Page 21 - Tạp chí bonsai cây cảnh BCI 2014Q1

able get about 60 trees, many by personally recruit-
ing them from known bonsai artists. ABS put me in
charge of the exhibit, and then asked if I could put it
in book form. It was one of the most daunting chal-
lenges ever. There were myriad problems, a dishonest
publisher at the onset, and the need to have to print it
all over a second time due to bad color.
But our luck finally changed and it was eventually
published, giving some insight into the scope of
material that we have here, as well as collecting and
growing information. I was very fortunate to have a
premier photographer and computer color specialist
on the project.
bci: You have received many awards for your work
with bonsai. Of which ones are you most proud?
ms: I don’t seek awards. They are indeed flattering
and of course its nice to see your work recognized.
It can add legitimacy to your work. But, there are
many folks who are driven to win as many awards as
possible—a virtual trophy case, and the ego begins to
overstep boundaries. I do appreciate the award given
to a trident maple of mine at the 1st National exhibit
in Rochester, N.Y.
bci: What advice do you have for beginners to bonsai
and those who are more advanced? What can they do
to improve their bonsai practice?
ms: My advice to both is to work hard at it. If you feel
the passion, then cultivate it. Seek out conventions
and expert advice, find some of the great books that
are available, and practice, practice, practice! Take
your inspiration from the masterpieces of the great
Bonsai Masters of the past, but strive to cultivate an
expression of your own vision.
bci: What are you studying now and how does it fit in
with your bonsai practice?

ms: The aforementioned is how I am going about my
own pursuit of learning. Looking to make the tree a
composition and always working hard to improve.

January/February/March 2014 | BCI | 19