Page 3 - Tạp chí bonsai cây cảnh BCI 2014Q1

President’s Message

his is an exciting time to be actively involved in the
world of bonsai and stone appreciation communities
Tworldwide. Memberships and activities in bonsai so-
cieties in many countries declined during 2008-2009 wide
spread economic crises. However, since that time, many so-
cieties have been experiencing steady growth and improv-
ing regional, national, and international meetings. During
the last few months, I attended the 2013 Golden State Bonsai
Federation (GSBF) convention in Burbank, California in late
September, and then, a few weeks later, participated in the If you haven’t attended one of the major international
Taikan-ten in Kyoto, Japan in late November, 2013. Both were
excellent and provided ample opportunities to see outstand- conventions before, you are missing out on a
ing trees and stones. wonderful experience. Consider attending BCI’s next
The GSBF is a state wide organization of California bonsai annual meeting that will be held in Australia’s Gold
clubs that has one of the largest number of bonsai hobbyists in
North America. Their convention had exhibits of outstanding Coast from August 21–24, 2014.
bonsai, stones, workshops, lectures, and demonstrations by
some of the leading younger bonsai artists in North America. the opportunity to learn how to make a bonsai pendant using
Judging from the quality of the programs and the enthusiasm the wax carving and casting techniques from the skilled jew-
of the attendees, it is easy to see why California has so many elry artist Frank Mihalic. Immediately after the convention,
great bonsai artists and serious stone collectors. GSBF pub- a fabulous post-convention tour provides the opportunity
lishes a bimonthly magazine for its members and, beginning to see some of the best known natural features of Australia.
in 2014, this large format publication will convert to a full Visit our website at www.goldcoast2014.bonsai-bci.com to
color publication from its long standing black and white pho- learn more about this exciting event and to register for the
tographs. What I found so refreshing about this convention convention.
was the level of enthusiasm of everyone plus the increased cul- Thanks to each of our members of the BCI community for
tural diversity of the professional artists and hobbyists. Bonsai helping us move forward during the past year. I hope that you
is certainly crossing cultural and ethnic lines as it reaches a have noticed the improvements to our magazine, web site,
broader range of people today. and convention. This has resulted from the efforts of many
On the other side of the Pacific Ocean, the 33rd Taikan-ten, of our board members, editor, business manager, and with
the largest exhibit of bonsai in western Japan, is one of my input from many of our members. Also, we have added over
favorite venues. It is held in the spacious Miyako Messe or 240 new members last year and have considerably improved
Kyoto International Exhibition Hall, a large city facility for the financial health of BCI. This will allow us to implement
conventions and meetings. Each year, excellent prized stones further improvements this year. We want to provide you, our
from private collections are displayed along with a diversity members, with the information and services that you need.
of different types of bonsai. A large and bustling sales area is Balancing the production of a hard copy magazine with elec-
adjacent to the exhibits. The atmosphere is a little less formal tronic information on our web site is one way to serve our
than the Kokufu-ten exhibit in Tokyo in February. It is a great diverse membership.
time to see and talk with friends, many of the great artists, and We published a new book, Best of BCI, 50 Stones, 50 Trees, 50
leaders of the bonsai and stone organizations. The Taikan-ten Years, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of our organization.
is organized by the Nippon Bonsai Association. This associa- This volume featured outstanding trees and stones from our
tion is under the new leadership of Mr. Jiro Fukuda, who was members throughout the world. We have now sold over 85%
elected as Chairperson in May, 2013. An interview with Mr. of the entire printing in less than nine months. This far ex-
Fukuda will be published in the Q2 issue of Bonsai and Stone ceeded our expectations and this book may be out of print by
Appreciation magazine. the time of our 2014 convention in Australia. If you haven’t
If you haven’t attended one of the major international conven- ordered your copy, do so soon or you may find that it is no
tions before, you are missing out on a wonderful experience. longer available.
Consider attending BCI’s next annual meeting that will be
held in Australia’s Gold Coast from August 21–24, 2014. A
great team of international bonsai artists will be conducting Tom Elias, President
demonstrations including Zhao Qingquan from China, Shin- Bonsai Clubs International
ichi Nakajima from Japan, Budi Sulistyo from Indonesia, and
Nikunj and Jyoti Parekh from India. In addition, a team of
Australian bonsai artists will perform. Participants will have
January/February/March 2014 | BCI | 1