About Q1 2025

The 13th Liuzhou Viewing Stone Festival & BCI International Landscape Bonsai Invitational Convention was a feast for the senses and the soul. From the moment attendees arrived, they were greeted with warm smiles, a rich program of events, and artistry that inspired many. The creative brilliance of Chinese Bonsai and Penjing masters shone brightly, setting the tone for a gathering celebrating tradition, innovation, and the bonds uniting us as a global bonsai community.

This issue brings you the reflections of authors who were there to experience it all firsthand, each offering a unique perspective shaped by their personal journeys in the art of bonsai.

Dr. Sujata Bhat, BCI 1st Vice President, a bonsai artist and teacher from India, captures the event’s essence with the keen eye of a storyteller, weaving together art, nature, and the friendships that blossom at such gatherings. Indonesia’s Budi Sulistyo shares his joy in discovering the intricate beauty of stones and bonsai, vividly depicting the convention’s unforgettable moments.

From the UK, award-winning bonsai artist Tony Tickle shares his admiration for the Penjing landscapes, offering personal photographs and reflections that reveal how deeply he was inspired by this journey. In contrast, Australia’s second-generation bonsai professional Tony Bebb brings warmth and camaraderie in recounting the signing of friendship agreements at Baowen Garden—a significant milestone for the global bonsai community.

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