Freakwent:

You *want* to open your trees for critique. You'll never learn otherwise. Criticism doesn't have to be negative. I don't necessarily agree with the critiques that people give me of my trees, but I always listen, and assimilate whatever I can use. You don't learn just by doing; you also learn by listening to others--and listening doesn't mean agreeing 100%

Craig Cowing
NY
Zone 5b/6a

There are several reasons I know of to show your trees- My best are:

1. The obvious ablility to "show off", be critiqued, judged, etc. This provides a boost in your enthusiasm or drive to improve. Even less advanced trees look so much better when prepped for a show. HBS has a special "Trees in Training" section for those who lack the confidence to put theirs out with the big dogs.

And probably more important...

2. Preparing your trees for show forces you to bring the best you have to a new level. Many folks simply do not take the time to really get into the detailed preparation that this would require... this include getting your tree into it's tip-top healthiest state.

3. Having the attitude that you may show this tree some day makes you grow as an artist by forcing you to be a little more comtemplative- you think better bonsai. You are less likey to sketch with crayon on toilet paper and more likely to paint on fine linen canvas if you know it will end up in the Louvre.

You CAN fine wire (why should I prove it?), You SHOULD weed and scrub your pots (gee that wild flower looks SO cute though...) GOTTA cut that branch off someday... but many people DON'T!!?!!?!!

So while they're trees are good, great, etc... they don't ever realize their full potential.

It's very easy not to go down this road. You have to take a hard look and play favorites with your "children". Not an easy task. I tend to be very hard on my trees/myself (Fall show- none of my trees went).

Don't just say "...not good enough" Why isn't it? Should it even be on the bench? ...or mabe it's compost time... I often find myself in a redesign session after this activity!

Take the best of the lot. Not sure what to do? Get some help! Pay strict attention to detail and finish it all the way through like Kimura or Naka himself were going to look at it. One of the things that causes folks to "ooh" and "aah" (perhaps subconsciously) is the cleanliness and detail.

You can always arrive early, leave it in the car and "check out the competition"...then decide whether to bring it in. Do this exercise as a present for some guests. They may not recognize or appreciate the labor but they'll sense the result. Or heck just get a picture taken of your best tree...

Sincerely,

Jim Stone
TX

OK Guys Here Goes,
I have enjoyed these wonderings in thought and have mused within my own mind about the point of all the discussion. If the thread was intended to stimulate discussion, then it has certainly done that. As for my part, It prompted me to search within myself and ask that all important question "why do I grow and/or exhibit bonsai". The real reason I found for myself is that in growing and exhibiting bonsai I try to take a tree from nature that has struggled to survive ( in many cases,longer than my meager 53 years) and try to enhance that wild, untamed beauty that it possesses and in so doing enjoy it's journey with it. When I have a tree that is worthy of exhibit (I only show in club shows, unjuried) then it is to show those that view it the wonders of the natural creation and to convey that in a way that is as artful as possible,not taking the credit as the artist but as the caretaker. This may sound all to profound but that is what I try to do .
Regards,
Jonathan

My reason are pretty simple. I only show off my really good trees because:

- Like to show off
- Hope to inspire others with attempting that style, variety etc
- Hope to get some advice from another set of eyes, preferrably experienced.
- just want to share what i have been working on and attempted and proud of.
- want to show people that I do know something about bonsai.
- sense of satisfaction that my tree is on display and that I responsible for that.

Just my opinions.

David