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Attila Soos
Join Date: Jan-2002
Location: Los Angeles, California
Country: USA
Posts: 2,003
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I obviously agree with Will's premise that bonsai is an arform and that bonsai that lacks artistry is not a good bonsai. People born with artistic talent will create good bonsai and people who lack talent will create mediocre or poor bonsai.
It is as simple as that.
No amount of expanation, validation or rationalization will change that.
If you find yourself constantly thinking, searching, imagining, fantasizing about bonsai, chances are that you have something in you that you can translate in art. On the other hand, if you constantly looking for other's advice and guidance, and find it necessary to explain and rationalize the lack of results, you probably don't have what it takes to create outstanding bonsai. In that case you can take the roolbook and other bonsai books and try to imitate what others have done. The good news is that the result can still be acceptable, and so bonsai generously offers a place for everyone.
The difference between myself and Will is that I don't see a conspiracy of bad bonsai threatening good bonsai.
Imagine that Toyota decides one day that it will stop making quality cars and start making low quality ones, calling them a fancy name. Would that be a conspiracy against quality? No, it would just be bad business and bancruptcy.
There is no conspiracy in pursuing bonsai as a hobby. It's just that when you do that, nobody really cares about your work and everybody will pass you by. Just don't expect anyone to take you as an authority. Otherwise you may end up as the laughing stock.
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