Chris writes:

These arrangements are not as insipid as mediocre bonsai. They
engage attention based on the imaginative, colorful pots, alone--
though that is questionable as an objective for bonsai imagery.

and snip

She offers an alternative to darkside-- a place where a few
aging men fidget with precious tools on rare plant material and
hordes of wannabees do something blandly imitative on a budget.
If you contemplate creating more serious bonsai than she
proposes, she offers an alternative or an occasional escape.

Some influential publishers are giving the chick a chance to
promote her idea of bonsai and improve their sales of bonsai
publications.

and snip

The "pop bonsai" are eye-catching. They can be engaging due to
the planting.

and snip

A display of "pop bonsai" & an individual kusa planting have
been noted at the prestigous Gafuten:
http://www.shohin-bonsai.net/g27-04.htm.

This "new convention" is instantly recognizable. Is it overly
circumscribed, already? The pot reigns over the planting in most
examples. Perhaps Lisa is today's leading kitsch pot promoter
for bonsai though she has some major competition.

If not taking her pots too seriously (as collectable works), the
trendy and youthful marketing of plants suggesting larger images
is not taste-less. By often relegating the plant to negligence,
the "pop bonsai" focus on pots disturbs the image of bonsai, for
me-- but should it? A stunning mature bonsai in a kick-ass pop
bonsai pot would not serve the display of either, well.



Ahhh, "But," Andy asks, "is it art?" (BIG grin!) == Hint to
whoever's nose just got yanked out of joint: I'm pulling your
leg!

I think it's kinda fun. We sometimes (read: MUCH too often) take
ourselves a bit too seriously.

Like all er, art . . . if you don't like it, ignore it. If you
hate it: Don't buy the book.

And, like all parodies (if that's what this is) its mere
existence may be enough to interest some of the younger
generation in the . . . er, REAL THANG!

Jim Lewis - - Tallahassee, FL - Apples and
Oranges: A Demonstration -- Welcome to Hooterville! Population:
2000. Elevation: 3000. Established: 1850. TOTAL = 6850 -- Bob
Lilienfield

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