2006 Program Chairman Cheryl Sykora has planned our first meeting around a topic that is fast growing in interest and popularity in this country - the appreciation of viewing stones, a practice that came from Asia but is spreading around the world, often as a companion art to our own hobby of keeping bonsai.
You might be more used to referring to viewing stones by the Japanese word "suiseki" which is found in the titles of many of the current books on the subject - some books are shown at the end of a December issue article (passwords allbonsai/asleep) that also has instant links to Felix Rivera's website and several other places to view suiseki on the web.
This will be one of those interactive meetings where YOU have a chance to join the fun, by bringing your favorite (or most unusual) viewing stones to be displayed for everyone's enjoyment - and be prepared to say a few words about them too. Where, how, what, and why. Our leaders for the evening will be Norma Amundsen and Chip Sperry, with Bud Hostetler ready to answer your questions about "daiza" - the all-important stands that elevate a "pretty stone" to "viewing stone" status. The fun begins at 7:30, but remember to come early for some midwinter socializing.
"Picking up pebbles by the river
is never wasted time." - Andy Smith, Golden Arrow Bonsai |
