wrcmad wrote: ↑May 17th, 2020, 11:18 pm
KIRKY wrote: ↑May 16th, 2020, 4:25 pm
What difference does it make to visit Japan to see the trees first hand?
Mmmmm... 2 people with hands up.
Why am I not surprised?
It is perfectly acceptable, understandable, and OK, to make your own pursuit of bonsai that of
imitation of nature.
That is a very credible and legitimate pursuit, and requires certain skills.
It is also a perfectly acceptable
preference in the passion we all here practice in. Every one deserves and is entitled to an opinion.
However, there are many here who seem to (unwittingly or purposefully?) conflate the Japanese bonsai-psyche of "
representation", with their own interpretation - that of "
imitation".
In this instance, it would seem, more than just sometimes, that it is more convenient and fitting for one's own interests to interpret it as "
imitation".
To then assume to be a local authority on the subject of such a foreign culture (without having ever visited or observed first-hand .... WTF?), use it also as a basis for judgement of the quality of Japanese trees (WTF again??), belittle the majority of the art you have invested so heavily in, and then finally dictate to the crowd what is "
not an opinion"..... simply belies belief of anyone who has spent time discussing the objectives with the mentioned local Japanese Bonsai practicioners and professionals (masters?).
To then continue to prescribe exactly what trees are
supposed to represent, and exactly what trees
must reflect to be authentic.... is just plain (I'm trying not to use the word "arrogant" or "naïve")... misguided?
This line of assessment is to completely misunderstand the Japanese thought process, aims, and underlying culture. It is also an attempt (IMHO) to try to reinvent a foreign multi-generational culture and art to suit one's own objectives.
However, if you spend enough time in Japan, (I suggest you try it one day.
) you start to understand their thought process, line of thinking, and general aims..... and it is much less imitation, than artistic representation.
If you don't want to do that - then that's fine too ..... how about just respecting the integrity of this forum, and the art itself, and remember that
no one is above the attempts of others in this common pursuit of creating an aesthetic tree.
In short, pull your head in.
I've had a gut-full of the self-proclaimed experts ragging on other's work in the pursuit of a self-ego-boost.
Constructive criticism is welcome, sure.... but I thought this forum was supposed to be about helping and encouraging all others?
I make no apologies for loving the Japanese bonsai aesthetics and the reasoning behind it..... it is what first attracted me to this hobby.
)
