David Segal is 34 years old and lives in Sydney Australia. He's been practicing Bonsai for approximately 5–6 years. In his professional life he owns and manages businesses across the cosmetic medical and food sectors. When he's not working on Bonsai he enjoys keeping fit, traveling to unique places around the globe, motorsport and spending quality time with close friends and family. As one of our Patrons for The Artisans Cup, we wanted to ask him a few questions about how Bonsai has impacted him both personally and professionally. Here’s what he had to say.
FAVORITE BONSAI-RELATED QUOTE
Every journey begins with a first step.
FAVORITE TREE SPECIES
Whatever I’m working on @ the time.
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN BONSAI?
A friend bought me one as a present many years ago as a gift….within a few weeks I had killed it. That was the beginning of the obsession.
WHO HAVE BEEN YOUR MOST INFLUENTIAL MENTORS IN BONSAI?
Leong Kwong (Australia), Ryan Neil, Graham Potter.
WHY ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT BONSAI?
It allows me to reconnect with nature whilst fulfilling my desire to create.
THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSON I’VE LEARNED THROUGH PRACTICING BONSAI IS
Patience, persistence and humility.
WHAT DO YOU HOPE FOR THE FUTURE OF BONSAI?
I hope to see an increase in the popularity and quality in the western world. Right now it’s an obscure form of art that most people don’t understand.
WHY DID YOU WANT TO BECOME A PATRON OF AMERICAN BONSAI?
I share the dream and vision that Ryan has for American Bonsai and hope to be part of a similar movement here in Australia.
