Quote:
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Originally Posted by MattPenton
Joanie:
When will you... if ever... call this your tree?
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Matt, there are plenty of trees out there that will be all mine. Trees that have no past, they are growing right now, they are blank canvases. They only need time.
But for this tree, that does have a history and an original artist, it will never really be mine. It will be influenced, perhaps.... it will grow in a different way than anyone else's touch would grow it. And I will be influenced by it, as well. It will retain a little of the awe, a little of the glamour... a sense of continuity that gives a different satisfaction.
Everyone's comments are very appreciated, and it is good to know that working on and restyling a tree is not wrong, nor looked down upon. Bonsai are living and changing art, and the owner is allowed to influence and shape the tree. Unlike static art, or historical buildings, bonsai must change to some extent because the only bonsai that is finished, is a dead one.
Joanie