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Paul, I understand what you are saying perfectly. This is a hrrd question to put to words, as well as the possible answers.

I will try this.

If you make your best bonsai..

Your neighbor gazes upon it, and says that that is the most exquisite thing they have ever seen...

And you post it here telling your story, and someone like Walter, who is well respected as being a mover and shaker in the Bonsai Art World, tells you that your tree looks good but does not fit the wold of artfull bonsai....

Does this mean you are not an artist?

Who makes the dicisions of who is an artist and who is not. What is this based on, a body of work left for generations to view?

In your neigbors eyes you are an artist.

Does the opinion of a Bonsai artist carry more weight that an admirer of simple beauty?

For me, I see too much pressure put on the creation of bonsai that must fit some preconcieved notion, rather than just doing the best one can with the stock they have.

For me anyway I see Art as talent. You either have it or you don't. If your tree looks good to more than just you, then you are an artist. the rest is just subjective.

14-Dec-2002	#13
bonsaial1 Greybeard Join Date: Aug-2001 Location: Fresno, CA Country: USA USDA Zone: 9 AHS Heat Zone: 13SH Posts: 5,247	Paul, I understand what you are saying perfectly. This is a hrrd question to put to words, as well as the possible answers. I will try this. If you make your best bonsai.. Your neighbor gazes upon it, and says that that is the most exquisite thing they have ever seen... And you post it here telling your story, and someone like Walter, who is well respected as being a mover and shaker in the Bonsai Art World, tells you that your tree looks good but does not fit the wold of artfull bonsai.... Does this mean you are not an artist? Who makes the dicisions of who is an artist and who is not. What is this based on, a body of work left for generations to view? In your neigbors eyes you are an artist. Does the opinion of a Bonsai artist carry more weight that an admirer of simple beauty? For me, I see too much pressure put on the creation of bonsai that must fit some preconcieved notion, rather than just doing the best one can with the stock they have. For me anyway I see Art as talent. You either have it or you don't. If your tree looks good to more than just you, then you are an artist. the rest is just subjective. __________________ Real men don't wear coats with "happi" in the title.