Al said:
"What astounds me, is that for the most part people wish to remain on the fringe. I don't understand that. While I know that I have aspirations that are not felt by everyone, I would think that we could all admit that we want to create the best tree possible, with artistic merits that one would find beautiful"
Al, I'm not sure what you mean by the fringe. Do you mean that people that don't do shows are on the fringe? If so I'd say that includes most of us in "the community" . I understand your point about getting feedback about ones trees from other growers and picking up the latest tips but I think you may be over rating that aspect. Good critiques and more of them does not necessarily make you a better bonsai artist/grower/hacker/whatever you want to call it. Ultimately you're going to have to take the tree home, yes to your lowly backyard, and perform your bonsai transition there. All you really need is a vision and to know the limitations of the tree you're working with. Most of that comes by trial and error.
You said: I would think that we could all admit that we want to create the best tree possible, with artistic merits that one would find beautiful"
I think we would all agree with that. Even the people that received the Christmas mallsai want to make it the best tree possible. Bonsai is a great hobby but for most of us, it is not our total reason for being. What you are forgetting about is the limiting factors of life that are either forced upon us or that we place on ourselves. Take Rene' for instance. He limits his bonsai time because he has young children to raise and teach, a worthy cause to be sure, and in the big picture of life is much more important than whether he ever has show quality bonsai or not. Me, I'm just a cranky old coot that doesn't like to travel so there's less excuse for me. But we all, for whatever reason, have these limitations on our life. I'll bet we could all go out and get 2nd mortgages on our homes and buy a few $10,000 trees. That would certainly improve the collection but most of us realize what a nutty idea that is, so we limit ourselves to a budget. Bonsai is big enough for showboaters, show goers, tree huggers and tree hackers and the majority will never enter a tree in a big show. Besides, you guys out there in Cal. are spoiled. you're in the bonsai capital of the U.S. with plenty of nurseries and shows handy. Try coming to Podunk Oklahoma and striking up a bonsai conversation. In fact, when you and Andy get the details of the U.S show worked out I hope you have it right here in Podunk. It's a nice central location and I promise to come.
Tony