I started reading thread late last night. By coincidence, I was reading it
after presenting as a guest at the Warragul Bonsai Group. Part of this presentation is sort of related to this thread - I think. It is important to note that I am an amateur and my presentation is about what I have learned as a novice; hoping to pass on some knowledge such that others can learn from my mistakes... so I am hardly qualified to discuss this topic but stuff it, I will anyway.
In my mind it takes great skill, enormous skill and knowledge to make something in a small pot look 'natural' and not contrived - whether native or not. This is why Bonsai is art and not science (except perhaps for the science of Horticulture ...). I reckon it is the imagination and creativity of the artist that matters most
but this must be underpinned by a foundation of historical knowledge, technique, forms, styes and species-related horticultural aspects and natural growing environments...not because these topics create "rules" but because they provide inspiration
and a strong foundation on which to apply your creativity. Your knowledge helps you realise your creative vision.
In my presentation, I end with this quote. A quote provided to me by someone that I admire greatly in this sport of ours. It reads like this:
"…. the heart of the craft lies in the artisan’s ability to envision clearly what form he/(she) would like the tree to take as a mature bonsai…
The presence or absence of this creativity is what decides whether the grower has true talent in this art." Source: THE MEANING OF BONSAI: TRADITION AND THE JAPANESE ESTHETIC by ŌKUMA Toshiyuki
and then I end with this:
Vision and creativity. That's achievable for us all.
That's why I practice the art of Bonsai.
What drives you?
I end with this because an old, majestic bonsai that has been curated for many generations may not be achievable or realistic for us all. However, what is in our heads, what we enjoy, what inspires is, what help us relax - that is both achievable and good for your health.
So where does that leave me on this excellent thread? It leaves me saying bonsai remains a patient art, the more I rush (
which I still often do to the detriment of my trees) - the more contrived things look (in whatever style or form). The more I skip steps - the more my vision and design is weaker for it. That said, I will always look to history for guidance and respect educated views but in the end, I will make my own decisions - and I may break a few 'rules' - if the end result is pleasing to me and hopefully others - I am heading in the right direction. I get inspiration from so many channels - nature itself, books, photo's, this forum, google ... but it is just that, inspiration - my assumption is the genesis of this thread is about inspiration not about replication.
Loving this thread and the diversity of views. Cheers, Mark
Tending bonsai teaches me patience.