Things that drive me crazy about bonsai people

[Stormwater]

I heard this recently:
Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit, wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad

Education is just that . You have been educated or have learned something about a given subject . A diploma or degree . Does not = wisdom . Especially with todays education system . This fact seems lost on a lot of educated people . It may sound rude but a saying I picked up that unfortunately fits a lot of modern situations . Is some people are educated above there intelligence level

totally agree, but I don't think its not just with today's education system. I think every generation thinks this. Wisdom can only come from time and experience. Also, being a "master" or expert at a particular art (or field) does not equal good teacher.

 

[snowman04]

What's this thing about education - I did do good in school.

I have known too many people with Ph.D.s who can't balance a checkbook...

 

[Mikea454]

I got into the second page, and that was enough for me.
I'm somewhat curious about the psychology behind his obsession with this particular stuff.

what's it say about me that I read all 7 pages, kinda enjoyed the discussion and laughed out loud at least 3 separate times and now want to buy some soil mixes from @BillsBayou

(in reference to the superfly/haydite thread aka norlite)

 

[leatherback]

You can definitely learn the craft of bonsai by doing those things, but the creative, artistic talent is something you have or you don't.

I agree with the basic idea you advocate here. However, I also find that people that do not have the natural artistic insights can learn enough to create pretty impressive pieces. There is just this one level above it, e.g., what I can see Ryan Neal do with his trees, which is part of an internal feel for balance and style, taking it beyond just a great tree and make it amazing & insightfull.

 

[ShadyStump]

I agree with the basic idea you advocate here. However, I also find that people that do not have the natural artistic insights can learn enough to create pretty impressive pieces. There is just this one level above it, e.g., what I can see Ryan Neal do with his trees, which is part of an internal feel for balance and style, taking it beyond just a great tree and make it amazing & insightfull.

This why I like to differentiate between talent and skill.

Talent, I feel, indicates more of an innate ability. Usually needs to be developed by learning the skills, and the science, and whatnot, but it's the thing that you either have or you don't.

Skills are something that anyone can learn. We can all learn wiring, carving, trimming, etc. We can all remember the general recommendations for when and how hard to work a tree, what fertilizer to use when, the traditional rules for pot selection, balance and shape, etc.

The greatest trees, however involve a whole lot of both, and a whole lot of time.