bonsaiTALK Community - View Single Post

Carl,

As happens so often in this world, the answer to your questions are......yes. What I mean is, no one side has the market cornered. There are those who view bonsai as an art form, some as a hobby, and others as a means of income (even a few who view it as all three).

I have met the "smug" type who look down their nose at you as if you are nothing (and I always want to inform them that they have a booger hanging out), and, in my opinion, have lost any true passion for the endeavor. They would rather be a professional critic.

I have the highest regards for teachers, and really respect the vast majority of them, but there is an old saying that I think is relevant to the skills of some bonsai "critics" . That saying is this, " Those who can't "do", teach. Those who can't teach those that "do", teach the teachers."

It sounds somewhat ridiculous, but in fact, there are copious examples of this through life. Here's one to consider; I was taking a college class for criminal justice a few years ago. I had been on the police department for about fifteen years. The "teacher" was 24 years old, and had never been a police officer!!! Now, I was willing to give the benefit of the doubt, but it became apparent that this teacher would quickly be seeking other employment if they ever tried to "practice" what they "preached".

I feel the same way about bonsai. I don't want to belittle anybody, so I won't mention names, but I will say that the most vocal bonsai critic I know has never, ever, touched a bonsai in my presence. Because of this, I doubt their ability. At the same time, I have met several extremely talented people, who are as meek as lambs. Their ability is immediately evident.

Art, hobby, sales, or any combination, if you aren't "practicing" bonsai, you're missing out on bonsai. It's great to be able to rattle off botanical names with conviction, but it's much more impressive to use the material to create a subject that provokes emotion.

Best regards to all,

John

26-Aug-2004	#29
John Dixon Air Assault All The Way. Join Date: Mar-2004 Location: Huntersville, NC (near Charlotte) Country: USA USDA Zone: 7-8 AHS Heat Zone: 7 Posts: 1,702	Carl, As happens so often in this world, the answer to your questions are......yes. What I mean is, no one side has the market cornered. There are those who view bonsai as an art form, some as a hobby, and others as a means of income (even a few who view it as all three). I have met the "smug" type who look down their nose at you as if you are nothing (and I always want to inform them that they have a booger hanging out), and, in my opinion, have lost any true passion for the endeavor. They would rather be a professional critic. I have the highest regards for teachers, and really respect the vast majority of them, but there is an old saying that I think is relevant to the skills of some bonsai "critics" . That saying is this, " Those who can't "do", teach. Those who can't teach those that "do", teach the teachers." It sounds somewhat ridiculous, but in fact, there are copious examples of this through life. Here's one to consider; I was taking a college class for criminal justice a few years ago. I had been on the police department for about fifteen years. The "teacher" was 24 years old, and had never been a police officer!!! Now, I was willing to give the benefit of the doubt, but it became apparent that this teacher would quickly be seeking other employment if they ever tried to "practice" what they "preached". I feel the same way about bonsai. I don't want to belittle anybody, so I won't mention names, but I will say that the most vocal bonsai critic I know has never, ever, touched a bonsai in my presence. Because of this, I doubt their ability. At the same time, I have met several extremely talented people, who are as meek as lambs. Their ability is immediately evident. Art, hobby, sales, or any combination, if you aren't "practicing" bonsai, you're missing out on bonsai. It's great to be able to rattle off botanical names with conviction, but it's much more impressive to use the material to create a subject that provokes emotion. Best regards to all, John __________________ John Dixon Si vis pacem parabellum Stay off the trails of others, that's where the booby-traps are.