Within the newest episode of the Bonsai
Time Podcast, Kevin and Ryan welcome Dennis Makashima. Dennis has been a
witness and energetic participant in bonsai historical past as he realized
from lots of the greats of California Bonsai and even inherited
a lot of their bushes. Though Dennis is a second-generation Japanese American,
he discovered himself drawn into the identical line of labor as many Japanese have been at
that point – gardening and aesthetic tree pruning. That is what finally drew
him into bonsai and ultimately a bonsai apprenticeship in Japan. In the end
Dennis’ personal contributions to the artwork stand proud as he taught aesthetic tree
pruning at Merritt Faculty and served as president for the Golden State Bonsai
Federation. Dennis additionally went into nice element relating to how he labored to
enhance GBSF throughout his tenure for the golf equipment and native scene. We hope you
get pleasure from his many BS tales as a lot as we did!
Dennis Makashima is a long-time pillar of the Bay Space and the higher
California bonsai scene. We’re grateful for his time and for sharing his
experiences! You’ll be able to be taught extra about Dennis’ life story in his upcoming
autobiographical e book “Mr. Omoshiori: Journal of a Sansei Child Boomer and Bonsai Sensei“. The e book will come out in early 2024 and is being revealed by the
Zentoku Basis.
PART 1 – The video model is accessible right here*:
*Take a look at our new YouTube channel!
PART 1 – Podcast model obtainable right here:
PART 2 – 11/8/2023
PART 3 – coming 11/15/2023
Dennis Makashima’s Bonsai Accomplishments
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At one level, artist and photographer Takeshi Moro requested Dennis if he might {photograph} his bonsai for an exhibit. That is the results of that work. The entire bushes pictured have been owned by Dennis. The prints are obtainable right here. |
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Prior to now few years, Dennis determined to public sale all his bonsai off to the California neighborhood in order that he might guarantee they might proceed to be well-cared for past his time. Particulars from final 12 months’s public sale have been printed on one native bonsai membership web site right here. |
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| One other image of Dennis on the bonsai public sale. |
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Dennis and his bonsai assortment. Many have been grown by him and plenty of additionally have been handed right down to him by prior bonsai old-timers in California which he then continued to look after and assist their evolution however he stated he largely saved the custom of “benign neglect” and the distinctive fashion that created. Image sourced from a information article about Dennis. |
Dennis Makashima’s Niwaki / Aesthetic Panorama Tree Pruning
Amongst Dennis’ many accomplishments, he additionally
was a founder and instructor for the Lake Merrit Faculty Aesthetic Pruning Membership
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This text
has some nice footage of Dennis from again within the day! We couldn’t obtain
the photographs so they don’t seem to be reproduced right here. The Pruning Membership continues to be going
robust over 30 years later. Dennis’ work on the faculty has even led to different
college students, akin to
Yuki Nara,
turning into skilled panorama tree pruners within the space.
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| Dannis pruning a giant pine niwaki. |
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A big niwaki Japanese Black Pine styled by Dennis Makashima in his heyday. What a tree! Image sourced from a information article about Dennis. |
Dennis Makashima & His Backyard At this time
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Though his backyard has much less bonsai in it, there are nonetheless some enjoyable finds there! Dennis has many rocks and collectible figurines scattered round. |
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| Dennis and some different long-time California bonsai members! |
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Dennis Makashima and our new co-host Kelly Lui, sporting a Faris Landscaping and Design shirt by our personal Kevin Faris! |
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| Thanks for all you’ve got achieved to maintain American bonsai Dennis! |
