Profile of Ron Heinen

Iowa Bonsai Association

Power, sensuality, unbridled appreciation of nature. This is not what one thinks of when viewing Ron’s bonsai trees but what one feels.

What is it that makes Ron’s trees come to life? Luck? Study? Skill? maybe; Desire? Compassion? Sensitivity? most definitely.

I ask Ron when he thought his interest in bonsai started and this is what he said, “My earliest recollection of a kinship with trees was around the age of four or five. I vividly remember standing in the Algona greenhouse surrounded by long rows of green, aromatic plants and clean (whole) air. As one of my earliest and most recurrent memories, it has had a prophetic and profound impact on my life. Both my undergraduate and graduate degrees were in the visual arts. However, a brief turn early in my educational career had me again seeing green. As forestry major (for a short period of time) I revisited those earlier memories. It wasn’t until December of 1994 that this “recollection” would become a reality. At a McFarland Clinic sponsored Christmas dinner (Eastern theme), Jane (my better half) and I were impressed by the bonsai display of a local vender, one David Lowman. I remember saying to Jane, “why am I not doing this”? (The gallery circuit had become so unforgiving). Fortunately, she acted upon my sentiments, buying my first tree as a Christmas present (1994). A 3-4 year old serissa cutting, one of the most beautiful (potentially) things I have ever seen. Fifty three trees later, giving birth to several forests along the way, my serissa is still alive. I followed that spring with lessons from David, putting into motion a lifelong search for truth, justice and the bonsai way. My interest quickly surpassed hobby status to be a passion. Every piece of this art form not only peaks my curiosity, but also fits snuggly to another piece of the bigger ‘aesthetic’ puzzle. I will continue to research, practice, experiment and write in hopes of learning enough to teach (bonsai) far into the next century.”

I feel Ron will do just that. It is rare to find someone who still has his or her first tree not only alive but also thriving. Currently finishing his first book on bonsai titled Dancing with Trees: A Bonsai Primer. I am looking forward to seeing his work; Ron will be sharing not only his knowledge of bonsai but also pen sketches of some of his trees.

In addition to caring for his own 50 plus trees, Ron has served on the board of the Iowa Bonsai Association since 1995. An untiring teacher (Ron is the Ames, Iowa Middle School art instructor) he is always willing to conduct a class, demo, workshop, or lecture for the club. In fact Ron, along with Brian VanFleet, will be instructing a beginners class in bonsai for the Iowa Bonsai Association sponsored by the city of Des Moines this May. In 1995 Ron was awarded the Jim Hatfield Novice Award and since that time Ron and his trees have won numerous show awards.

Contact Ron via e-mail at: rheinen@ames.k12.ia.us or phone: 515-233-0227.