po3ticTreachery

So then my question is this: If art is different than craft,and yet both art and craft are artistic endeavours: ie:the intervention of the hand of man to either create or manipulate a subject in some way that produces a function or an aesthetic,How is it that bonsai doesn't qualify?

My opinion on the matter is that bonsai(with the possible exception of jazz) is the quintessential art form(Once given the proper respect and study), simply because it is a living sculpture that is ever changing,ever redefining itself,and requires a deeper understanding by the artist in order to achieve it's highest aesthetic potential.In most mediums,the artist is in complete control of the outcome. Bonsai,not so.
Any experienced bonsai enthusiast will agree that a great bonsai is great because the true bonsai artisan's direction is dictated by the tree. What could be more artful than the medium painting the artist and the artist reflecting that back into the medium in the form of form and refinement? I dare say that those who think bonsai is not art are demonstrating their limited perception of what art IS. It's the ultimate dichotomy. Call art limitless and without boundaries,only to confine it in a box with walls made of criteria...... but then,ironically....paradox is artful...... right....?

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