The 2018 Lone Star Bonsai Federation’s Annual Convention “Blooming Bonsai” was hosted by the Longview, Bonsai Society and was held on April 20-22, 2018.
Guest Artists
“Bonsai” Boon Manakitivipart
(California)
Boon’s passion is bonsai education—both learning and teaching. He had the privilege to train with one of the most famous bonsai masters in Japan. As part of his training, Boon helped set up and work every major Japanese bonsai show. His goal today is to share his bonsai expertise and knowledge with other bonsai enthusiasts through his teachings (see tips). He sponsors study groups and workshops across America. Personalized workshops and intensive classes are held at his studio in northern California. Boon gets great satisfaction when his students attain success. Several have become acclaimed bonsai artists and teachers in their own right. Boon has won numerous national and international awards for his work on bonsai. He is known for his innovative techniques, unique bonsai styling and creative teaching methods.
Rodney Clemons
(Georgia)
Rodney Clemons and his wife Charlie are the owner/operators of Allgood Bonsai, in Stone Mountain, Georgia. The nursery specializes in Kingsville boxwood and grows a variety of other species. Rodney is a well-known speaker / teacher and enjoys his travel opportunities in sharing his passion for bonsai as well as workshops and private sessions at Allgood Bonsai. He curates two public collections and strives to help elevate the quality and advancement of bonsai in the US. He was captivated by bonsai in 1973 when he saw a Trident maple forest that struck chords in his heart and artistic nature. Bonsai has been his passion since that time. Rodney is a bonsai artist and instructor. He was a professional landscaper, specializing in Japanese gardens and natural water features. His work has developed his sensitive eye and skill with rock and plant placement, which adds realism to his bonsai creations. He is best known for his unique “rock plantings” and his love of “Kingsville” boxwood. When teaching his remarks are delivered with a liberal dose of humor.
Mike Lane
(Florida)
I began in Bonsai in 2008 after receiving a small juniper as a gift and finding myself fascinated with it. The tree, as most first bonsai do, died and I was left wondering why. I wanted to try again but on something a bit more substantial. I researched bonsai in my area and was pleased to learn that Wigerts Bonsai Nursery was conveniently located within a 20-minute drive. I met Erik Wigert, and expressed both my admiration and desire to learn this Art from him. Originally I was told that there was no position at the nursery. I decided to essentially show my persistence by taking every class the nursery offered and spending all of my weekends there. One day, during class, Erik approached me and told me to report for duty the following Saturday. My approach to bonsai is unique in my appreciation of the global distribution of Bonsai and the diverse aesthetics that have become established as bonsai takes its place on the world stage. Essentially, the difference between Japanese Bonsai, and the Bonsai produced around the world.
