Page 69 - Tạp chí bonsai cây cảnh BCI 2015Q4

have captured my heart and ignited a desire to I have been taught much in all kinds of ways.
share them with the bonsai community. I gravi- Tom Elias’s consummate scholarship has shown
tate to narrative. I love stories and think they are how much can be known about the cultural and
able to communicate the emotional connections historical dimensions of bonsai and of viewing
that make true art come alive. I have had the op- stones. Walter Pall offered, by personal example,
portunity to write about wonderful work in the how to allow trees to express their own identity
essays and reviews that I have had published. and Jim Doyle demonstrated compellingly how a
Interviewing to find the story behind the work community can develop that both embraces and
involves genuine interaction and openness —at challenges each member.
times, intimacy. Artistic aspirations are, after all, I want to express gratitude to my editor, Joe
close to the heart. Seeds of friendship have been Grande. The layouts illuminate and magnify
sown and have taken root. content and elevate the impact of the articles.
I have to mention my deep friendship with I also would like to thank BCI and the editorial
Jonathan Singer. Jonathan is giant of man who board for the latitude I have enjoyed. Each article “I have had the
towers over most scenes. He is also bigger than has somehow provided the impetus for the next.
life—one minute brash and, perhaps, beyond Potential articles now extend toward the hori- opportunity to write
confident, the next tender. He plays life large, it zon. Writing has been fun, it has been enrich- about wonderful
would be difficult to invent a fictional character ing, it has been its own reward. I am, however,
of his many dimensions and remain credible. He deeply touched and warmly appreciative of re- work in the essays and
is a dear friend—I enjoy the ride. The two books ceiving the BCI Artist, Writer, and Photographer reviews that I have had
of his and his collaborators that I have written Award. Recognition for doing what one loves is
about Fine Bonsai: Art and Nature and Spirit special. Behind this special recognition there is published. Interviewing
Stones: the Ancient Art of the Scholar’s Rock are a very special group of people who share in this to find the story behind
monumental. They provide compelling evidence award. I first pursued bonsai early in the process
of Jonathan’s artistry and have brought me into of recovery from nearly complete paralysis. The the work involves
contact with many others who are involved in his members of the Bonsai Society of Winnipeg not genuine interaction
story. I remember, for example, quite vividly Bill only welcomed me, they held me with kindness
Valavanis’s stories of guiding Jonathan through and generosity. I am truly grateful for their gifts and openness —at
Japan. I also had occasion to listen Kemin Hu of friendship, acceptance, and encouragement. times, intimacy.”
describe her love of stones as entailing a deep There just has to be a story here!”
devotion to family history. Without my writing, —Michael Collins
I would not have had these experiences. I feel McIntyre
privileged and grateful both to have had them
and to share them in print.

Canadian bonsai artist Norm Haddrick

recognized for his many years of
volunteer service

By Joan Greenway, Canada

Through the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre, the Toronto Japanese
Garden Club President, Arthur Ikeda, nominated Norman to the Ministry of
Citizenship, Immigration and International Trade, and Ontario Honours and
Awards Secretariat, in recognition for 20 continuous years of volunteer services,
and membership to the Toronto Japanese Garden Club.
This was directly related to his bonsai promotional efforts with Toronto Japa-
nese Garden Club and the Toronto Bonsai Society, since he joined in 1969.
On June 18, 2015 at a Volunteer Service Awards Ceremony, Norman was pre-
sented with two certificates, and a 20 year lapel pin, by The Honourable David
Zimmer, Member of Provincial Parliament, who was acting for the Honourable
Michael Chan, the Ontario minister. This event should stimulate others to share
their love of the Art of Bonsai with others.
Norman is also a past member of BCI and has contributed as teacher and
artist to many of BCI activities.

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