bonsaiTALK Community - View Single Post - Trees Through Human Eyes: Rutledge On Design

Gary S. wrote:

>Over the years my definition of bonsai has changed. Bonsai do not have to convey age, something much older than it may actually be, that isn't a qualification. If Bonsai is an Art, any plant that conveys a sense of beauty within it's own culture qualifies as a bonsai to me.

>The other day I saw a planting of mixed grasses in a beautiful stoneware pot on the deck of a client I am doing some landscape design work for. I sat and stared at it and it was.......bonsai, even though it was not even created as such. I wish I had a picture of it to show now.

I guess I'm not in agreement. I certainly enjoy seeing plantings in a container such as those you describe, but for me I wouldn't call them bonsai. Accent plants, sure. Beautiful plants in their own right, certainly. Oh boy, now I've started something. I'd be interested in Andy's thoughts on this, or anyone else's. In terms of types of plants, where do you draw the line?

Also, I have understood thus far that the ocnveyance of a feeling of age and wisdom is the reason for styling a tree. If it isn't, why not just slap something in a pot and call it "art?" Why bother with all the styling and effort? Anyone who reads the IBC list will recall Jim Lewis' dilemma he posted a few days ago with the two different plants somebody slapped in an ugly pot and donated it to a Tai Chi center, calling it "bonsai." Is this art too, or just an uninformed attempt to mimic bonsai?

Craig Cowing
Zone 5b+

6-Sep-2002	#30
Craig Cowing Recovering Workaholic Join Date: Aug-2002 Location: Orange County NY Country: USA USDA Zone: 6a!!! AHS Heat Zone: 5 Posts: 647	Gary S. wrote: >Over the years my definition of bonsai has changed. Bonsai do not have to convey age, something much older than it may actually be, that isn't a qualification. If Bonsai is an Art, any plant that conveys a sense of beauty within it's own culture qualifies as a bonsai to me. >The other day I saw a planting of mixed grasses in a beautiful stoneware pot on the deck of a client I am doing some landscape design work for. I sat and stared at it and it was.......bonsai, even though it was not even created as such. I wish I had a picture of it to show now. I guess I'm not in agreement. I certainly enjoy seeing plantings in a container such as those you describe, but for me I wouldn't call them bonsai. Accent plants, sure. Beautiful plants in their own right, certainly. Oh boy, now I've started something. I'd be interested in Andy's thoughts on this, or anyone else's. In terms of types of plants, where do you draw the line? Also, I have understood thus far that the ocnveyance of a feeling of age and wisdom is the reason for styling a tree. If it isn't, why not just slap something in a pot and call it "art?" Why bother with all the styling and effort? Anyone who reads the IBC list will recall Jim Lewis' dilemma he posted a few days ago with the two different plants somebody slapped in an ugly pot and donated it to a Tai Chi center, calling it "bonsai." Is this art too, or just an uninformed attempt to mimic bonsai? Craig Cowing Zone 5b+ __________________ I'm not finished yet, neither are my trees.