salix

Andy,

It would be appreciated (by me, at least) if you could tone down your condescending, self-congratulatory rhetoric and actually participate in the discussion rather than trying to dominate it. You're not listening to anyone else, you're just insulting those with differing views and then talking over them. You have no monopoly on the truth, and everyone on here has an equal right to express their opinions. If you can't find a way to correct someone's factual misconceptions without calling them ignorant, you're not trying hard enough. I appreciate what you've had to say on this topic, but I appreciate what other people have had to say, too. I would rather have people feel comfortable about expressing themselves than to have them feel like they were risking being slapped down. The basis of dialog is mutual trust and respect.

IRT the topic itself:

I feel that following the rules completely and unquestioningly can result in 'perfect' trees that are created as a result of Craft, but that the ability to question, modify, or discard those rules and still produce a great tree is the basis for bonsai as Art.

Rules are the basis of skill, but skill without talent is Craft, not Art. Art is a synthesis of skill and talent. Talent is the aspect of Art that can not be taught.


American bonsai is still in its infancy, and that is why its status is lower than for other regions or the world. We are unwilling to accept the rules unconditionally, but we have not yet defined our own set of rules. Once some skilled folks step up and formulate what American bonsai is, it will win respect, or at least recognition. We can't demand recognition from others for something that we, ourselves, have yet to define.

Great discussion, everyone, keep it coming!

-Dan.