Bonsai Workshop Design

[leatherback]

Hi All,

I know several of you host workshops. Recently I have started to give workshops -better said, I have been approached several times to host workshops, and have answered positively-. I however feel that maybe I am not delivering what is expected. So .. Over to you: If you go to a workshop, what do you expect from a facilitator?

I am currently approaching it from the perspective, everybody works their own material. At the start of the workshop I will discuss with the owner what routes for development, and the work that could be done is, in a public group-fashion. after that everyone works on their trees, and I walk around, discuss, reflect and help with techniques.
In principle, I do not work for any extended amount of time on individual trees.

This however does mean the participants in part walk away with trees that could be much better, were it not for the skills of the participant. If I were to jump in and do part of the work, the tree could be pushed further in the session. But is this what people expect? How do you see this?

 

[BrianBay9]

To me a workshop is an opportunity to learn techniques and styling. If I want a professional to do work on my tree I would expect to hire that person for that purpose. I don't learn as much if I don't use my own hands.

 

[pandacular]

When I go to a workshop, what I’m hoping for is some high level vision on a tree and a little guidance getting there. I have a few coming where I have set aside some of my higher quality (raw/largely unstyled) trees to be worked at a workshop or 1-on-1 with a professional, and the big thing I hope to get is a direction, a path to follow. Technique is nice, but I’m not expecting hands on instruction in a workshop of 6-12 people.

It would be good to have an idea of how experienced the participants are; in some cases, they may all be very experienced and are looking more for collaboration, while in others they may be looking for more of a lesson.

Overall, I think folks go to workshops to work on their own trees under guidance from an expert, not to have their trees worked by an expert. If they wanted that, they would just hire out the work.

 

[Michigan Tree Murderer]

In a class I appreciate the teachers opinion on different styles and techniques. If they're able to show me what they mean without physically touching the tree, that's fine. If they end up grabbing the wire or scissors and doing it themselves (to show me) that's fine if it stops at one branch. If they start doing more, I'll insert myself and take it from there. I'm learning after all, and I learn by doing.

Some of the tree specific classes I've been to the teacher has an example tree to show the class the technique before we do it ourselves on our tree, which I find super helpful . If it's a free style bring your own tree class then I don't expect any assistance other than advice and their expertise. I'd say I'm happy with 20% teacher hands on and 80% hands off.

 

[NateDyk47]

If I go to a workshop, I want guidance on techniques, suggested care going forward, etc. I expect to do the vast majority of work myself, and only have the instructor step in if I really have no idea how to do something. Some one-on-ome time is good, but I also want a decent amount of time to myself to do the work the instructor suggested.

This all applies whether I'm bringing my own tree or buying one as part of the workshop. As others have said, I'm mostly looking for a learning experience.

 

[pandacular]

Another thing I want out of a workshop is getting a peak at the advice that is given to others. Bonsai may seem like a solitary art, but it’s anything but; we can’t be prepared for every possibility with our own collections, and must be open to learning from others. A workshop is one of the best settings for this!

 

[Deep Sea Diver]

IMO it seems most folks are mostly looking for two things from a pro.

1. A vision for each tree if not already nailed down. Dynamic or passive etc.

It often happens that especially new and intermediate folks just need guidance to help them make the very best out of a tree within their skill level… and that’s the rub as each person’s skill level is different.

So the pro needs to be able to create a vision for the tree and also define what’s within the owners present capabilities for the workshop….

Then connect and monitor progress with each individual.

Finally in the same vein, the very best pros ensure folks know and understand the next steps towards completing and/or polishing off their design. Even if it means participants bring a notebook and write these down. This takes time and in my experience only about a 1 in 5 are really good at this… or too tired to do so.

2. Help learning the actual techniques needed to achieve the vision.

Alot has already been said about this.

Finally… For the very few more experience folks present…. Help facilitate a discussion with on how to create an aesthetic which will embed affect in their design. In other words, make the bonsai speak to a viewer.

btw: We are all very proud of you @leatherback and wish you the very best in your endeavors!

Cheers
DSD sends

 

[WNC Bonsai]

I went to a shimpaku workshop about 4 years ago and came away disappointed. Then a few weeks later I learned more about shimpaku in a 20 minute video by Bjorn than in that 3 hour workshop. Part of the reason was I knew nothing about shimpaku to start with, their biology, design concepts, and how far to push the styling. So first you need to be very up front about what the participants should know coming into the class and focus your presentation at either a beginner, intermediate or advanced level. Also I would break workshops down into either teaching or hands on bring your own tree type. Even at the beginner level there would likely be some hands on by you but for the most part the participants need to get a feel for it.

 

[Millard B.]

