To quote Ryan Neil, “I think once you start practicing bonsai and bonsai gets inside you, you’ll never look at trees the same again.” Another quote in this video from The Artisan’s Cup, “A master is somebody who every single day tries to pursue perfection at their chosen endeavor.”

Here is a direct link to the video above: https://vimeo.com/119134995

Congratulations to all the artists that were accepted to participate in The Artisan’s Cup. Especially I want to congratulate Paul Pikel and other Florida artists: Louise Leister, Mike Lebanik, and Michael Feduccia who will be displaying their beautiful bonsai in Portland. (If I left anyone out, please forgive). The full list can be found on The Artisan’s Cup web site, as well as, a lot more information about the event. By the way, Joshua Roth is one of the sponsors of the Artisan’s Cup.

Some of you may recognize Paul’s name from his bonsai teaching videos on this web site. People often tell me they are really thankful that the videos are here. That tells me people want to learn more about bonsai. Although Paul no longer owns or runs OrlandoBonsai.com, you will always find any new videos he creates here as well as on OrlandoBonsaiTV which is his youtube site. Paul and I joined the Central Florida Bonsai Club around the same time and remain in close contact so your comments do get communicated.

So whether you have been bitten by the bonsai bug, are an avid enthusiast, a newbie, or hoping to become a master, we hope our web site is informative and helpful in your bonsai journey.

Enjoy bonsai and life.

Sandy Racinski, Orlando Bonsai

(As always, if you have a question or are looking for a particular tool, pot, tree or stand, please ask even if you don’t see it on the store. If we don’t have it, we may be able to find it for you).

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Paul Pikel has a new video that explains how to style a Podocarpus bonsai.  His pal Cosmo loves to watch him work especially when he’s preparing a tree he hopes to display at the Epcot Flower and Garden Show. Podocarpus is a common shrub in Florida so maybe you’ll want to try your hand at styling one of these too.

Click on the YouTube link below to watch.

http://youtu.be/GmRXw55caCw

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To do this I couldn’t think of a better place for me personally than to go back to where it all began for me.  The National Arboretum in Washington D.C.  So this past week end I hopped a plane to the nation’s capital to view the trees that inspired me so long ago…

This picture is a picture of me taking photos of the trees at the arboretum the very first time I saw them. It was 1996 and remember it like yesterday. The amazing feeling when I saw these perfect little trees was incredible and still haven’t lost that when I see a well done bonsai. It when then that I realized how special these trees are and how much emotion can be brought out from those viewing them. This is why I do bonsai.

This is a picture of me from this past week. My photo equipment has certainly become more expensive.  However my passion for these trees have never been so strong.  I know I have a long way to go, and the trees at the arboretum are a reminder to me of what can be accomplished over time.  I need to stay focused and remind myself of why I constantly work on my trees to improve their health, develop the branching, and bring out the emotions of those that will see them.

I may never create anything as spectacular as John Naka’s Goshen, but I think I’m okay with that.  We can’t all be the best, but we can certainly try and have fun along the way.  Just hang in there…

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Here are some highlights

Paul Pikel’s Blue Alps Juniper

Louise Leister’s Bald Cypress with visiting Herring

Jarbas Godoy’s Australian Pine moving into position

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Interview Page 1

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