. Enjoy guys!
It's not the "new" its the "passive aggressive" that kind of grates on me (no biggie though). That passive/agressive streak runs through all three of your posts. If you don't see it, re-read some of what you've posted. You may get an idea of why we "venerable" non-dudes are kind of scratching our heads. We accept all manner of things, been doing that for years. Just that some questionable ideas and presumptions are just that-questionable. They don't become valid because they're questionable...
 

coh

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Yeah, the first post or 3 posts thing isn't the issue, it's the ludicrous suggestion that Bill should "retire". The guy has more energy than almost anyone I know, even with 2 broken feet he is out there promoting bonsai, leading tour groups to Japan, giving demos and lectures, teaching classes, leading workshops. He is not forcing anyone to do bonsai any particular way - if one visits the National Exhibition you'll see all kinds of trees from extremely classical Japanese style to very naturalistic, along with a variety of display techniques including some very out-of-the-box things.

There are plenty of other bonsai professionals out there who are free to explore and teach different styles and approaches. They are also free to set up other "National" type exhibitions that might cater to more "modern" tastes. Ryan Neil did that once with the Artisan's Cup; it's now 4 years later and he hasn't done another one. That should tell people something. Actually, Ryan through his "Bonsai Mirai" streaming service is experimenting with pushing some boundaries and he has acquired a large audience, which is great. But it's not a replacement for what Bill does; there's plenty of room for multiple "leaders" in the bonsai world.
 

sorce

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guy has more energy than almost anyone I know

Amen!

The only time I felt as much energy coming off a living being as when Bill walked me around to see his trees at our show was when I was being sized up to be eaten by the largest German Shepard I've ever been near.

Never felt that much energy ever, not even sitting on a a bull.

@William N. Valavanis it is very fortunate for us you're not ready for retirement!
Bless your family who deal with it!

Sorce
 

TyroTinker

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Amen!

The only time I felt as much energy coming off a living being as when Bill walked me around to see his trees at our show was when I was being sized up to be eaten by the largest German Shepard I've ever been near.

Never felt that much energy ever, not even sitting on a a bull.

@William N. Valavanis it is very fortunate for us you're not ready for retirement!
Bless your family who deal with it!

Sorce
The man seems to have more energy and drive than most I’ll give you that. But Sorce I feel like you are skipping over a good story here with this sitting on a bull thing, you just skipped right over...
Any story there? Not everyday you sit on a bull
 

sorce

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Any story there?

Just a regret of living in a city where I wasn't about to be able to be a Professional Bull Rider!
Kinda wierd to regret doing something that awesome, so I don't like talking about it 'ceptin fer I do.
Somewhere outside Lubbock Texas, I was 18. It didn't have horns so it wasn't too dangerous, certainly a beginners bull, but it's hoof came across my vest after I fell off and tore a hole.
Just one of those things that makes you appreciate life more than regular.
One of just a handful of my near death experiences.

I watched 8 seconds the other night.
So I been thinking about it again.
Catching a itch.

Sorce
 
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