bnsaijim

Glen,

Many good points!

I think that the "teaching" demo espoused by Craig and Ron- topical, geared for a specific audience, using healthy material, certainly is important.

Even though we know the magician's work is an illusion, we still go to see it and, caught up in teh moment, experience the same child-like awe as if it was "Real".

I did bonsai for many years on my own with books.

My first demo was by Dan Robinson. I was awestruck at the new possibilities. While part of me knew it was an "illusion" another small voice said if I got to that level I could work that fast too.

But now I "know better" or rather my tastes have changed.

I do not fault Dan- he is a wonderful entertainer and a pioneer. He has his own "Style" and "vision" which he injects into every piece he creates. I hope to be able to do half the collecting he does when I'm his age.

This type of demonstration, more than anything, allows enjoyment of the "bonsai process". It is more akin to dinner theater. The new tree is not a "bonsai". It is potensai, an illusion... If it lives, wonderful - it has a pedigree. If not it's inspiration lives on through photos and phoenix grafts...

Many of us out there can do the same thing, given the material, but they are "on the spot" - that's the fun of it. Let's see old Waldo get out of this one! The artist gets to stretch his artistic muscles. It's usually not someone's personal tree (until after the raffle) so there's little risk...

Not bad RIPS... a sacrifice on the Altar of Inspiration...

Jim
TX