The above trees were done during a demo at this years Michigan All State Show. Vance Wood, John Stevens, and myself did the same three-of-a-kind demo at
last years show. They liked us enough that they invited us back again this year. Both Vance and myself also were scheduled for workshops and we had a few tables in the vending area so it was a very busy, but fun weekend.
We were not pleased with the way the stock was handled last year, a local bonsai merchant "loaned" the trees to the sponsoring club and after the demo the trees were returned to his shop where he marked up the prices and sold them, giving no income to the club.
This year we were assured that the material would be better and that the proceeds would at least go to the sponsoring club when the trees were sold.
Once at the demo area we saw the trees which were originally field grown by a bonsai nursery in Ohio. They had us put our names in a can and then drew for order of choice on the trees. So far it was all fine and dandy, sure the stock could have been better, but hey, you play the hand you're dealt, nothing you can do about it, just do the best you can without complaint. Complaining never helps anyhow and far too many people blame the stock anyhow.
But here's the kicker....
The show was over scheduled slightly as they wanted to have a lot of activities over the weekend and at the demo we were informed that the three-of-a-kind was scheduled to last a mere 45 minutes. That's right, from start to finish, 45 whole minutes. I was scheduled to teach a Bungin workshop right afterward as well.
So what do you do? Cry and complain, bitch and moan? No, you play the hand you're dealt. We had a great time, the organizers were happy and the crowd seemed to enjoy the demo very much judged on the attention it received and the questions asked.
Fortunately, the workshops were all scheduled properly and time was there to actually instruct and inspire.
Below are a few photos from the demo, please excuse the blur lines, we were moving quite quickly.
There was no time at all for detail wiring, fine tuning, just enough time to suggest a future and run.
Speed Bonsai, now there's a sport for you!