Alan’s journey into the world of bonsai began in 2004 when he received a small Juniper Squamata as a gift and was instantly captivated. He quickly joined the Campbelltown Bonsai Club, benefiting from the guidance of a skilled mentor and inspiration from the members' impressive collections.

 

After retiring and relocating north, Alan became an active member of the Newcastle Bonsai Club in 2011, serving as President for four of his seven years there. He finds great joy in demonstrating, organizing shows, and sharing the knowledge he has gained over the years.

Now celebrating his 20th year in bonsai, Alan remains passionate about improving seemingly hopeless trees and collecting field-grown material for future designs. He has a special fondness for Australian native species, which he feels are often underappreciated for their unique natural styling potential.

Alan has traveled extensively across New South Wales, demonstrating for various clubs and related organizations. He has attended conventions in Victoria, Queensland, and Tasmania and participated in workshops with local artists.

 

In 2023, he found fresh inspiration while visiting the nurseries of bonsai masters Kobyashi and Kimura in Japan.