One of the very best Bonsai Exhibitions on the European circuit is now over again for another year - but what a weekend it was! Here is a brief overview of parts of the show from the EBPC perspective. Although an 18 hours round trip (driving) from London, the EBPC always supports this great event, which brings together friends, enthusiasts, and some of the best bonsai trees from across Europe. Set in beautiful French countryside, the exhibition is in one large open room, with huge vaulted ceiling beams like the hull of a ship, and high windows that allow light to flood in; perfect for viewing some of Europe's finest specimen bonsai and catching up with friends and other enthusiasts that visit from every corner of the globe! EBPC Trade StandThe EBPC trade stand, as in previous years, is quite imposing at 30ft in length and is beautifully positioned, directly opposite to exhibition trees, yet with maximum space for enthusiasts to browse in comfort. Pots by over 20 EBPC member potters were available on the stand, the main focus this year was on new pots by: Bryan Albright, Ian Baillie, Me & Raimondi, Guerao and Walsall Studio Ceramics. The EBPC had on offer a variety of fantastic new pots from many of europe's leading potters, and enjoyed a very fun and successful weekend trading. We would like to thank not only our customers, both returning and new, but also the fantastic EBPC potter members for creating such wonderful pots especially for the EBPC and its customers; many great pieces were snapped up, and we look forward to seeing more photographs soon in 'Trees in EBPC pots'! (Please don't forget to send them in! ) EBPC Focus: EBSS Exhibition trees in European made bonsai potsIn recent years at high level shows such as this, there has been a noticeable increase in the quality of not just the trees, but also the bonsai pots chosen. Many more bonsai artists and hobbyists are learning to appreciate the intricate attributes of high quality bonsai pots and the benefit of their appropriate use. This year, a large number of the trees in the exhibition were in high quality European bonsai pots, in addition to Japanese or antique Chinese containers, which made selecting the 'EBPC Best Match European Pot and Tree' winner a difficult task. After much deliberation however, three of the EBPC member potters and myself all agreed on the eventual outcome. A selection of the trees in European pots we admired or found interesting: Which were your favourite Pot / Tree combinations? EBPC Award for the 'EBSS Best Match Bonsai Pot and Tree 2019'This award focuses on the best combination of pot with tree, rather than the best tree or pot in themselves. Myself and 3 EBPC member potters were looking for a balanced harmonious coupling of tree and pot, whereby the pot enhances the overall image and characteristics of the tree, without being an overriding focal point in itself. As can be seen above, many of the trees were beautifully paired with their European pots, so this was a difficult call to make, however, each of the judges were in agreement on the winner - this beautiful Ulmus Carpinifolie in a shallow rectangular Bryan Albright bonsai pot by Martin Nielson of Denmark. An explanation of our thoughts ... - The width of the pot is perfect; it does not 'clash' with the foliage by being the same width, and as the tree is taller than it is wide, the pot width is less than the width of the foliage spread, and by just the right amount. - The shallow profile of this pot gives this composition a landscape impression of a tree in an open field. - The shallow pot depth also enhances the trunk of the tree. - The straight lines of the rectangle balance the composition and harmonise with the feminine characteristics of the tree. - This shape does not clash with the round foliage mass as a round pot might. - The soft glaze in blue with hints of light browns compliments beautifully the colours of the autumnal turning leaves. - The 'shibui' form of the pot, together with this soft yet vibrant glaze, do not overpower the tree - but act to emphasise the trunk and the beautiful colour within the well ramified foliage mass. The Trophy for this category was made by the fantastic potter; EBPC member, Sabine Besnard and depicts a 'pot & Prunus mume branch in flower,' sculpted from clay and mounted on a beautiful piece of hardwood, with laser inscribed lettering and the stamp marks of Sabine Besnard and the EBPC. We offer a huge thank you to Sabine for making this wonderful award, and congratulations to Martin, who not only won this award for this tree, but also that of 'Best Bonsaist', which takes into account the techniques and dedication required along the incredible 20 years journey in creating this bonsai from collected material. This has covered of course just a fraction of what was on offer at this great exhibition. As a trader it is hard to see or record all of the show, and I was unable to look in on for example the demonstrations by world-leading bonsai artists; Bjorn Bjorholm, Raffael Torres and Jan Culek, although im sure you will find many other blogs about those. There were also around 10 EBPC potter members trading themselves, and it was wonderful to catch up with them and our customers and friends from around Europe. A final thank you must go out to the incredible organisers of this event, Fred and Stephanie Chenal, whose tireless work throughout the year make it possible for so many to gain enjoyment from such a well organised and friendly event. ... See you next year! www.EuropeanBonsaiPotterCollective.com European Bonsai San Exhibition (EBBS) at Saulieu - Next weekend, the 12th/13th October 2019!!6/10/2019 The EBPC are very excited to be attending and supporting one of Europe's premiere shows, and one of our personal favourites - the EBBS in Saulieu France next weekend. This is an open hall exhibition with everything in one enormous room. The ex-cattle market has imposing vaulted ceiling beams and ample light flooding in, making it an ideal venue. This exhibition has improved year on year and the standard of trees, demonstrations and traders is superb. The organisers have also done an incredible job creating a show with a warm friendly atmosphere. With many of Europe's finest trees on show, and demonstrators on the level of Bjorn Bjorholm, Mauro Stemberg, and Jan Culek, including many other attractions (superb new EBPC pots for example!) this is a show not to be missed! A beautiful handmade EBPC trophy kindly made by leading ceramist Sabine Besnard of France will be awarded to the winner of the category 'Best European Bonsai Pot and Tree Combination'. The trophy is of an Ume branch in flower ,with a matching bowl on wood, and is laser etched and has both the stamps of Sabine and the EBPC. As with each year, the EBPC will also donate a prize for the increasingly popular 'Tombola raffle'. This year a stunning pot by the fantastic and highly skilled artist, Ian Baillie of Scotland will be donated and taken home by one lucky winner. We are especially excited about the EBPC trade stand this year, as we ave had some fantastic new pots in especially for this event, by some of the most sought after artists in Europe! .. Be sure to stop by the stand and say 'hi'! Thank you for reading and we hope to see you there!
Alex Trophy for best 'European Bonsai Pot / Tree combo'We are thrilled and honoured to be supporting the Bonsai San 2018 exhibition in France this October. In addition to trading some of Europe's best pots, we are also contributing to the Tombola raffle, and presenting the trophy for 'Best European Pot / Tree Combo'. The trophy is now finished and these great pictures from designer Nino in Croatia show the trophy off in all its glory. Nino does a lot of design work for Harry at Bonsai4Me.com and for the EBPC and as always, has risen to the challenge and smashed all expectations! EBSS (Bonsai San) has grown to become a leading European bonsai show, and one not to be missed. The friendly, open atmosphere, combined with a high level of trees and traders makes this a truly wonderful show! We wish the best of luck to, and thank everyone entering trees into the exhibition, and allowing the public the opportunity to see such great trees.
A huge thank you to Nino and Harry, and also to Fred & Stephanie for organising and hosting European Bonsai San Show! You do a phenomenal job! We look forward to seeing you all there! |
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