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4-Feb-2005
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#1 |
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Bonsai nare-do-well
 
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Classes !!!
Was just thinking (a dangerous thing for me) about all the threads that there has be on Bonsai Talk about the need to get bonsai lessons.
Seems most of us agree on the need for this training but not too many times does one see where to go for it We can naturally ask questions here. Lots of people waiting to help. Problem is that at best this method is a bit haphazard. It is good but not really a structured learning experience. A few lucky ones live near a bonsai store. Usually there are classes there. Some of us even live near recognized bonsai artists and teachers. But what do you do when there are none of these available in your area. And if there are some teachers in your area how do you find them. I thought I would just start a discussion on the where ( we already know the why) to get classes. Hope no one thinks this ia an advertisement. I guess it could seem that way. It's not. It is just a way to put out some maybe valuable information. Hopefully more than just myself will make an input. For those of you that live way out in the boonies (or just hate to leave the house) there is a correspondence course put out by the American Bonsai Society. http://www.absbonsai.org/mentor.html . I have not personally taken this class but have seen the course material. Heard a lot of good things about it and think that it would be a very good place for one to start their education. The cost should meet most budgets. For the advanced among us there is the Hoy-oku School of Bonsai http://www.hoyoku.com/ This is taught by Colin Lewis. I have been through this one and it is good. Worth the money and a bit of travel. Boon also has a 3 year school that I hear is pretty good but I have no information on that one. I think that Carl Bergstrom has all the info on that one. Maybe he will chime in with a web page or something. Naturally if there is a bonsai club in your area they will have classes of some kind. Always a good place to start. So any one else have any more ? |
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Classes !!! |
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4-Feb-2005
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#2 |
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Ron,
I think a cautionary word should be put here. Caveat emptor, let the buyer beware. Local bonsai shops often offer classes, mostly by owners that may or may not be skilled in all but the most basic techniques. In fact most shops that I know of hold lessons to sell product and to try to retain a customer base. Members of the bonsai clubs near you may be able to steer you in the right direction or if you see a very experienced person there, you can ask if they give lessons. Although internet courses may be the only option for thoses living far away from any other opportunites, nothing can give you the learning experience like hands on training. Once you find someone that gives lessons, by all means get references and a second opinion if possible. Just because someone claims to be a teacher does not make it so. After a long search I have finally found a teacher from my own area. His work speaks volumes and his reputation is well known in the bonsai community. But what really convinced me was when he told me that I would spend long hours repotting, wiring, and otherwise maintaining his advanced stock. That's a far cry from planting sticks in a bonsai shop class. Caveat emptor, Will Heath |
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4-Feb-2005
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#3 |
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bonsaiTALK Master Chief
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Ron,
Great thread. I have been taking a very close look at the Hoy-oku school, however after reading the information I'm not sure I am quite ready. I was in hopes that there would be a course somewhere that I could take that would be almost a prep for something as advanced as Colins school. Low and behold I have found one. My local bonsai shop Bonsai West is for the first time going to offer the Bonsai West School of Bonsai. And what does it say in the description of this course.. Students should expect upon completion of this school to be ready for Colin Lewis's HoYo-Ku School of Bonsai. Wow... How perfect is that for me?!?! I do plan on starting out with Michael Levin's school, and hopefully will feel confident on going on to Colin Lewis's HoYo-Ku School of Bonsai when completed. If anyone else is interested, the details can be found HERE I would love to hear from others with programs like this in their area. Adam |
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4-Feb-2005
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#4 |
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Perpetual Novice
 
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Good thread, Ron:
 For such a quality school, one should be mentally prepared to drive a couple of hours. I am fortunate to have Chase Rosade within an hour. He is a superb teacher, and, as I have taken most of his classes, I usually do his regularly scheduled open workshops, which are less expensive, as I am not (automatically) buying both a tree and a pot. I do probably a dozen of these a year - cheaper than going to a bar for the same amount of time, better company, and better for my health  In Chase's case, anyone living between New York and Philadelphia is in luck. For those who live in other areas, widen your search a little, it's worth it. Those who have a good teacher in the area should encourage them to schedule open workshops, which are, at best, very informal, and considerably less structured than those found at conventions. It's kind of like a club without structured meetings. |
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4-Feb-2005
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#5 | |
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Bonsai nare-do-well
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Quote:
Will As in all cases the buyer must check into a commodity before buying. That is kind of a no brainier ;o) But what I was hoping was the members of this forum would list places to go for classes. Those that were interested then could check them out. Give them a starting point in their search for knowledge. Due to geographic location the only choice for a good many would be a correspondence course. May not be the best way to go but it is a start. All I, or anyone else, can do is make a list of places. Tell what we know about them and then let those that want to do their own research. I listed two with what information I had. It would be up to the individual to follow up with their own research |
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4-Feb-2005
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#6 | |
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Old Mister Crow
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Quote:
Here you go: Boon's Intensive Series -Carl
__________________
In love with trees |
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4-Feb-2005
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#8 |
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The Cat's Apprentice
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I know that El-Dorado Bonsai (in Claifornia I think) does classes for satsuki azalea.
A member of the Cleveburg club has attended and his azaleas (imported stock from Japan) are FABULOUS!!! pootsie |
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4-Feb-2005
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#9 | |
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Perpetual Novice
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Will said....
Quote:
When you hear that from someone in Auto sales, kinda makes you sit up!  |
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4-Feb-2005
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#10 | |
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Perpetual Novice
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Quote:
Kathy Shaner (from El Dorado) gave a class at our club (Shohin Azaleas). David Yedwab has a beauty from that. They also do other species, as the schedule shows. FWIW: El Dorado Bonsai |
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