I have been creating bonsai for 30 years, and was a member of the Toronto Bonsai Society for twenty three. I was very active in this club and served on the executive committee for all but three of those years, in various capacities including editor, show chairman, vice president, and president. I have given workshops and demonstrations at various locations across Canada and the U.S. At several bonsai conventions, I have been asked to be one of the headliners: 1997 BCI convention in Toronto; 2000/2004 Pacific Rim Bonsai Convention in Victoria, B.C. In both 2000 and 2001, a photo of one of my trees was judged to be in the top 100 of the “Japan Airlines World Bonsai Contest”.
Locally, since moving to the Island five years ago, I started a bonsai club in Qualicum Beach, meeting monthly at T.O.S.H.; to date there are approximately 25 keen members with new ones appearing regularly. I have demonstrated the Art of Bonsai at local venues, including Milner's “Art and Photography in the Garden”, and “Rhododendron Festival”; I have taught several Bonsai classes at Malaspina University/College; I have participated in Seedy Saturday twice, and given demos at local garden clubs and nurseries. Also, to help promote the Art of Bonsai, I have appeared on several TV stations, including Shaw Cable, the New VI, and Gord Nichol's National Gardening Show.
In the last year I have given workshops and demonstrations in Spokane WA. And in October went to Albuquerque in New Mexico to give three days of workshops and a “how to” demo. At the beginning of this year I was asked to open a Bonsai Studio at The Old School House “TOSH” in Qualicum Beach. I now give bonsai lessons, and have a full range of tools, pots, and material at this venue.
