Steve Pilacik – USA

Name: Steve Pilacik

Location: Raleigh, North Carolina

Availability: Whenever Needed

Willingness to Travel: As much and as far as needed

Programs Offered: Lectures
Demonstrations, Workshops, Collection Maintenance, Show Judging, And anything else Bonsai Related

Teaching Level: Master

Specialty: Japanese Black Pine, Azalea, Maples

Languages Spoken: English

Best way to Contact: spilacik [at] nc.rr [dot] com

Bio:
Steve Pilacik is known as the American Pine Master. Steve is the most experienced grower of Japanese Black Pine in the United States, specializing in Japanese Black Pine and Japanese Maples since 1977. After writing the book “Japanese Black Pine”, in the early 80′s the demand was so great the it was republished in color in the early 90′s. In 2000 Steve decided that there was much more to be said about Japanese Black Pine and put together the DVD “Japanese Black Pine Expanded”, this video was followed by our latest DVD Japanese Black Pine “Through the Years”. and has also written numerous articles in International Bonsai, Bonsai Today, Bonsai Clubs International, American Bonsai Society, Frank Mihalichs on line bonsai magazine. Steve is also has been Sensei Sam in Clipping’s the Potomac Bonsai newsletter for 10 years. Steve has also written for the Florida Bonsai Journal.

During the many years I have studied Bonsai, I have attended and observed numerous workshops and demonstrations. I noted that there is one element that is essential for a successful workshop or demo. The better the quality of material the finer workshop or demo. This is not only in terms of a finished product, but what the artist can teach about the tree. How it is pruned, when and why these techniques were used.

Good workshop and demo material just does not appear out of thin air. The trees are developed while growing. All of our workshop trees are pruned for many years to developed the tree while growing. Doing with technique will ensure that no major cuts will have to be made. My trees are pruned to develop into GREAT MATERIAL. We pride ourselves on some of the best bonsai stock in the United States. You will find many bonsai growers but few take the time to work the raw material. Take a look at some of our pictures to see how this great bonsai workshop material could be your next show bonsai.

Steve has studied Japanese Black Pine and Japanese Maples since 1977. These are his favorite species of trees. Steve will also be happy to lecture on Juniper, Trident Maple, Crabapple’s.
Steve is a school teacher by trade and breaks things down simple easy to follow steps that everyone will understand. Steve will also be happy to split travel expenses if there is more than one club in the area that would like to have Steve in to speak. I also don’t mind staying at a members house to help reduce expenses.

Key Benefits
Easy to understand lectures
Hands on learning during demonstrations
Workshop trees are available

Reference Accounts
A few of Steve’s past club affiliations are past president of Pennsylvania Bonsai, Mid Atlantic, Greater Philadelphia, Bonsai Society of West Virginia. Steve is now a member of Charlotte, NC Bonsai Society and is a past member of Triangle Bonsai Society. Steve looks forward to the many clubs and Bonsai enthusiast that contact him.

More about this Artist:
The Creative Aspect requires an open mind to see what has never been seen.

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5 Experiences with Steve Pilacik – USA

December 10, 2009 at 12:29 pm
Anibal Poublan

Steve … is one of the greatest masters of the management of Japanese black pine and maple trees outside of Japan, and a great human being. So I know it’s good for him to be posted in Who’s BD. Thanks Steve. Thanks Who’s BD.
Anibal Poublan… yours in bonsai

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December 13, 2009 at 8:20 am
John, Winston-Slem

I recently attended an extremely satisfying Japanese black pine workshop at Steve’s bonsai nursery, located near Raleigh, North Carolina. The five-hour workshop allowed plenty of time for Steve to thoughtfully work with each of the four participants and the specimens they had selected to work on. Steve’s encyclopedic knowledge of the Japanese black pine, coupled with highly effective teaching skills that have been finely honed over years of experience as an educator, are a truly winning combination.

Participants were offered an excellent assortment of quality Japanese black pine workshop material, ranging from shohin to full size and presenting a wide variety of styling opportunities. In addition to the workshop itself, just the simple act of walking through Steve’s extensive Japanese black pine bonsai collection provides the bonsai enthusiast with an increased appreciation for the species and the creative possibilities it offers. I came away from this worksop with a fine shohin ‘starter’ specimen, an increased knowledge and understanding of the subject, and a lot of inspiration. Thanks, Steve!

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December 20, 2009 at 3:25 pm
Brad

I have just completed my second madness class with Steve. Both classes have been incredible. Its great to have someone that takes as much time showing you all aspects of Bonsai design, and gives his full commitment to teaching the art. The stock we were able to choose from is incredible. Anyone wanting to learn about this art, or anyone already learning would do well to take these classes. It has been an incredible experience, and i am glad to have met someone so good to work with.

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December 21, 2009 at 11:54 am
Brad Foresythe

Steve is a very knowledged bonsaist with an intense specialty in pine management, especially black pine. I’ve experienced Steve’s infectious energy and pleasant teaching techniques first hand in an Atlanta Bonsai Society visit. His teaching structure, conversational style and deep knowledge were all met with highest regards. Thanks Steve, great work! _Brad

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January 18, 2010 at 11:48 am
Bryden McCormick

I recently attended two of Steve’s classes (Japanese Black Pine and Trident Maple), which were both excellent! Steve has a deep foundation of knowledge that he communicates in a friendly and approachable way. There was much conversation between Steve and the 4 students. During class Steve would offer suggestions and incite about where to trim, where not to trim, and the reasons for his thinking. The classes were a great learning experience!

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