Preparation of Material for Workshops or Demonstrations.

Ian_Homer

Hi All,

We had a thread going yesterday that got off a little on the wrong foot.

This involved material presented for a well known Bonsai professional to style at a workshop.

This is an area that some may have wished to continue and debate the various options, quality standards of the material etc... that can be seen at such demonstations.

Just thought we could discuss some of the various standards found at Club, Nursery or even Exhibition levels in your area, particularly with the availability or suitability of stock presented to the visiting artist.

Regards,
Ian.

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Carl_Bergstrom

Hi Ian,

Good topic. We might want to think about two different questions here.

1) What is appropriate for a club member to bring to a workshop?

2) What is appropriate for a club to present to a visiting artist for the demo?

I've got strong opinions on both topics, but before I launch into those I'll let others comment. I will say this much, though: the material one presents demonstrates respect -- or lack thereof -- for the artists one invites.

Best regards,
Carl

Joanie

Yes, respect for the visiting artist is shown in what he is given to work with... either from the club or from the members. The club should have more access to good material and should always:

1. Make sure that the material is in good health and has not been compromised by repotting, collection, etc. recently. This includes making sure that the material is in a pot or container suitable for it to remain in until such time as it has fully regained its strength from the styling session.

2. If the visiting artist has a specialty (and isn't just there to demonstrate basic techniques) then the material should have all of the preliminary work done... cleaned out interior, and hopefully having been pinched back for good inner growth in the tree's recent past.... if in a nursery black can, then the can rim can be cut down to allow access to the trunk. For the audience to be able to see the trunk as well, cutting down the can would be useful.

Ooops, gotta go, and so much more to say.... well, there will be plenty said on this thread, no doubt...

Joanie

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agraham

Carl,

I think the participants should bring the very best material they have.Even to the point of bringing a bonsai considered by themselves to be "finished".That being said....the visiting "pro" should be a pro.People who bring less than ideal material are still paying customers(even if inexperienced ones) and mean no disrespect.A "stick in a pot" may be the best they have to bring.As long as they are paying,they deserve the help they came for....even if it is "put it in the ground and grow it on".And if that is the suggestion by the pro....it should be made in an educational way,not a sarcastic or condescending one.

The participants are the employer in this case.

Joanie,

Your points are good ones,but it is a 2 way street.The "pro" /visiting artist should be respectful of the participants also.And understand that they are there to help,not to be worshipped.

andy

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pootsie

Sometimes, ignorance looks like disrespect. Perhaps they are brothers.

I agree with Andy that the relationship of pro and club member is a 2-way street. But then, shouldn't the host organization have some responsibility to inform participants of some basics before presenting a visiting pro with non-pro stuff? Sure, the participants are employers, but my boss always gets a better result when he treats me with respect.

pootsie

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agraham

I agree Pootsie....but should a novice bring nothing?(Obviously,we are speaking of a workshop not a demostration.)Admittedly,he will get less benefit than someone who brings an excellent tree..but he will receive a benefit.

Where do you draw the line?Let's say the tree in question is a bit more than a stick in a pot....but doesn't really have much promise without a few more years development.Wouldn't it be helpful for the novice to hear it from someone he admires?Is it really disrespectful to bring the best you have?

Don't get me wrong....the best results,the biggest benefits would be realised with only the best trees being presented.....I just don't see the disrespect evidenced with a sincere presentation of less then ideal material.


andy

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Jay

A slightly different take... Should the person bringing the tree be looking for a 'master' to 'do' his tree?(Ithink not). Or, should he have the concept and an idea and ask for help in reaching that point?

As for a novice bringing a stick in a pot, wouldn't it better for him/her to watch and see what is going on, learn by seeing many trees than by what little he/she will gain from the stick they bring? Spoken by one who has been there and done that and understands.

Also, depending on the club and the size of the membership, the workshop should be set as a beginner or novice or advanced.

my 2 cents
Jay

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Walter_Pall

See 'Material for Bonsai Demonstrations':

http://walter-pall.de/materialforbonsaidemos.htm

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TreeBay

>Preparation of Material for Workshop Demonstrations.

Do we mean workshops or demonstrations? They are different activites. There might certainly be some overlap, but the title is vague and the intent is often completely different.

John Thompson did a great article on how to prepare trees for workshops, and it was published in GBSF Golden Statements and republished in a couple club newsletters. I will see if I can find a link.

Regards,

Matt

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