weirdowl

Zuishi,
I would completely agree that there is a human element to bonsai. I would agree with Emperor Fish on when the art begins. I also agree that aesthetic appreciation of bonsai many times fits into a pattern or set of rules. Aren't the aesthetic values for trees already with us from early on in life? A person can be more appreciative of painters by learning more about painting. Do we need a set of bonsai rules to be more appreciative of the structure of a tree? For some, trees styled in accordance with Bonsai rules are the most appealing. To others, trees that look to be following more natural rules are more appealing. I guess how a person looks at it could be at least partially evident in the person's reason for getting into bonsai. Because a person really likes trees or because they really like bonsai trees.
BTW, I've enjoyed our discussion very much, and I hope I have not come across as argumentative to you or anyone else, as this is not my intention at all. Thanks

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weirdowl