Scott: Fair enough. I just wanted to alert you to the interest in the larger
story.
I am very interested in the archiving of bonsai history. I'm afraid that
too often we do not appreciate the need for it until it is too late. I suppose that
is not so different from the common failure to photograph a nondescript tree which
eventually is trained into a fine bonsai.
We have lost some of our bonsai pioneers, and others may not be with us
much longer. I would love to find someone interested in developing a grant for an
oral or video history project. It would make a fascinating thesis project for some
grad student.
I would also like to find a way for the NBF or similar permanent bonsai
facility to develop an electronic archival project for eventual subscription service
to the rest of us via the net. This type of project is a candidate for cooperative
networking with the Nippon Bonsai Association, the European Bonsai Association, and
other groups around the world. ]
Food for thought. The trick will be to find the manpower and funding, of
course.
Alan Walker, Lake Charles, LA, USA
http://LCBSBonsai.org http://bonsai-bci.com
--------------------------------------------------

"S. Clark" wrote:
Alan,
I didn't want to ramble on with the details. I didn't know how much space would be
devoted to any one particular feature so I had to provide the sound bytes only.
Actually, I want to start to look at the "heritage" bonsai that are being passed
down now from one generation to another. I look at local artists like Alex as sort
of the founding fathers of bonsai in the US. Many of these early bonsai pioneers
are passing their art to individuals and institutions. In fact, thanks to Mary
Bloomer, the Chicago Botanic Garden received several really wonderful trees she had
developed over the years.
I'll try to post some pictures in the IBC site. As I read the other
articles in the newsletter I see that many "heritage" are now becoming the seeds of
many new collections in the heartland and flyover country. I believe this process
will sow the seeds of interest and appreciation in bonsai and hence insure its
future in the American fabric. I'd be interested in seeing what is happening in
Europe and elsewhere. When I get more information I'll put together a little
article for BCI Magazine and try to keep a running series on this process, if there
is any interest. I think it's a huge story for us in the bonsai community,
certainly bigger than the newsletter can present in one setting. Thank you for your
interest.
Scott
--------------------------------------------------

"Alan Walker" wrote in message
...
Scott: I enjoyed your story about the bridge across time linking Alex and Susumu
Nakamura. Well crafted. However, I was left wanting to hear the rest of the story,
as Paul Harvey might say. Any plans for sharing the stories behind the story about
Nakamura's donations? Stories about the idea, the bonsai, the efforts and process
of getting approval to import them, selecting a curator, etc. are what I'd
like to hear/read.
Inquiring minds want to know! ;-)
Alan Walker, Lake Charles, LA, USA
http://LCBSBonsai.org http://bonsai-bci.com

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