Maiban

Excuse me for intruding on this thread, but I have found some things in this discussion about the Art of Bonsai that causes me to want to put in my two cents worth (and that is about all it is worth). First my qualifcations to speak to this subject, I started doing bonsai in 1972, since I owned a nursery landscaping company in the midwest and winters kept you in the greenhouse with little to do. I have studied bonsai principles, books of all types and kinds. Since moving to California in 1984 my collection has grown conciderably, as well as my knowledge all aspects of bonsai. Personally, I like the Chinese form of Pen Jing more than the tightly structured Japanese form.

Getting to my point of even adding to this thread. I have one question regarding rules, and that is who makes the rules?? what rules, unless referring to the structuring principles, of which I can understand, but they are really not rules, but more guides on how to perform the art. If artists followed rules, there would be a very boring art world. They must follow certain principles of design and composure and construction and the like, but there are no rules../

Bonsai to me over the years has been an excellent therapy and means of relaxation, one that draws me closer to nature and to honor mother nature by bringing an understanding of her creations to others by creating a minature version so all can enjoy and understand.

Gene S