Originally Posted by bnsaijim

And beyond the triumph of life aspect, such a work is inspired by the zen buddhist goal of stripping away superflous elements to achieve enlightment.

Away from the philosophical aspects, bonsai at it's simplest is a tree in a pot. One adds artistic manipulation in pursuit of a naturalized image. As one adds greater degrees of artistic freedom one risks departing from a naturalized image to one of less "bonsai" and more sculpture utilizing plant material.

The focus becomes one of contrasts- texture, bark/skin color, foliage, delicacy and harshness- forget that it is a tree that is the medium...

jim