Originaly posted by Lee:
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One more thing - without revisiting the whole "is bonsai art?" thread - I do not understand the push to "display" - the same is true in other clubs - orchids for example - the emphasis is alway on getting blooms for the show - for bonsai - - it is the tree, the stand, the scroll, the accent plant - all geared for "the show". I kind of get the tokonama (sp?) concept - and I can appreciate this type of display as Japanese tradition - much as it was outlined in the ume thread by Matt. That makes sense to me - but why the need to display? Is your tree better because you have "showed" it? Are you? I just don't get that.
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NO, the tree is no better, but hopefully you come away from the show better!
What do I mean.
Well, for me it means that I will recieve criticism that I can put to use for making the tree better. I can use the input from the general public for the betterment of my tree.
How does this work?
I'm glad you asked.
First, enter your tree in a public forum. Take your name badge off. Wander around with a group that seems to be talking about all the trees. You know the types. Wander with them so as to not let them think you are guarding the show, Wait till they get to your tree. Open the ears and listen to what they have to say. Sometimes the people that know the least about bonsai, are the people that can spot the simplest flaws. Bonsai people get so wrapped up in the basics that they forget the simple things. We look at things like 1,2,3 branch, ratios, numbers of trunks in group plantings and things like that. While, someone that knows nothing about bonsai may walk up to yousr tree and say, "that tree would look so good if that foliage just filled in that tiny bald spot right there". You are now armed with information that may or maynot make your tree better that it now is. At least now you can go home and do a virtual and check it out to see if it does indeed help the look of the tree.
We do something here in Fresno that is a kick in the pants. When we set the show the day before, when done, we walk the whole show as a group. Whatever size the group may be. We critique each tree. Some will walk with note pads and record things for future articles in the newsletter or website, (thats me) or just walk along and have fun (thats me also). This is valuable information. You don't get this kind of info with your trees sitting in the backyard, reviewed by the owner everyday.
Club workshops are the best at recieving the attention from someone more equipped at giving a true critique of your tree. this type if information is the most valuable.
In the Hanford club that I belong to also, our show is at the Tulare Fair. It is done in the art building. The Hanford club promotes the artistry of bonsai much more then the Fresno club. Each year the show is judged by a club professional from another club out of the area. This last year the Hanford show was judged by Joe James, first vice-president of GSBF. He was asked to not only judge the show, but to also write down some things that would help improve our trees. He wrote 8 pages of notes for all the members. He was not nice about it either. Very tough love.
I entered the shohin display that is posted below. This is the way it was in the show. The only tree that was supposed to be judged was the trident on the bottom shelf. Joe gave me an in-depth critique of the small elm on the top shelf. I have this tree posted in the gallery and thought it was looking pretty good. I was going for a bunjin look. After he told me that my styling fit no known bonsai style, and that the tree had more promising fronts, I decided to take the tree home and see what I could do. I wrote an srticle here in bonsaiTALK about that adventure.