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Yes, I have, and I do understand that competition can be a good thing - within limits.

To me, it is counterproductive to have rules for art. As an example, the commonly held relationship of trunk-height of 6:1. I do understand the effect of near-view vs. far-view and what the attempted perception is, but it has become mantra, and most deviation from this is considered a fault.

Most trees of this girth/height ratio seem so exagerated to me as to be nearly ridiculous, yet it is lauded by all who follow the rules.
I appreciate all forms of trees trained as bonsai, and in most cases my reaction to them is an emotional one - I either like or not, based on my own perceptions. I never find myself looking for "faults" based on some ambiguous rule.

Anyway - should these old threads be left to die? Sorry if I dug up a dead horse (like your metaphors shaken or stirred?) : )

4-Feb-2008	#99
MattO Walking the Clearwater Join Date: Jan-2008 Location: Idaho Panhandle Country: USA USDA Zone: 6a AHS Heat Zone: ? Posts: 198	Competition Yes, I have, and I do understand that competition can be a good thing - within limits. To me, it is counterproductive to have rules for art. As an example, the commonly held relationship of trunk-height of 6:1. I do understand the effect of near-view vs. far-view and what the attempted perception is, but it has become mantra, and most deviation from this is considered a fault. Most trees of this girth/height ratio seem so exagerated to me as to be nearly ridiculous, yet it is lauded by all who follow the rules. I appreciate all forms of trees trained as bonsai, and in most cases my reaction to them is an emotional one - I either like or not, based on my own perceptions. I never find myself looking for "faults" based on some ambiguous rule. Anyway - should these old threads be left to die? Sorry if I dug up a dead horse (like your metaphors shaken or stirred?) : )