A Glorious Day for Bodhi – The Chennai Bonsai Association!

By Dr. Yogesh.

We had the honor of being invited by ABK Dosokai Japanese Language School to present and demonstrate the art of bonsai as part of their 50th Golden Jubilee celebrations.

The event saw a packed and enthusiastic audience, primarily young college students from across Chennai. We began with a PowerPoint presentation covering the benefits, history, styles, maintenance, and care of bonsai.

The highlight of the session was a live demonstration where we transformed a beautiful casuarina into a promising bonsai, showcasing the techniques and patience involved in this art form. The students’ keen interest and interactive participation made the session even more engaging.

Overall, it was a fantastic day of sharing knowledge and spreading the love for bonsai within the communiy.

Zen Garden & Bonsai Display at Madras Art Guild

 By Dr. Yogesh

The Madras Art Guild hosted an art festival at VR Mall, Chennai, featuring a diverse range of artistic expressions, including murals, photography, clay art, and paintings. The Bodhi Bonsai Club was specially invited to present a Zen garden and bonsai display, which captivated visitors and received high praise. The event was inaugurated by the Japanese Consul, adding cultural significance to the occasion. The festival attracted art enthusiasts who appreciated the creativity and craftsmanship on display.

Summary of Bodhi Monthly Meeting – February

 The Bodhi Monthly Meeting for February centered around the theme of Bonsai and Rocks, exploring the artistic and natural synergy between the two elements.

Key Highlights of the Meeting:

1. Discussion on the Role of Rocks in Bonsai:

The session began with insights into how rocks complement bonsai, both aesthetically and structurally.

Topics such as root-over-rock (Sekijoju) bonsai, landscape-style bonsai (Penjing), and suiseki appreciation were discussed.

The importance of rock selection based on texture, color, and natural form was emphasized.

2. Hands-on Rock Arrangement Activity:

All members participated in a practical session, where they created their own compositions using a few selected rocks.

This interactive exercise allowed members to explore different arrangements, balance, and visual harmony.

It provided a deeper understanding of how rocks can be positioned effectively to enhance a bonsai or landscape setting.

3. Display of Various Rocks:

A curated display of different types of rocks was arranged, showcasing variations in shape, size, and texture.

Members had the opportunity to examine the rocks closely, discuss their origins, and understand their suitability for different bonsai styles.

Some unique and rare rock specimens were also presented, sparking interest among attendees.

Overall, the meeting was a blend of theory and practice, helping members gain a hands-on experience with rock arrangements while appreciating the role of rocks in bonsai artistry.

Trip to Kolathur

By Sheela Babu

As bonsai enthusiasts we often find ourselves searching for the perfect materials to bring our miniature landscapes to life. So Bodhi bonsai club decided to make a trip to Kolathur famed for its streets of aquariums, stones and driftwood stores.

We met up at 10:30 AM on the dot and began a search for the treasures we were looking for. It was no doubt a treasure trove of lovely smooth colourful rounded stones, while others were rugged and jagged, perfect for mimicking natural landscapes in a bonsai pot. We also explored for driftwoods, gnarled and twisted pieces of wood which where absolutely fascinating. Raw organic beauties ideal for creating striking aaccents or for tanukies.

We were like enthusiastic young kids, hopping from one shop to another hunting for pieces of nature. We where not disappointed at all. We loaded our cars with these beautiful elements of nature; stones, driftwoods, sand and even ornamental fish by some members

After the purchases, some of the members gathered at Aachie eating joint, while others returned home totally satisfied with their valuable picks. I would recommend this place for all bonsai lovers to draw inspiration from these natural beauties to enhance their art of bonsai. I am sure this won’t be our last visit to Kolatur.