September 28, 2015 - Dave DeGroot and Robert Cho - Chinese Windblown Demonstration

Dave DeGroot is a familiar face to the Puget Sound Bonsai Association.  Many in the bonsai community volunteered at the Pacific Rim Bonsai Collection while Dave was curator and he has been a presenter at PSBA club meetings many times over the past 25 years. 

Those of you who felt shell-shocked by the diversity of our presenter experiences over the past year have already marked your calendar for Dave’s signature bonsai presentation.  Keep your eraser handy.  Dave planned a much more exciting evening for you.

Dave DeGroot is classically trained, in several areas… music and bonsai.  Let’s stick to bonsai for brevity.  Dave managed and curated Weyerhauser’s bonsai collection for the past 25 years.  During that time he studied bonsai with Yasuo Mitsuya, Satsuki with Tatemori Gondo and Hayata Nakayama, and bonsai display with Uhaku Sudo.  His book “Basic Bonsai Design” is now in its fifth printing.  Dave has shared his knowledge generously with PSBA over the years and with the bonsai world.  He has traveled to Brazil, Canada, England, South Africa and Venezuela to enlighten bonsai enthusiasts in the care and styling of our favorite art form.  Although he has retired from the Museum, he hasn’t let the moss grow.  He has written another book, “Principles of Bonsai Design” soon to be released.  He is one of five judges at The Artisans Cup in Portland, Oregon, September 25-27. 

Dave has worked closely with Robert Cho over the years, creating a variety of bonsai styles.  Robert is the owner of Asia Pacific Gardening, a bonsai business in Renton.  He is knowledgeable about all styles of bonsai and travels internationally to bonsai shows and symposiums.  His trees are represented at the Pacific Bonsai Museum.

If you are expecting a traditional Japanese-style demonstration, broaden your vista.  Dave has been moving towards other styles.  David and Robert collaborated on a Chinese Windblown-style bonsai.  This was not a windswept style, with branches permanently shaped by persistent wind, but an upright tree that appears to be experiencing a strong wind at the moment.  It was not like anything we were familiar with; it was exotic and unusual.  You have to have the idea in mind, and the right material.  It was a fun and exciting evening!