How interesting that this topic should be revisited at
this time. I just published an article on bonsai masters and
competition in my local newsletter which addressed this topic in
passing. Here's the gist of the relevant part:
While I recognize that some people are bonsai masters, I
tend not to think of them by title, but rather as the individuals
they are. Often I agree with them, sometimes not. I'm not much
for gurus, wise men or masters, but I respect wisdom, knowledge
and experience. The title of master is there for anyone to claim
or confer. In itself the title is meaningless. The meaning comes
from the essence of the one who wears the title.
Sandy/Kitsune mentions the distinction between hobbyist
and professional bonsaiist. There are many advanced practitioners
who consider the hobbyist to be the "higher" calling, assuming
that the hobbyist practices art for art's sake and not having to
yield to commercial aspects. Perhaps there is some merit to the
idea, but I don't know about this. I'm not a fan of such
dichotomous stereotypical distinctions.
Back to your choices, I'm one who uses the title "master"
sparingly and prefer to our guest speakers as artists or
teachers. The "masters" themselves don't seem to mind! ;-)
Alan Walker
http://bonsai-bci.com http://LCBSBonsai.org


-----Original Message-----
From: Kitsune Miko

You have opened one of those cans of worms we have discussed and
dissected many times in the past. There is no single correct
answer to your question.

Sensei is an honorific that means teacher in Japanese. It can be
used for anyone who teaches. Ranking bonsai
practitioners/professionals/hobbyists is not an easy thing
outside Japan. A hobbyist can have considerable knowledge and
little formal training. One can have formal training, but if one
does not have a good eye, the training is worthless.

Many times those who speak or give workshops have a facility with
one type of plant, but not others.

Master is, in my mind, a title used for one who has done their
training under another recognized master. One who has put in the
time that can be called an apprenticeship, and graduated. This
apprenticeship is usually 5 years. This doesn't mean that the
work created by a hobbyist is less than that of a master.

My teachers are my trees. I study with them on an ongoing basis.
I look, listen and learn, but I have yet to find a tree I can
call master.
Kitsune Miko

--- "Alejandro Bedini G."
wrote:

Hi all
I know the professional people who doing bonsai in a high level
(workshop, teach, demo, congress, lecture) don't like Call or use
the word MASTER.
What do you think is the correct name to use?
A) Teacher
B) Artist
C) professional
D) ????
Best regards, Alejandro.
Chile (Chili) South America
____________________
Alejandro Bedini G.
Académico
Depto de Industrias
UTFSM

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