GSBF Bonsai Convention Update

bonsaial1

NOTE FROM ADMIN: THIS IS THE ONE OF SEVERAL THREADS AL HAS BEGUN AS PART OF THE GSBF CONVENTION COVERAGE.

After enjoying this thread, you may find these others of interest:

2. Convention, cont'd
3. GSBF Convention #3
4. Goodies from Convention
[HR]
I worked all day helping setting the GSBF Convention 2003 here in Fresno, starting this morning by loading the largest U-Haul truck we could get with all the display podiums.

The vendor area is to-die-for. I have been going to this convention for 20 years, and I have missed only one. I have never seen this much great material in one spot in all my bonsai years. I think someone has been hiding this stuff, cause the stuff in Sacramento last year was not that good. Pics to follow...

Matt don't miss this one! The display will be set tomorrow, and I will get some pics. Guess which display is front and center right in front of the waterfall in the lobby?

The workshop material is wonderful, and if you are taking a workshop this weekend, you will leave with a wonderful tree.

Walter arrives tomorrow. I can hardly wait to talk to him.

All you Californians don't miss this one, this is shaping up to be a convention that will be talked about for years

UPDATE: At the last minute, Harry decided that he would like to have his tree in the prestigious spot under the waterfall. So... I got bumped to a spot in the middle of the room, (actually better since my small trees are near the docent area and can be watched all weekend).

Anyway, who am I to argue with Harry Hirao?

Attached Images

harryandstone.jpg (62.8 KB, 441 views)

__________________
It's about time that the proper respect be given to the fine art of balloon animals...

Advertisement

David Yedwab

What, No Governator? Is he bringing his trees in his Hummer? To get ground down by the adoring California public?

I was fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to be west and visited the GSBF show in Oakland a few years ago, when Kobyashi headlineed. It was great. And if you say this will be better -- wow. Can't wait for some pictures -- if not allowed, just do a Walter @ Gingko -- or maybe Walter can do a Walter.

__________________
David Yedwab

bonsaial1

I have lots more foto's and will post them after the convention whn the bonsai police go home. But a few of these pictures will wet your whistle, that's for sure. I'll bet there are a lot of folk's out there that will be wondering.."where did this Fresno bunch hide all these years..they have wonderful trees..."


This is a little California juniper that will be the subject of the Harry Hirao round robin demo. I am standing next to it for size comparison. I am 5'11" tall.

Attached Images

harrystree.jpg (64.2 KB, 437 views)

__________________
It's about time that the proper respect be given to the fine art of balloon animals...

bonsaial1

That trunk is 36" across. Harry estimates this tree at well over a thousand years old.

I asked Harry to stand in the photo with the gentleman responsible for digging this baby. Funny...as soon as you get a camera out, all the cute elderly Japanese masters step into the picture, not wanting to miss a photo op.

In the picture; Harry Hirao (center); his trusty assistant, Kaz Murai (left); Ray Theime (right).

Ray is the guy who dug this tree. He is well known in California circles, on the board of directors for GSBF and has numerous trees donated to the Northern Collection. His specialty is very large trees. When Harry found this tree 6 years ago in the desert, they wanted to dig it but they were all to old to remove it. Harry says with a smile, " let's call Ray, he can dig it" and so he did.

Attached Images

mas-harry-ray.jpg (54.9 KB, 405 views)

__________________
It's about time that the proper respect be given to the fine art of balloon animals...

bonsaial1

Hideko Metaxas needs no introduction for those of you into bonsai art. She wrote the book. She is called upon all over the world for her expertise in the art of bonsai display, and is chosen as interpreter in many Japanese shows. We are all thrilled to have her do some workshops on bonsai display here in Fresno.

In this series of pics, Hideko is putting together the Tokonoma display in the lobby of the hotel. Here Hideko has moved the cascade juniper for the 12th time till it is just right.

Attached Images

hidekometaxas.jpg (50.5 KB, 482 views)

__________________
It's about time that the proper respect be given to the fine art of balloon animals...

bonsaial1

After the placement of the tree, the suiseki and accent plant will round out the display..

Attached Images

hideko.jpg (50.2 KB, 396 views)

__________________
It's about time that the proper respect be given to the fine art of balloon animals...

bonsaial1

I know you guys and gals, you want a close up of the tree. Well.. here it is..

Attached Images

cascadeforweb.jpg (54.1 KB, 396 views)

__________________
It's about time that the proper respect be given to the fine art of balloon animals...

bonsaial1

Here is a sampling of the trees in the display..

Prostrata juniper

Attached Images

bobprostrata.jpg (53.3 KB, 470 views)

__________________
It's about time that the proper respect be given to the fine art of balloon animals...

bonsaial1

Interior Live Oak

Attached Images

oak.jpg (53.0 KB, 391 views)

__________________
It's about time that the proper respect be given to the fine art of balloon animals...