A talent for overcoming adversity My Personal Journey in Bonsai Adrian Long (Gadget) Secretary Kent Bonsai Club Root stand / Display Stand Maker
Determination overcomes major obstacles to keep styling bonsai. The reflections of one man who found a way round his problems and in so doing has produced new equipment to be used by the rest of us able bodied bonsai enthusiasts.
How did you get started? I was first introduced to bonsai about 25 years ago by my close friend Philip Presland and his wonderful Hornbeam. At that time, I had no idea that the seed had been sown for me to come and love our wonderful hobby in all its shapes and forms. At that time, I was still too ill to have a fulfilling hobby. In 1987 I was involved in a life-threatening motorcycle accident. I lost my best friend as well as my left arm below the elbow, and as I was left-handed that was particularly significant. Recovering from mental trauma PTSD, brain damage and multiple other injuries. I had to make a new life for myself. I set my mind to finding ways to overcome my difficulties and general health problems. I decided Bonsai was the hobby I wanted to do. My business at the time was - water Gardens, Koi Ponds etc. suddenly I couldn’t even hold a conversation let alone work, I therefore passed the business on to my son. I decided to purchase a few cheap starter trees to learn on, I soon learnt I just couldn’t carry out basic tasks and was getting frustrated and embarrassed. I found it difficult to hold my trees for styling. I had reached the point of giving up the hobby until I decided to do what I know best. I went to my workshop and designed a worktable that can be beneficial to the disabled and abled bodied hobbyist alike.” The RTT”. (Rotating, Tilting, Table) with me using it in the picture above. Not only for me but for many enthusiasts in the UK now have this wonderful new turntable. It has become an invaluable part of their bonsai equipment.
Who was your first Teacher? I Finally plucked up enough courage and joined Maidstone Bonsai Society in 2009. I received a lot of help and support from Philip Presland and other members of the club. For the first time I was treated with respect. Simon Haddon played a big part of my basic learning and wiring techniques. In 2010 I became the Secretary of the club. During the latter part of 2012 I left Maidstone bonsai society and moved to Kent Bonsai Club as secretary. I remain as secretary to this day. Following 2012 I visited Tony Tickles (Burrs) each year to gain knowledge and skills until it ceased. I have spent time with Lee V, Harry Harrington, Pavel Slovak and have visited Corin Tomlinson’s weekend bash each year it has been on, gaining knowledge from his all-day workshops and watching him and his demonstrations. In 2018 I met Sean Smith the world renowned carver of Root stands, Diaz’s, and bonsai stands. I was fortunate to have a workshop with him on carving root stands and I remain in contact with him to this day.
A Shohin rack made by me for a customer
Can you recommend one or two Bonsai books? My favourite book has always been “The complete book of bonsai” By Harry Tomlinson first published in 1990. I still use this book for reference. Great pictures and easy to understand text. I also enjoy the books from Harry Harrington “Inspirations 1&2” with his modern approach and skills.
“BERT” – My Hawthorn Raft collected from Wales.
Your thoughts on Bonsai? Having a business for many years designing and building Koi ponds and Japan water gardens I have grown to love all things Japanese especially Koi Carp. I am fascinated by the Japanese techniques in fine wood working and carving of display stands. Over the years I have seen many changes in bonsai. Mainly the dreaded internet has flooded us with information NOT all of it informative or true. We also seem to have more Chiefs than Indians daily, giving out their opinions on social media. Club membership has also suffered following covid with hobbyists drifting away from bonsai into more home-based hobbies. In the future I would like to see the younger generation become interested in bonsai in some form or another. Let’s hope all Clubs can promote this in the future and at shows and I would like to see more disabled people join this wonderful hobby of ours. Have you ever experienced bonsai abroad? To Date I haven’t been as far as Japan, but my one dream is to visit before it’s too late. Health and family have always come first. Sadly, years seem to pass very quickly. I would also visit Sean Smith in U.S.A to learn better techniques in carving and building stands etc.
What is your best Achievement? I feel I have two very different best Achievements so far British New Talent Competition in 2019 although not winning I am the only one arm man or disabled to have ever entered. I have now proved to myself and other people that it can be done. In 2019 my Sicilian Olive (Ollie) was chosen for the UK NATIONAL SHOW IN BURY. I received a certificate of excellence. I cried with emotion. I felt all the hard work over the years were worth it. “Ollie” in an Erik Krizovensky Pot. The stand made by me.
Do you have any future ambitions? Get more experienced in carving root stands, Diaz’s and making display stands. Learning the art of Japanese Lattice design and making, so I can incorporate this into my display table designs. Having a happy life involved with all bonsai and Kent bonsai club.
Root stand hand carved by me from Ash
Just some of the attachments used
Do you have a favourite tree? Crateagus Oxyacantha ’Pauls Scarlet’ Hawthorn. I feel every Hawthorn I see has endured a hard life. I get great satisfaction working on these trees. I also have my nemesis because of my disability and that’s Satsuki Azalea. I find the new branches are too brittle for me to wire and work on. Although my preference is for Chuhin size trees. I get great pleasure from all sizes of trees I also get great pleasure from Saikei and larger landscapes.
Do you have any other interests or hobbies? I follow all types of motorcycle racing especially BSB and F1. Speedway is by far my favourite. I used to ride speedway as a young man retiring in 1984. Made from Red Mallie Burr Bamboo leather bound accent stand The journey I have been on since my motorcycle accident has not been easy, I am still finding new ways to wire, style and carry out all the other jobs required. Nowadays I spend most of my time in my workshop producing root stands, shohin racks, Jittas, and display stands. If I have one piece of advice to give to anyone faced with a new disability it would be, never give up, there is always a way to adapt and enjoy this beautiful hobby. Join a Club near you and of course join the UKBA for all bonsai related items, shows and advice. I spent too many years in the wilderness trying to learn just from books and shows. For more information on the above product mentioned, and all products available from me Tel 07710615861 or Email: [email protected] From the beginning of 2023 I am available to visit clubs to give a practical introduction in carving root - stands. Just contact me