MACH5
Imperial Masterpiece
The International Bonsai Arboretum in Rochester, NY has been for many years now a destination for bonsai professionals and enthusiasts alike worldwide. It houses an extensive collection of world class bonsai with a special emphasis on deciduous trees and in particular maples of different species and cultivars. Bill Valavanis is of course the man behind the trees. He is a renown bonsai artist, teacher, scholar and author. It is also no secret that Bill is a maple lover. When he contacted me earlier this year for one of his upcoming Master Classes, with a focus on maples (among other topics), I immediately signed up since I am also a hopeless maple nut!
The Master Class held last weekend was a very focused, three day intensive with Bill and four other students. We covered many topics, from design to display to seasonal care and much more. On the second day, Bill gave a lecture on maples which covered root development, design, care and properly preparing one for a formal display. We also had a slide presentation in which we discussed and analyzed various bonsai many of which were old Japanese masterpieces. There was also a workshop on Saturday where we had the option of either bringing our own trees or purchasing one or several from Bill to work on. Some of us worked that day until about 9 pm with lunch and dinner brakes.
I found the working atmosphere to be comfortable, fun and very relaxed. It helps greatly to have the right environment. At the arboretum, you are literally surrounded by great bonsai, an extensive library of books and magazines is at your fingertips, a beautifully set up tokonoma which changes every day for study and appreciation, an incredible array of tools, tables and containers and a spacious, comfortable studio space in which to work.
Bill is very generous sharing his knowledge and time. His view of classical bonsai is firm and clear, but I found him to be also open minded and accepting of other approaches and styles. Bonsai to him is not about the miniaturization of trees per se but rather a horticultural art form unto itself. Often throughout the three day session, Bill would recount the many interesting stories and anecdotes from his world travels, in particular those he made to Japan. Bill's knowledge and passion for all things bonsai is truly inspiring!
Below is the entrance to the beautiful garden which houses an impressive array of species and styles of bonsai.
Among the variety of species, a good number of large Japanese maples with impressive nebari were on display. Many of them were completely container grown for 30 to 40 years! There were also a few large scots pines that were spectacular.
The Master Class held last weekend was a very focused, three day intensive with Bill and four other students. We covered many topics, from design to display to seasonal care and much more. On the second day, Bill gave a lecture on maples which covered root development, design, care and properly preparing one for a formal display. We also had a slide presentation in which we discussed and analyzed various bonsai many of which were old Japanese masterpieces. There was also a workshop on Saturday where we had the option of either bringing our own trees or purchasing one or several from Bill to work on. Some of us worked that day until about 9 pm with lunch and dinner brakes.
I found the working atmosphere to be comfortable, fun and very relaxed. It helps greatly to have the right environment. At the arboretum, you are literally surrounded by great bonsai, an extensive library of books and magazines is at your fingertips, a beautifully set up tokonoma which changes every day for study and appreciation, an incredible array of tools, tables and containers and a spacious, comfortable studio space in which to work.
Bill is very generous sharing his knowledge and time. His view of classical bonsai is firm and clear, but I found him to be also open minded and accepting of other approaches and styles. Bonsai to him is not about the miniaturization of trees per se but rather a horticultural art form unto itself. Often throughout the three day session, Bill would recount the many interesting stories and anecdotes from his world travels, in particular those he made to Japan. Bill's knowledge and passion for all things bonsai is truly inspiring!
Below is the entrance to the beautiful garden which houses an impressive array of species and styles of bonsai.
Among the variety of species, a good number of large Japanese maples with impressive nebari were on display. Many of them were completely container grown for 30 to 40 years! There were also a few large scots pines that were spectacular.
