After my visit to Sal’s workshop, we went on to view Sal’s Bonsai Garden. I learned that Sal’s interest in Bonsai began at a very young age when he lived in southern California. He went to the County Fair in Pomona when he was approximately 16 and saw small trees that mesmerized him. He found a nursery in San Gabriel that taught Bonsai Classes where he took instruction and then continued classes in Upland. Years passed and he continued to study on his own.
When he moved to Chico, he learned that there was a Bonsai Club. Thus began his study with Barbara Walters, club president at the time, and her friend Kathy Shaner. He has been a member since attending classes taught by these two women.
Sal feels that the club’s workshops are very valuable and well worth the money. Sal attended a workshop when Julian Tsai was last here and felt he was very approachable and spoke on a novice to expert level.
Sal suggested that monthly club meetings be approached with the beginner in mind. It is sometimes difficult for beginners to grasp the technical information covered at club meetings. The basics could be taught in groups by mentors and kept to no more than five students per mentor. Students would learn the process better if they worked on their own tree under the direction of a mentor. He feels that with so many goals set by the club, the beginner often gets left behind.
I really enjoyed the opportunity to see Sal’s wood and bonsai work spaces. For him the techniques of Bonsai are an ongoing process that will last a lifetime.
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