The Art Thing

RonMartin(deceased)

I have spent the last few days thinking quite a bit about this is "bonsai art thing". I have also reread all the comments that I have made on this forum on the subject. Spent hours reading what others here have said on the subject. Even taken the time to look at most of their profiles as well as the galleries of those that have them.
I have done my best to try and understand what the meaning of all these heated arguments are. Just what are the major points and what the usefulness of it all is.
Some of my comments I have learned were wrong, others were taken out of context. And yes some of the comments I made were a bit silly.
In all this reading I have come to some profound conclusions. (for me at least)
1. Some talk art because they can't do art.
2. Great artist try to explain what art is but fail to find the right words to do so.
3. Small talent usually means a lot of talk. (on the art issue anyway)
4. A lot of talent still means a lot of talk on the issue.
5. Some post comments on this issue because they have an agenda others post because they believe in what they are posting.
6. Most would like to have art defined but don't really believe it can be done.
7. Many could care less about the subject.
I would imagine that some will take issue with my comments. And that is their right. Some will take small bits and use them totally out of context. Others will chuckle or just downright laugh their butts off.
But for what ever it is worth I have changed my attitude a bit. While I do find the topic an interesting one I now realize that it is a topic that takes up a lot of energy and time. If others have the time and energy for the discussion that is just fine with me.
I am sure that the debate will rage on. Eventually maybe there will be an answer. One never knows but can only hope that it is not just an argument for arguments sake..
But for me I think I'll just go back to doing bonsai and leave the rest to those that have the time , the energy and the inclination.
I'll just worry about doing bonsai and let the visitors to my garden decide if it is art or not. In the long run the visitors will be right one way or the other. They always are.

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bonsaial1

Ron Martin said:

By gum, I think your getting to know me now. Forensics class would have been a dull place if everyone were always on the same side.

I like the things you have said here and one things for sure, Doing bonsai for arts sake, sure does take the fun out it..

Regards, Bonsai-al

__________________
I been kidding the last seven years.
no.... really!

Ralph

I don;t have the art ducation that others here have, so I have relied upon all of you to educate me. I have developed some of my own opinions on the way, but i hope I will make better bonsai because of what I pick up from you all.
BTW, Hope everyone who was in the path of that storm made it through, and no bonsai treasures were destroyed.

__________________
Emerging from winter slumber
Bonsai trees burst buds anew
Spring is upon us!


-Paul S.

Carl_Bergstrom

Ron,

This isn't the first time you've made this promise. But I suppose we can all hope that at least this time you'll keep it.

Best wishes,
Carl

__________________
In love with trees

RonMartin(deceased)

Promise Carl. When you say something silly on this subject I will only reply by PM to you. That make you feel better.

Adam_MA

Ron,
I sure hope this doesn't mean you are going to stop posting updates to your trees, and those great posts like the one on soil. I truly enjoy and learn a great deal from those posts, and would be sad to see those go!

Adam

RonMartin(deceased)

I will still post some of my articles here and occasionally a picture of a tree or two. Just nothing more on the "art" issue. I'll leave that to others.
Could be that they are onto something and one day will define the "art" But that is just not a road I want to go down anymore. All are welcome to if they wish. I don't say that they are wrong to do so and no I won't laugh at them for doing it. To each his own..

Bart Thomas(deceased)

Gee, Ron.

I always enjoyed your pithy comments on art.

Specially when I was in a pithy mood

BTW, didja notice in the art discusssions that if, in a lot of the posts, you substituted one word for art, they made just as much sense?

It's like trying to define pornography: Best done by saying "I know it when I see it"

Now you know the word I'm thinking of.

(Ooooh! I'm gonna catch it! )

Tony

"7. Many could care less about the subject."

Ahh, I'll choose that one.

Not that there is anything wrong with art lessons but unless you can directly relate it to the design of a given tree then I'm not sure what it's doing here. Bonsai is not like painting a picture or doing a sculpture where you can just dab paint or clay onto the right areas. Bonsai is all about getting the tree to cooperate where needed and that takes more hoticultural skills than art skills. In my opinion, the art discussions without [how to actually make it work] is fruitless.

Tony