Guest Artist:
Rodney Clemons
Rodney Clemons spent his formative years in the Florida panhandle, moving to Atlanta, GA when he was thirteen. He was captivated by bonsai in 1973 when he saw a Trident maple forest that struck chords in his heart and artistic nature. Bonsai has been his passion since that time. Rodney is a bonsai artist an instructor, specializing in Japanese gardens and natural water features. His work has developed his sensitive eye and skill with rock and plant placement which adds realism to his bonsai creations. He studied with E. Felton Jones and enjoyed workshops with many visiting artists like John Naka and Yugi Yoshimura. His style has been formed by studying nature, drawing heavily on childhood memories of coastal Florida. Rodney excels in capturing the tension in nature and stranslating it into bonsai. He is best known for his unique “rock plantings” and his love of “Kingsville” boxwood. When teaching his remarks are delivered with a liberal dose of humor. He has been an invited speaker to numerous Bonsai societies meetings and conventions. A few of the highlights are: 1987 BSF Convention, Fort Walton Beach, FL; 1989-1997 Southeast Bonsai Conferences, Atlanta, GA; 1993 World Bonsai Convention, Orlando, FL; 1996 ABS Convention, Hershey, PA; 1197 International Bonsai Convention, England; 1998 International Bonsai Symposium, Rochester, NY; 2001 Mid Atlantic Convention, Newark NJ; 2002, 2205 and 2009 Brussel’s Rendezvous, Memphis, TN; Expo 2005, Ashville, NC; He has spoken at four BSF Conventions, the last one was Gainesville, FL in 2006. Rodney has been President of the Atlanta Bonsai Society three times since joining the organization in 1973. He was President of Phoenix Bonsai Federation in 1999. Phoenix hosted a convention with Masahiko Kimura as the exclusive speaker. Rodney continues traveling, teaching, judging shows and critiquing collections. He leads a study group at Smith Gilbert Gardens in Kennesaw GA, where he is the curator of their collection. He also is the curator of the collection at the Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Conyers GA. At present he is applying his talents at his nursery, Allgood Bonsai, designing trees and teaching advanced workshops. Rodney enjoys the opportunity to share and express his love of nature and bonsai with people in the hops that he can influence them in a positive way.
Midwest Bonsai Society 