Zuishi

I find it amusing that I logged on last night and this was the first thread I came across. I had just finished having a similar and equally contentious conversation following a major (non-Bonsai) design presentation that afternoon. Having asked for a serious critique of my work and method from several friends in the audience I only recieved shallow pat-on-the-back reassurance. I know my work was good, what I wanted to know was where it fell short of better. Without honest feedback it becomes quite difficult to improve past a certain level.

I try to follow a simple rule when I choose to post responses in a forum such as this. If I wouldn't be willing to say it in person to the artists face, I won't say it here.

It is also usually apparent in the initial post, just what level of critique is appropriate. We all would do to go easy on someone who posts their "first tree," but would be doing a great disservice to not make some suggestions or lessons for individual improvement. I personally would be put off and feel unwelcome were I not taken seriously enough for a real response but rather brushed off with insincere filler. Even as a beginner, I would imagine that most would be less bothered by some constructive comments now, than spending a year or two developing the beginnings of a collection only to discover its all poor quality and its too late for easy improvements. Waste a day on a tree or a year on a hobby, which would you be more bothered by?

I want people to know that if I say I like or am inspired by their creations, I mean it.

D.S.