FredL

Gosh, there are some great things being said on this thread! I loved Walter's little story. It really captured, for me, the difference between art and art appreciation. An interesting phenomenon going on currently is the reassessment of the work of painter Norman Rockwell. Back 40 years ago when he was alive and painting actively, no work was more derided or ridiculed than his. NOBODY who pretended to "Art Appreciation Credentials" had a single good word to say about him. Today, his work is looked on as really very good. The price of his paintings has really shot up and it is now respectable in Art Appreciation circles to say good things about him.

My, "what fools we mortals be".

Andy, I really liked your comments. Drawing the distinction between people who want to develop personal collections for their own enjoyment and real "Bonsai Artists" is not only valid but important. The "little people" in our art have quite distinct requirements compared to artists who wish to compete at the highest levels and advance the state of the art. These sets of bonsaists should not be at odds, but existing as harmonious, mutually supportive groups within our community. Both groups should respect and feel gratitude for the other. The accomplishments of a Walter Pall or the many great Japanese artists loose a great deal of their significance without the admiration, love and respect of the great mass of bonsai plodders, like myself. At the same time, my humble efforts are greatly improved and given significance and dignity by being bonsai, maybe not of the quality of Walter's, but bonsai nonetheless.

Thanks, everybody. Fred

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