I did not know Marion very well, but she leaves a big
void in her passing.
She subscribed to my newsletter for years. The first time I
ever saw her was as a
black robed assistant to Yuji Yoshimura as he performed a very
theatrical
lecture/demonstration on the creation of a three part saikei
planting in Atlanta for
the BCI 1981 convention. It was my first time to attend a
bonsai convention, and it
changed my world. Yuji created in his demonstration a three
part saikei representing
the seacoast, piedmont and mountain topography found in
Georgia's geography. It was
literally a dramatic departure from the usual lecture/demo.
Even though saikei are
not long term projects like bonsai, a lot was learned and it
was a great
experience. Marion and another assistant were dressed in black
robes like acolytes
and performed silently as Mr. Yoshimura made his presentation
with much attention to
staging and lighting. It was a creativity in presentation
rarely seen in bonsai
circles.

Probably not as acolytes. In Japanese drama (particularly Noh,
but in Kabuki, too) the stage hands who change the scenery are
robed in black from head to toe (even their tabi were black) on
the fantasy presumption that the audience can't or won't see them
as they come out in mid action to remove scenery (or a body),
etc. I'd guess that Yoshimura was emulating this aspect of
Japanese drama.

Jim Lewis - - Tallahassee, FL - Our life is
frittered away by detail . . . . Simplify! Simplify. -- Henry
David Thoreau - Walden

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jim,
i was at that same convention, and won part of the group planting. american
fantasy i think was the name. yuji blew me away. it was art. pure art. my
first real experience with bonsai as a performance art, but not my first time
with yuji.
thanks for stirring this memory of 2 great artists now passed.
harry

Harry Abel/Shinkigen...
a new beginning
we do not create the beauty, we only point out the beauty
God has created.
we are stewards of The Garden
bamboo artifacts for the garden and pond
hand carved lava water basins and free form lanterns
hosta bonsai bamboo japanese maples
garden design/build/management
770-434-9955h 678-462-7080 cell
www.shinkigen.com
psalm150
rock and roll





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++++Sponsored, in part, by Evergreen Gardenworks++++
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+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++