I have to agree with DSD that a person giving a workshop should make a sketch of the future plans for the chosen tree, it really helps to be able to go back to the sketch to see if the progress on the tree is close to the Master's future vision. When I first joined the Bonsai Society of the Palm Beaches in 1979 my first workshop was with an elderly grey haired gentleman who made a sketch of my 25 year pld Bucida spinosa for his vision of it's final structure. He made this sketch on an artist's full size sketching notebbook. When he came back three years later I brought the sketch to compare my progress for his vision, he was happy, the Master was John Naka, a very humble man, $25 for a 4 hour workshop! When we get a high caliber traveling Master I like to wrap a tiny piece of 1 gauge wire to signify points on my tree to make cuts and show the apex... I find that I learn much more at workshops when I sign up as an observer rather than a participant as I can follow the Master around the room to see their thought process in visually dissecting each tree on each tree's future plans.. Last October I attended an all day workshop with Suthin in Ft. Lauderdale, I brought several of my top shelf trees, when it was my turn I listened carefully to his advice and thought process. My best tree was a yamadori collected Bald Cypress given 3 years to regenerate it's health. This is a one in 10 million tree with a 6" trunk with a 90 degree bend at 30" , a Total Windswept Style, collected just north of Daytona where the 2004 back to back Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne hit two weeks apart with 125 mph winds. It got crushed as a sapling from a fallen Pinus elliottii. I showed it to a friend who I respect for his knowledge and he suggested that I cut most of the 90 degree off and re-grow it. I disagreed and left it grow another year.Suthin and my vision for the tree was almost the same with the exception that his new new apex be one branch higher, and to eliminate the balancing branch going against the visual flow, he is correct. When I give a workshop I start my dialog by saying " There are Too many Mediocre Bonsai", my own included. The best bonsai are developed by clip and grow, clip and grow,.........to get exceptional taper and balance. Just my humble opinion!
I'm going on a BC dig with Treasure Coast B.S.on Adams Ranch on 1/27/24 on a 58,000 acre cattle ranch, can't wait!
DSD, BTW I commercially scuba dove spearfishing and catching Spiny Lobster for 19 years, a hard way to make a living!

 

[HENDO]

Are you asking people who host workshops, or also people who attend workshops?

Are you referring to material-specific / plant provided workshops, or Bring Your Own Plant?

I've seen the amount of artist involvement vary greatly depending on the number of participants, and workshop duration. The artist is pretty much always working with somebody on their tree in some way. I had one artist sit there on his phone for half of the time and did not appreciate it, if that gives you my general opinion.

 

[Deep Sea Diver]

BTW I commercially scuba dove spearfishing and catching Spiny Lobster for 19 years, a hard way to make a living!

It is a tough way to make a living for sure! Good on ya.

Yet it did take me all around the world from the Arctic to Antarctica and many places in between for 20+ years. Retired now, I only pleasure dive in nice (mostly) dive boats in various nooks and crannies, mainly in the Pacific. Next scheduled trip in a couple months is southern Indonesian. Gotta love that.

Best
DSD sends

 

[leatherback]

Such a great comunity we have here. Thank you so much for all the views. Most of which seem to come together along the lines of.. Assist where people really need a pointer, but most of the time, hands of participants trees.

I do bring sketching materials, that is however a skill I really need to improve. Very jealous of some of the artists that wham out a perfect sketch in seconds. I can only rough indications in minutes. So there I need to sit down at home and sketch 200 trees .

It would be good to have an idea of how experienced the participants are

Very good point. My second workshop ever ended up being with a club where half the members had build / owned exhibition level trees. It was a bit of a surprise / shock! Yet another workshop I did I was told the evening beforehand: All participants are firsttime bonsai interested. So we will ensure there are trees, wire and everything, you just guide them into making the starter trees into bonsai. Very different shocker!

looking for two things

OK, good to see this.

We are all very proud of you @leatherback and wish you the very best in your endeavors

Not sure why proud, but thank you!

the Master was John Naka, a very humble man

Been re-reading his books yesterday, as inspiration to put together a new startersbook for my club. And using his drawing to learn better sketching. Still some of the best materials on bonsai design I can find. Including some things that we find controversial now (e.g., Repotting of trees in summer is explicitly included in his books)

My best tree was a yamadori collected Bald Cypress given 3 years to regenerate it's health. This is a one in 10 million tree with a 6" trunk with a 90 degree bend at 30" , a Total Windswept Style,

Is there a thread on this tree? I feel there should be

 

[czaczaja]

You pretty much got it spot on. In simple terms, a workshop should serve as a transfer of knowledge. People go to workshops to learn new and correct techniques and get some 'tribal knowledge' from you.
Depending on your kindness you can provide some wire and nursery material (if you happen to run a nursery) but in your case, I would only expect you to provide knowledge. It's in my best interest to retain this knowledge in the best possible way. Whether its taking notes, sketching things, following along your demo or just memorizing stuff.

 

[RoadManDenDron]

I would just like to add that in UK workshops I have attended there has always been a mix of abilities and the facilitator often is more 'hands on' with less experienced and less hands on with the more experienced.

So they are started in the right path and checked on afterwards, usually explaining what was done well whilst adjusting branches and summing up why they have been moved.

