The Nature of a Masterpiece

Vance Wood

Because: The nature, shape and form of a bonsai is constantly changing year after year. Therefore, this definition cannot apply.

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The only finished bonsai is a dead one; me 1992 MABA Des Moines Iowa

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RonMartin(deceased)

ozzerbon

G’day Folks,

A tree in a pot….a masterpiece….wot?

Basic financial cost of creating a Picasso….let’s say 20 euro….Cost to buy said masterpice….be crazy and say an odd Million or two.

And by the way aren’t so-cslled true master-pieces recognized long after the artist is dead.

Opinions tossed upon the overblown commercial/financial sea of life, accorded by well meaning individuals, that have enough fancy education to have their opinions readily accepted by their peers.

Not for me these fancy notions, my life just ain’t long enough.

And please, please try not to put the activity down by using the title ‘hobby-ist’, me thinks that this ain’t what those guys had in mind way back in the 7th century….

‘nuff said.

Friendly regards,
Nigel

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Jon Chown

As is often the case with this type of question, “What is the nature of a Masterpiece?” and “What is a Master?” The discussion eventually disintegrates to an argument between two camps, those that see it one way and those that see it another way. To attempt to ram ones point of view down another’s throat is pointless and perhaps we should just agree that we see things differently.



I took the time to read an email (Attributed to Anthony Robbins organization) that crossed my desk today – you know the ones – pass it on or you will get bad luck. There were a few points that made me stop and think, and I would like to share them with you.-

• Never laugh at anyone’s dreams. People who don’t have dreams don’t have much.
• In disagreements, fight fairly. No name calling.
• Great love and great achievements involve great risk.
• When you realize that you have made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
• The three R’s. Respect for self, Respect for others and responsibility for all your actions.
• Don’t let a little dispute injure a great friendship
• When you loose, don’t loose the lesson.

And

• When you say, I’m sorry, look the person in the eye. (Bit difficult on the internet)

All in all, this has been an interesting thread, and thank you to all who have participated. I think that I have a better perspective of how people see things differently to me in relation to the world of Bonsai. I believe that both camps have put up some good points, and I apologise if I have offended anyone with my thoughts.



Jon

bonsaial1

What's considered a major show in America. I do not know of many prestigious shows in America?

I am speaking of exhibits like Koku-fu and Gafu, Saka-ten and such. In Europe we have the Gingko and maybe Chelsea Flower Show. How about the Crespi cup or the Noelanders Trophy? These all seem to be very prestigious exhibits and something to brag about when won. There is a trophy and awards given that hold merit. They are judged by some of the most important people in the bonsai world. Books are published after the exhibit and they sell!

Of course this stands to reason, there are not many masterpiece bonsai in America. No use haveing a prestigious exhibit if you have nothing prestigious to display in it. Yes I know there are select bonsai out there that may meet the definition of masterpiece. I also understand that they are distributed all over the USA and the likelihood that most of them could be grouped together for a display is highly unlikely.

BTW is the ABS having this exhibit in Cal. this year? I thought so...

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

RonMartin(deceased)

Not this year Al. California will have to wait its turn.
Each year they have their show in a different place. This year it is in Virginia Beach VA.
Checking here http://www.absbonsai.org/seminars/zonemap.html shows that it will be out your way in 2009.

Vance Wood

That's a good point, and that's something I hope someday to see change. However the most prestigious shows today are usually followed by rewards of colored beads hung around the neck.

__________________
The only finished bonsai is a dead one; me 1992 MABA Des Moines Iowa

rockm

"Of course this stands to reason, there are not many masterpiece bonsai in America. No use haveing a prestigious exhibit if you have nothing prestigious to display in it."

I have heard this line a few times. Ain't true. There are more than a few "Masterpiece" bonsai in the U.S. They simply aren't shown. It's a chicken and egg thing tied DIRECTLY to the geographical problem of having a "presitigious" show where everyone can get to it. Europe has shows because, logistically, it's easier to coordinate and get to. It also makes trees more visible to more people We in the states don't have that luxury, nor the time to drive three days across 3,000 miles of country to get to a show, towing a trailer full of perishable trees in smashable containers.

I have seen more than a few trees--collected and imported-- in the N. Carolina/Va./DC/Md./Penn. area that are pretty much on a par with those shown in Europe. I know there are more than a few in California, in between there are alot more.