Page 52 - Tạp chí bonsai cây cảnh BCI 2016Q2

Creating

a Bonsai

Icon

Sculptor
Rick Gregg and

The Artisans Cup

Trophy

By Joe Grande,
Canada
Photographs courtesy
Rick Gregg Studio

The Artisan Cup Trophy, 2015, by ast autumn, bonsai artist Ryan Neil’s dream The crowning moment in any competition is when
Rick Gregg. Forged, fabricated of staging a national competition and ex- the awards are presented. It is at this moment that the
and welded steel, concrete hibit of American bonsai became a reality entire undertaking is embodied by the trophy—an
with walnut base, 30” h
with The Artisans Cup; expertly promoted, icon or symbol that will go on to represent the entire
Leagerly anticipated, and thoroughly enjoyed. Artisans Cup experience; past, present and future. It
For those who were there, it was a rich, sensory expe- is not surprising then, that Ryan Neil attended to this
rience that elevated bonsai to fine art. No detail was important detail by enlisting Rick Gregg, a sculptor
overlooked as team of professional exhibit designers, living in Portland, to create a trophy that would be a
graphic designers, copywriters, photographers, film work of art in itself.
makers and event planners collaborated to position Rick Gregg was introduced to metal working when
The Artisans Cup as a movement to promote Ameri- he was 16 years old and by the time he turned 20, he
can bonsai as a true art form. had his own studio and regular clients for his work.

50 | BCI | April/May/June 2016