8th U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition, Rochester, NY, USA, September 9-10, 2023

[canoeguide]

Reading some comments about the venue and event organization validates what I observed as a first-time attendee. It's very difficult to create something, and easy to criticize (whether that's a tree or an event), but some things should be addressed and modernized. I would gladly go back again this weekend if I could.

Every time I went back to look at this Azalea, there was someone standing in front of it, awestruck or talking about it.

 

[canoeguide]

When we display the concepts to conceptualized containerized environments we want higher quality to propel the art forward , the disproportionate amount of bonsai as this unattainable art for has its nuances and complexities that really add a confusing dimension of Planck constants for thermodynamics that can in turn show the kinetic and magnetic energy of a tree as it moves and shows it’s expression of intention of season, environments , age , and size .. with the additional plane of existence on the molecular level of cone cells in one’s eye the third eye can really unblock how we view bonsai in a way where the student and professional level are blurred out and there becomes a parabolic shift in reality- Ryan Neil .. jk

Is this AI-generated?

 

[Shogun610]

Is this AI-generated?

Nah just ball busting haha

 

[Wood]

When we display the concepts to conceptualized containerized environments we want higher quality to propel the art forward , the disproportionate amount of bonsai as this unattainable art for has its nuances and complexities that really add a confusing dimension of Planck constants for thermodynamics that can in turn show the kinetic and magnetic energy of a tree as it moves and shows it’s expression of intention of season, environments , age , and size .. with the additional plane of existence on the molecular level of cone cells in one’s eye the third eye can really unblock how we view bonsai in a way where the student and professional level are blurred out and there becomes a parabolic shift in reality- Ryan Neil .. jk

I may have a turboencabulator to sell you

 

[Vincent Tanner]

Reading some comments about the venue and event organization validates what I observed as a first-time attendee. It's very difficult to create something, and easy to criticize (whether that's a tree or an event), but some things should be addressed and modernized. I would gladly go back again this weekend if I could.

Every time I went back to look at this Azalea, there was someone standing in front of it, awestruck or talking about it.

That azalea was one of the most incredible trees I’ve ever seen.

 

[mwkohler]

Reading some comments about the venue and event organization validates what I observed as a first-time attendee. It's very difficult to create something, and easy to criticize (whether that's a tree or an event), but some things should be addressed and modernized. I would gladly go back again this weekend if I could.

Every time I went back to look at this Azalea, there was someone standing in front of it, awestruck or talking about it.

As I sat there waiting for a demo and noticing the sound wasn't good, I asked myself if I could pull off even 1% of the show. While I could have complaints, it's far harder to make it happen. All in in it was a good exhibition.

I found something in each of the trees that was interesting or pleasing; so many trees to take in. Was every tree award worthy, of course not, but that will be the case with every event world wide.

 

[rockm]

Not at all, I’m throwing out ideas to improve the show and pointing out flaws. You’re replying with eye rolls, which seems like you’re the one that’s irritated.

The reason I'm irritated--You're being disingenuous. A while back you basically said the competition was fixed. That kind of thing is not really constructive, especially when it's based on some remark from an unattributed third party.

There are a few possible explanations for what you may have heard. One being that the judging was done prior to the show, from submitted photographs that were probably backed by first-hand viewing at the site. You really think that over 100 trees were evaluated onsite in one day? Don't like the judging process?, say that. That is certainly valid. That's constructive. Implying it's a rigged competition is in another territory.

That kind of innuendo can kill reputations and the show. If you have actual evidence of the judging being fixed, lay it out.

 

[Sansokuu]

If folks were complaining about the quality of trees, maybe the nearly complete absence of trees form the West Coast has something to do with that, seeing as how past year deciduous winners came from Oregon. When Mirai announced no cover wagon in time for Nationals everyone over here didn’t bother figuring out a Plan B to get their trees to the show, and perhaps Bill was more lenient in what he accepted.

As for the Mirai rant, sounds like a self-fulfilled prophecy imo and not terribly fair, though it also isn’t the first time I have heard complaint about tree quality (just seems like more criticism of it this year).

 

[Ruddigger]

I never said the word “fixed.”

 

[rockm]

I never said the word “fixed.”

No, but you certainly implied it.

 

[Ruddigger]

I just repeated what the gentleman said. They had trees they wanted to win and they just slotted them into a category. Which explains some of the discrepancies in awards. Do you think that procumbens was best display? It was caddywompus in the pot with the stand at an odd angle.

 

[coh]

In typical Neil fashion it was exceedingly verbose. I wont try to recap it here, at risk of @rockm hunting me down.

He mostly fell along the same lines I did though, plus he added the idea of a professionals only show where things could get really crazy.

You seem to have a lot to say on this topic, but this is where you draw the line? Why even bring it up if you're not going to give some details.

Anyone else here see the stream? I used to be a mirai member but dropped it a couple of years ago.

