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Image Alex Imbo – Tables spécialisées
Bonsai Table Art:
Celebrating a Quebec artisan
Claude Savard
CSCeramique
Bonsai Table Art: Celebrating a Quebec artisan reveals the importance of careful presentation for your precious bonsai. The art of bonsai is a discipline that requires patience, precision and attention to detail. Among the essential elements for showcasing a bonsai at an exhibition, the table occupies a preponderant place. More than a simple support, it must harmonize with the tree, highlighting its beauty and respecting the aesthetic codes of this ancestral art.
The Crucial Importance of the Table in Bonsai Presentation
If you're a bonsai enthusiast, you no doubt know that presentation is paramount at a show. In fact, a bonsai table is an indispensable accessory that completes your overall presentation and enhances the value of your tree. However, choosing the right table is no mean feat. It must be neither too large nor too small, neither too light nor too dark, and must harmonize with the type of tree, whether a deciduous tree or a conifer. So, all these criteria must be carefully taken into account to make the most of your bonsai.
An encounter with an exceptional craftsman:
Alex Imbo
Image Alex Imbo
I was lucky enough to meet an exceptional artisan woodworker who makes bonsai tables. What's more, he's not only an expert cabinetmaker, but also a talented bonsai artist. As a result, he's perfectly qualified to advise you on the essential criteria for showcasing your bonsai.
From Passion to Creation
We met several years ago at a meeting as members of the same bonsai club. Alex was just beginning his journey in the art of bonsai and at a show in 2018, he noticed how difficult it was to source quality tables. Indeed, most tables were imported and hard to find. So, being handy with his hands, he decided to make his own tables.
Image Alex Imbo - His first table
At first, his intention was to create them for personal use only, but his work soon attracted attention and orders began to pour in. Nevertheless, his first creations were made with basic materials and the proportions were not always ideal, according to him. However, Alex, being a perfectionist, sought to improve his skills by consulting specialists on the web to refine his work. That's how he met Doug Mudd, a British expert who gave him a wealth of advice on creating bonsai tables. Over time, he became a friend and mentor to Alex. They had planned to meet on one of the trips to Europe, but unfortunately Mr. Mudd passed away in 2021, before they could meet in person.
Cherry tree excellence and attention to detail
Alex's experience in the construction industry has given him an in-depth knowledge of materials. He chose cherry tree for his tables, a wood species with many advantages. Cherry tree is resistant to humidity, easy to carve and has beautiful grain.
What's more, he pays particular attention to detail, using Japanese techniques that he has adapted to his style. For example, he has increased the strength of his tables by using thicker wood. As a result, his tables are more resistant to wear and time. Moreover, Alex prefers to focus on quality rather than quantity, devoting 20 to 50 hours to the manufacture of each table.
Well-deserved international recognition.
Finally, Alex Imbo is now recognized for the quality of his tables in Europe and the United States. He has taken part in prestigious exhibitions such as the US National Bonsai Exhibition in Rochester, The Trophy in Belgium and the European Bonsai San Show in France. In addition, he is a member of the European EBPC association and has designed tables for the permanent bonsai exhibition at the Montreal Botanical Garden.
In summary, Alex Imbo embodies excellence and passion in the art of the bonsai table. His inspiring career and attention to detail make him an exceptional craftsman, whose creations are appreciated by connoisseurs the world over. If you're looking for a quality table to showcase your bonsai, don't hesitate to call on this talented craftsman.
If you'd like to follow Alex Imbo on social networks, here are the links: