Page 48 - Tạp chí bonsai cây cảnh BCI 2016Q1

commitment to the art of bonsai was there for all to see. During
the interactive discussions he acknowledged his teacher, Masa-
hiko Kimura, with whom he apprenticed for six long years. Ryan
redesigned two historically important Pines of the late Becky
Lewis, a pioneer of South African Bonsai, from the Stellenbosch
Arboretum. It was a pleasure to witness his complete respect for
the history of the trees as well its future health as he redesigned
the pines while also giving us invaluable tips on growing and
designing junipers and pines. He explained that the strength of
junipers lies in their foliage and that of pines in their roots. The
sessions were highly interactive and all information, from the
soil composition to branch selection and design aspects, were
freely exchanged.
François Jeker is well known for his artistic ability to create
deadwood on bonsai which is both natural and detailed, a tes-
timony to his being a great artist and painter. His approach to
the designing of trees is meticulous. He works steadily on the
bonsai down to the finest detail. François first worked on an olive
yamadori giving it an exciting basic design. He then selected and
worked on a well-established twin-trunk juniper which he refined
to create a beautifully styled bonsai. For his final demonstration
he chose a Chinese elm with good branching and ramification and
transformed it into an exquisite and well balanced tree by bringing
down the apex, carefully wiring the branches and meticulously
placing them in their appropriate positions. He supported his
designs with beautiful sketches. His work was really impressive
and showcased his complete dedication and systematic approach
to his work.
The convention in South Africa was supported by the World
Bonsai Friendship Federation for the very first time and to com-
memorate this occasion the directors of WBFF planted a forest

Top; Tony Tickle during a critique session on a Juniper planted on a unique
‘shovel’ container.
Middle; Ryan Neil’s demonstration on a Pinus radiata – a tree which is part of the
Stellenbosch Arboretum.
Bottom left; Francois Jeker demonstrated on a twin-trunk Juniperus chinensis.
Bottom right; WBFF Director Mr. Hiroshi Takeyama worked on a native Schotia
afra.

46 | BCI | January/February/March 2016