This means the trees leave in a much better state than they maybe would have previous.

 

[Millard B.]

I will endeavor to figure out how to post photos of the Frances -Jeanne Hurricane Bald Cypress off my phone onto this site, she has extremely radical movement, but it all works! It would have been ashamed to cut it back to where my friend suggested. On a yamadori I try to use as much of what nature has created in the finished tree. Next will be a custom designed 15 gallon directional bonsai pot. I am a technologically hobbled retired plumbing contractor, a fairly decent plumber, a bad "techie". I made a cheat sheet showing what buttons to push in what sequence to post the photos. I don't know where I put it. I ran into the head "Bonsai Nut" at the Kannopolis Winter Silhouette Show, he said there was a tutorial in flux for the process of transferring photos onto "Bonsai Nut". Once I do it a couple dozen times it will become "old hat". My life is in turmoil right now as my girlfriend checked herself into a female alcohol rehab back in Oct after getting raped at gunpoint, she is coming home the end of next week, once she gets settled both of us are signing up for a Krav Maga Class in self defense, this can happen to any of us.

 

[Pitoon]

Have you considered taking a workshop yourself similar to what you will be offering and use that as a baseline. Take note of topics missed or what you would have liked covered and incorporate that into your workshop.

It will be easier if you can group the attendees by their experience level. Also make it clear up front what they will need for the workshop and have it available the day of as people always forget something.

 

[brentwood]

One workshop I attended had us all looking at our individual trees at a center table while the tree's owner and the artist discussed the tree - vision for it, issues with the tree, plan to get there, etc. We worked individually after that, but that first part was most interesting part to me - got to go thru that exercise 6-7 times with different trees, learned a lot about decision making, saw more in trees after that.
B

 

[River's Edge]

Workshop considerations that I feel are important! Instruction or Entertainment/ Promotion ? What is the groups focus? Are they hoping to attract new membership, grow the club or is the focus on increasing knowledge and skill base . Does that match with how the activity is organized?
1. Number of participants if techniques are to be taught, demonstrated and practiced. ( prefer smaller numbers) This is key to how well other aspects of the experience can be carried out. Clubs often focus on fund raising and tend to encourage larger numbers.
2. Time available to work with individuals for guidance, oversight of their practice of skills or execution of tasks.
3. Organization of instructional material, on site demo material, follow up material for participants to take home and reference!
4. Opportunity for discussion, individual questions and actual working time for participants.
5. Control over the quality and condition of the workshop material if provided.
Could list details for a considerable length of time down to availability of technology for presentation and condition of presentation areas. As a presenter it is important to understand and set reasonable expectations if the groups goals are to be met.
I have found the most positive experiences seem to be when smaller groups receive instruction in a setting that allows for discussion and practice of the material being taught. Highest level of interest is when the participants get to work on their own material and can receive guided practice and feedback throughout the workshop. It is also very much appreciated when they have a plan forward and directions to follow. Plus the option to connect with instructor if questions arise.

Separate note: smaller groups can allow for a wider variation in experience and content which has a higher chance of meeting each participants needs. Plus the activity of being able to observe, participate in the other persons Tree's very much provides a richer experience for all involved!
So for a workshop with a combination of Instruction, practice and participation I prefer 6 to 8 participants/ per 4 hour workshop. For more advanced material or lengthy technique instruction, similar numbers and more time.
Outline for basic Workshop
1. Instructional content, demo of technique, process, or topic. Handout to reference the instructional content after the event.
2. Guided practice for the participants.
3. Equal time spent with the participants.
4. Provision of support/ solutions to the participants. ( instructor sharing knowledge of resources outside of the particular topic) Q&A
5. Follow up. review and or opportunity to take the project further. ( series of workshops over time to continue the progress or development of the trees)

In short, careful planning with a variety of presentation and practice. Participants learn in a variety of ways.

 

[kauaibonsai]

 

[sevan]

My local club meetings are always followed by a workshop. These usually have 6-8 participants. In my experience, the facilitator has been mostly hands off, asking lots of probing questions to understand what the participant is trying to accomplish and providing feedback. As a participant, I have gotten very little out of these because my trees are mostly in early development, so I don't sign up anymore, but sometimes stay and listen.

I have also attended some all day sessions with a smaller group where the instructor was much more hands on. As a newer learner, these were much more useful, but it also meant long stretches of watching her work on other trees. Again, this is because my trees are not very advanced, so I didn't have much to do on my own between my turns. Those with more refined trees could be given a detailed example of what to work on and then spend the next hour working independently while the instructor moved on.

So it seems to me the biggest challenge with leading workshops might be inexperienced participants with material that mostly just needs to grow. In that situation, there's very little work to be done and the trees might not look much different at the end.

I will add that I get a lot from your YouTube channel. I particularly like that you record multiple segments over an extended period of time and post as a single video to show the results of your work over time, rather than just posting each video right away.