october
Masterpiece
Here is something I have noticed a gradual change in. About 10 years ago. It seemed that instant bonsai was, for lack of a better term, frowned upon. Not necessarilly bad, but not encouraged. Now, it seems the focus is to get the oldest, best or most expensive material, whether bought or collected, and after one styling (depending oN the skill of the artist) you have a magnificent bonsai. Where all there is left to do, is let the tree grow out, remove the wire and pot it up. To solidify my assessment..when is the last time you heard the term "instant bonsai". Probably haven't heard it in a while. Some of you may not have heard it at all. Yet, about 8-10 years ago, the term was thrown around quite often, probably almost daily.
It seems, like many things, we have evolved into a quicker way of doing things. Seem like the older bonsai masters are still doing the 20-30 year route or taking 10 years to grow an apex on their trees. However, the younger generation of masters seem to be creating masterpieces within 3 years or less. To substantiate this. Many of the young and well known artists have only been in the hobby for around 6-7 years. It is chronologically impossible for them to have a tree in training for 20 years.
Personally, I do not have a take on this. If the material allows for a beautiful bonsai created in one styling and it does not risk the health of the tree, then so be it. However, If you are familiar with the John Naka books, you will see the vast majority of his bonsai developed over a 20-30 year period. Also, in many cases, they were not developed from super stock.
Ironically enough, the older masters, who have less time left are still doing 20 year plus progression projects. On the other hand, the younger masters are doing projects that are almost completed in 3-5 years.
Any others see these trends?
Rob
It seems, like many things, we have evolved into a quicker way of doing things. Seem like the older bonsai masters are still doing the 20-30 year route or taking 10 years to grow an apex on their trees. However, the younger generation of masters seem to be creating masterpieces within 3 years or less. To substantiate this. Many of the young and well known artists have only been in the hobby for around 6-7 years. It is chronologically impossible for them to have a tree in training for 20 years.
Personally, I do not have a take on this. If the material allows for a beautiful bonsai created in one styling and it does not risk the health of the tree, then so be it. However, If you are familiar with the John Naka books, you will see the vast majority of his bonsai developed over a 20-30 year period. Also, in many cases, they were not developed from super stock.
Ironically enough, the older masters, who have less time left are still doing 20 year plus progression projects. On the other hand, the younger masters are doing projects that are almost completed in 3-5 years.
Any others see these trends?
Rob