About
I started bonsai in June 2003 after I visited the BSF State Convention in Fort Myers Florida.After watching Ernie Kuo working on a Australian pine and later on a Bougainvillea,I began to develop serious interest to learn more about this interesting artform.
Sharing my life with my teacher and partner,Ernie Fernandez from Florida,it was only a matter of time to advance in the art of bonsai .Ernie had been involved in all aspects of bonsai since the early 80’s.All of his trees were grown from cuttings or collected material,so I was taught right away what to avoid in the process of designing trees.
Already 2 years later I was selected for the final national stage of the Joshuah Roth New Talent Competition. It took place during the 2005 World Bonsai Convention in Washington D.C.(Look under events)The next year I reached again the finals and went to Saratoga Springs New York to participate.(Look under events)
In 2005 I entered the BSF instructor scholarship competition and won first place with a San Jose Juniper.
Finally in 2006,after working on another San Jose Juniper,I participated in the Ben Oki International Design Award for amateurs and was awarded the Grand Prize.
My bonsai life has gotten very busy.Beeing involved in Club activities (Vicepresident Bonsai Society of Southwest Florida,Vicepresident Shohin and Bonsai Society of Naples Florida,Cochair BSF State Convention in 2008)and forum organization (KoB,AoB),leaves me just enough time to persue my learning career and share my experience during presentations.
Ernie and I recently opened the “Bonsairoom & Learningcenter” in Bonita Springs Florida.
My first tree,a Ficus Nerifolia 2005
Ben Oki Award 2006
