Food for thought

RonMartin(deceased)

Been thinking a lot lately. A dangerous thing for me but I have been sidelined a lot for the past few weeks and have had too much time to do it. Funny how the brain works overtime when the body is idle.
I have heard many times (oh so many times) about the rules of bonsai. This must be this way and that must be that way. I just wonder if there are really any rules.
One cardinal rule I guess would be to put the green side up, the dirt side down and a trunk in the middle. Outside of that I am not too sure if there are really any rules.
If bonsai were done according to the rules would not all of them look the same. I have gone through all my notes and most of my books looking for an answer.
If I took all the rules that I have heard or read I think that there would be only one kind of bonsai produced.
The formal upright
The first branch 1/3 the way up. Then a left or right and a rear branch. More branches as you approach the apex. Sound familiar.
When I look at the masterpieces of bonsai I really don't think that I see these rules have been applied. Not as rules anyway.
A guide maybe but not a rule.
I will concede that certain shapes go with certain shapes. The top of a tree for instance will not be square. ;o)
I am not trying to create a controversy here. Just in my lame way trying to start up a conversation.
And I am not trying to start one of those dreaded "what is art" threads.
I am just asking if bonsai is so restricted by the rules that we cannot make good bonsai.
A tricky question. Hopefully one that can be answered with logic instead of passion.
We have all seen pictures of trees done by the masters. Kimura, Naka, Jim Moody, Colin Lewis. Chase Rosade, Walter Paul. The list goes on and on.
Beautiful trees, but none of them look alike.
Did they follow the rules or just go for what looked good at the moment

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Ian_Homer

Hi Ron,

Hope it is not your health keeping you down and the body idle ?

Very good point.

For starters, if anyone is not a follower of TOTD, then have a look at this one from last Thursday, when Walter opened my eyes on the position of "Bar-branches" which had always been a "no-no" in my understandings of design.

http://forum.bonsaitalk.com/showthread.php?t=11445

This gives an insight into "why" such masters create trees which are like no other and re-inforces your point on not always following the rulebook.

All the best,
Ian.

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Cre8tive

Hi Ron.

I think it all depends on the individual. Why you are into Bonsai, how you learned to create Bonsai, and if you are seeking approval from others as opposed to personal satisfaction alone.

Regards,
Mark

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RonMartin(deceased)

It is. But I will survive. Watch out when my hemoglobin level comes back up I fully intend on terrorizing everyone ;o)

Ian_Homer

Ron,
Speedy recovery.
Keep us updated. I am sure you have many friends here on BT who wish you well.

All the best,
Ian,

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RonMartin(deceased)

davidm

well in answer to that question i ask this. Have you ever seen two paintings look exactly alike? There are probally more rules for painting than there are for bonsai. And yet in painting the greatest artists are sometimes the ones who know and ignore the rules as well.

EarthgirlOK

I really like the point about seeking approval from others. Most of my trees will NEVER see a bonsai show table. I DON'T CARE. I like them. They are mine, they are beautiful to me, I'm proud of them. They are testaments to my growth as a bonsai-ist, horticulturist, and (shudder) artist.

I do try to keep in mind "the rules." Even art has rules. But I had a wise high school art teacher who, after I had had him for three years as my art teacher, began to show me that once you learn the rules, you can experiment with breaking those rules. But having a good foundation with them gives the artist a better foundation to break the rules skillfully. I think I learned that in artistic endeavors, breaking the rules isn't anarchy or haphazard. It's intentional, planful, and with purpose. That's what I'm thinking right now this minute anyway...

I like this thread, Ron.

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Ralph

Certainly, whether you choose to show your art or not is your choice. But that said, it's like a painter that has the compulsion and creativity to paint and never shows any of their work. Showing is an integral part of bonsai, and it is a worthy goal to strive for. Showing here on the internet, and also in club shows. If you have not shown in a club show before, get with a member you know, ask them what they think of a particular tree. Show it here first, you will get some good critical advice.
Just share your "music" with the world!

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