thomassustic

Jack Sustic
Bio Statement: My bonsai interest began 16 years ago while stationed in Korea. Returning to the states, I joined the Alabama Bonsai Society. Soon realizing that I needed to know more about the care of these trees, I attended Michigan State University to study horticulture. After graduation, I joined the staff of Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden in Columbia, SC as Greenhouse/Nursery Manager. I joined the Bonsai Club of South Carolina and eventually became President. In 1996, I was selected for an internship at the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum. After my internship, I returned to Riverbanks for a year when a temporary position opened in the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum. I applied for the position and was selected. I then applied for and was selected as assistant curator. And in January of 2002, I was selected as the curator. I've had the privilege to study under John Naka, the past curators, Bob Dreshler, Warren Hill and many other masters of the art. I most recently spent a month at Mansai-en in Japan studying under bonsai master Saburo Kato.

Artist Statement: This buttonwood was originally selected and styled by Yuji Yoshimura some 25 years ago. I restyled it two years ago to give it a more upright appearance. The movement of the trunk and deadwood give this tree a unique character, one of great strength that has survived all that nature has thrown at it. Congratulations to Ron Lang for his vision and efforts to make this exhibit a reality. Bonsai is a challenging, creative and changing art. Look back at the pictorial history and you will see this change. From the twisted knarled forms that were popular 100 years ago to the naturalistic forms we see today. From the formal to the wild, they all have a place in this wonderful art called bonsai. People like Ron challenge us to think beyond the boundaries. Thanks Ron!

Brett Thomas + Jack Sustic
Brett Thomas Bio Statement: My formal education started at Manatee Community College. I received my BFA degree from The Maryland Institute College of Art in December 1997. Shortly after I decided to study under Harris Deller at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, receiving my MFA degree August 2001. Currently, I am studying under Korean master potter Huh Ki Woon in Sarasota, Florida. Artist Statement: From the origin of the idea to the realization of the product, clay is a material that permits a visceral dialogue throughout the entire process. Sculpting Bonsai containers expands that process. It is through systematic inquiry that I find my primary source of inspiration, which is the process itself. The motivation for the work can also be attributed to a conceptual notion. The Bonsai planter is particularly challenging because it forced me to marry planter and tree into a single cohesive work of art. It is here the piece becomes both vessel and sculpture. I hope that each piece conveys a message of physicality, rawness, power, volume, spontaneity and process to the viewer.
		Click here for a detail of the image above. *Untitled* wood fired stoneware 20 l x22w x 12h 2002 Bonsai Tree Information: Botanical Name: Conocarpus erectus Common Name: Buttonwood Style: Informal Upright/Twisted trunk style Estimated Age: 50+ years Time in Training: 25 years Source of Plant: Collected in Florida
		Jack Sustic Bio Statement: My bonsai interest began 16 years ago while stationed in Korea. Returning to the states, I joined the Alabama Bonsai Society. Soon realizing that I needed to know more about the care of these trees, I attended Michigan State University to study horticulture. After graduation, I joined the staff of Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden in Columbia, SC as Greenhouse/Nursery Manager. I joined the Bonsai Club of South Carolina and eventually became President. In 1996, I was selected for an internship at the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum. After my internship, I returned to Riverbanks for a year when a temporary position opened in the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum. I applied for the position and was selected. I then applied for and was selected as assistant curator. And in January of 2002, I was selected as the curator. I've had the privilege to study under John Naka, the past curators, Bob Dreshler, Warren Hill and many other masters of the art. I most recently spent a month at Mansai-en in Japan studying under bonsai master Saburo Kato. Artist Statement: This buttonwood was originally selected and styled by Yuji Yoshimura some 25 years ago. I restyled it two years ago to give it a more upright appearance. The movement of the trunk and deadwood give this tree a unique character, one of great strength that has survived all that nature has thrown at it. Congratulations to Ron Lang for his vision and efforts to make this exhibit a reality. Bonsai is a challenging, creative and changing art. Look back at the pictorial history and you will see this change. From the twisted knarled forms that were popular 100 years ago to the naturalistic forms we see today. From the formal to the wild, they all have a place in this wonderful art called bonsai. People like Ron challenge us to think beyond the boundaries. Thanks Ron!

Brett Thomas + Jack Sustic