 

[coh]

If folks were complaining about the quality of trees, maybe the nearly complete absence of trees form the West Coast has something to do with that, seeing as how past year deciduous winners came from Oregon. When Mirai announced no cover wagon in time for Nationals everyone over here didn’t bother figuring out a Plan B to get their trees to the show, and perhaps Bill was more lenient in what he accepted.

As for the Mirai rant, sounds like a self-fulfilled prophecy imo and not terribly fair, though it also isn’t the first time I have heard complaint about tree quality (just seems like more criticism of it this year).

How far in advance did this (no covered wagon) become known to people? Was it a last minute decision or something that was known for months or longer? Did a truck break down or something, not enough trees, just wondering why they decided not to do it this year.

 

[RosePastry]

That azalea was one of the most incredible trees I’ve ever seen.

A have to agree. It was my first time seeing a real azaleea bonsai that was that good

 

[Vincent Tanner]

A have to agree. It was my first time seeing a real azaleea bonsai that was that good

I helped a local club member prune the flowers / fruits off their much, much smaller azalea and it took forever. I can’t imagine dead heading that monster azalea.

 

[Ruddigger]

I helped a local club member prune the flowers / fruits off their much, much smaller azalea and it took forever. I can’t imagine dead heading that monster azalea.

For real. That thing was insane. Most impressive azalea I’ve seen in person.

 

[Shogun610]

As I sat there waiting for a demo and noticing the sound wasn't good, I asked myself if I could pull off even 1% of the show. While I could have complaints, it's far harder to make it happen. All in in it was a good exhibition.

I found something in each of the trees that was interesting or pleasing; so many trees to take in. Was every tree award worthy, of course not, but that will be the case with every event world wide.

oh damn I thought you were spitting a Gangstas Bonsai Paradise but using lyrics for the National Show

 

[Shogun610]

As I walk through the art of Bonsai's life, I take a look at my tree and realize, It's been pruned and trained in so many ways, In the Bonsai world, I spend my days.

I'm a Bonsai artist, tending to my green, With the National Bonsai Exhibition on the scene, In Rochester, NY, where the magic unfolds, Where the stories of Bonsai are proudly told.

Bonsai's Paradise, where beauty's found, In the heart of nature, we cultivate the ground, In the National Bonsai Exhibition's grace, Bonsai's Paradise, this sacred

We nurture our trees, with patience and care, In this miniature world, we're aware and rare, From the roots to the branches, every detail precise, In this Bonsai's Paradise, where dreams take flight.

In Rochester, we gather, enthusiasts so true, At the exhibition, where the Bonsai dream grew, From maple to pine, in pots small and grand, In this Bonsai's Paradise, we all understand.

Bonsai's Paradise, where beauty's found, In the heart of nature, we cultivate the ground, In the National Bonsai Exhibition's grace, Bonsai's Paradise, this sacred place.

We celebrate the art, tradition, and skill, In this Bonsai's Paradise, where passions instill, With scissors and wire, we shape and we mold, In the National Bonsai Exhibition's story, we're told.

So join us in Rochester, where Bonsai thrives, In this paradise of art, where our spirit revives, With respect for nature, we stand side by side, In the Bonsai world, our hearts open wide.

Bonsai's Paradise, where beauty's found, In the heart of nature, we cultivate the ground, In the National Bonsai Exhibition's grace, Bonsai's Paradise, this sacred place.

 

[mwkohler]

oh damn I thought you were spitting a Gangstas Bonsai Paradise but using lyrics for the National Show

Good idea ...

Glad I got beat to it

 

[Forestcat]

I attended multiple National Bonsai Exhibitions since 2012 and over the years the issues are the same; there haven't been any improvements.

There are some extremely good trees and some that don't belong there. I asked years ago why; and the answer is that the organizer has political commitments or business commitments with customers or donors.

One of my friends got a tree accepted and drove 12 hours to get her tree to the exhibition. Her tree was rejected by the organizer. The organizer was running out of room and gave preference to other trees (lower quality) due to his political and business commitments.

This year one participant got 5 different shohin displays accepted. They were excellent? not really but he has political influence as past president of ABS. There is a tendency in the US of quantity vs quality.

I drove 12 hours to get to the exhibition to see the vendors and support their business. What I hear from the organizer on Friday? he was telling people if you are not a vendor you have to leave, the show will be open tomorrow.

I invest my time and money to buy the best stuff and that usually sells out on Friday when the vendors are setting up.

I don't know if there will be a National Show in the future as the organizer and his support crew are getting very old.

This year the awards presentation was dysfunctional and an embarrassment. The ABS President walked to the stage presented an Award, but it wasn't her turn to do that.

The organizer needs help, a ton of help to setup a professional organized event.

There are signs that this event is losing support from the Bonsai professionals like Ryan Neal and Kathy Shaner. It was nice to see that Tyler Sherrod, Boon, Suthin and Bjorn are supporting the event.

A positive thing is that the Bonsai community is evolving, growing, more diversified, younger, energetic and with new ideas.

They are not losing support from Bonsai Mirai. Ryan couldn't be there because of a prior commitment.