Weekend Shimpaku Intensive

Service Description

Revered in Japan, dominant in Kokufu-ten exhibitions, and often mishandled, great Shimpaku requires more than technique, it requires understanding. This two-day, species-specific workshop is a complete immersion in Shimpaku juniper, taught by Boon Manakitivipart in his private studio. The course moves deliberately through every major stage of Shimpaku development, from young cuttings to mature trees ready for refinement, giving students a clear, connected understanding of how great Shimpaku are developed over time. By the end of the two days students will have an established foundation in care, techniques, and maintenance of Shimpaku juniper from cutting to deadwood carving to refinement. Boon will demonstrate and students will get hands on experience with appropriate care, cleaning, wiring, bending, styling, refinement and maintenance techniques on material at four distinct stages of development: A cutting A young whip (trunk bending, development, and planning) A 3-8 year old tree (primary branch selection, restyling, wiring, deadwood selection and carving, and future-planning) An older, refined tree (preparing for show, post-show maintenance, the future of a refined tree) Students will work simultaneously on matching provided material of their own at each stage, applying the same techniques under Boon’s direct observation. A 3-4 year old juniper is included in the workshop price, and the other material will be available for sale at the end of the workshop. There will also be opportunities to work with Boon on your own material or material acquired from Boon’s nursery. Throughout the workshop, Boon will circulate continuously, correcting, adjusting, explaining, and offering individual critique, so that every student leaves with improved trees, a clearer eye, and confidence. The workshop begins with the history of Shimpaku juniper, the characteristics of great Kokufu Shimpaku, and the critical differences between Shimpaku and other juniper species. From there, the focus shifts from structural decisions to refinement, always grounded in long-term development rather than quick results. All materials and wire are included. Bring your own tools. A limited number of tools are available to borrow. Details Two days, 8:30am–5:00pm (45-minute lunch break) Limited to 8 students $600 per student Includes 1x 3-4 year old Shimpaku to take home, trees to work on and wire Held at Boon Manakitivipart’s studio