Bonsai Master Ben Oki creating with a "Yatsubusa" Chinese Elm

Mr. Oki puts a Ulmus Parvifolia "Yatsubusa" into training as NBS member, Tony Gerber looks on.
That unbelievable blue sky really looked like that. A fantastic backdrop for Mr. Oki's performance.
Tony purchased this tree from Lynnewood Garden's Randy Lewis during the Annual 2003 Spring Bonsai show at Cheekwood.
photo by Heather Gerber

MASTER BEN OKI LIVE BONSAI DEMONSTRATION

Wiring ("Yatsubusa" Chinese Elm Session)

Trimmings are starting to pile up on the table as Mr. Oki wires branches on this young Elm tree. Many of the cuttings were picked over by the end of the evening and members take cuttings to start small trees for future bonsai specimens. photo by Heather Gerber

MASTER BEN OKI LIVE BONSAI DEMONSTRATION

Mr. Oki Sketches ("Yatsubusa" Chinese Elm Session)

Part of the mastery of Ben Oki are his sketches that follows each trees transformation.
The sketch provides a guideline for future bonsai training.

MASTER BEN OKI LIVE BONSAI DEMONSTRATION

Completed Ben Oki Bonsai Design ("Yatsubusa" Chinese Elm Session)

The finished design as it sits on the Gerber front porch arboreum.
It is now repotted into a 1 gallon planter for a year and then to a two gallon container for a couple years.
This is to increase and accelerate the trunk growth.

MASTER BEN OKI LIVE BONSAI DEMONSTRATION