Gerald Rainville began gardening as a child. At ten years old, he decided upon a career in horticulture. By the age of sixteen, Gerald had spent several summers working in a local garden nursery in his native city of Montreal. With a friend, he also ran a small residential garden business.
A summer spent visiting gardens throughout Europe crystallized his vision and Gerald enrolled at Algonquin College, in Ottawa, in the Department of Horticulture, majoring in landscape design.
During an exchange program at the Montreal Olympics (1976), Gerald met Hiroshi Yamaji, of Yamaji Sanshoen, Japan and was inspired to make bonsai his life's work. Upon graduation from Algonquin, he traveled to the island of Shikoku, Japan to apprentice with Hiro. Gerald spent several years with Hiro and will always be greatly indebted to him for the knowledge, discipline and skills he acquired.
Upon returning to Montreal in 1982, Gerald founded Shikoku Bonsai. During this time he introduced and trained many people in the art and skill of bonsai. Throughout his career, he has remained committed to informing and training others in this art.
In 1986 Gerald moved back to the Orient for another year of study. Upon his return to Canada he relocated to Vancouver B.C. Weather had almost everything to do with this decision. He established Takamatsu Bonsai, a retail outlet and production nursery.
In 1991 Gerald and his young family decided to once again return to Japan. It was his good fortune to be introduced to Zen monk Shunmyo Masuno, of Japan Landscape Consultants. Shunmyo accepted Gerald as an apprentice. His skills and understanding of the Japanese garden flourished under Shunmyo's tutelage. Their working relationship continues to this day
Gerald and his family now operate Shikoku Bonsai their Nursery and Landscaping firm on the Sunshine Coast located just west of Vancouver, British Columbia, where they continue to explore the relationship between art and nature. |
