Michael:

Are you saying that this immersion would be to the extent that, say, if I
were to wire a tree and came up with a crossed wire, I would then have to
keep wiring it until I got it right?

Isn't this the way the Japanese masters would teach?

Wouldn't that be intimidating for a newbie?

My suspicion is that a carefully planned series of still photos with
detailed commentary would be most valuable for these beginners.

For example, I saw Art Skolnick teach wiring by using a tree he had made up
of dowels and by wiring peoples fingers (to demonstrate the effect of the
direction of the wiring on branch rotation). This way a most impressive
demonstration for its clarity and would not have been enhanced by video
rather than still photos.

Regards,

Bart
----- Original Message -----
From: "Michael Persiano"

I have an idea on how IBC can improve the skills of
bonsai beginners. I'm suggesting that people like Jim
or Brent should record sessions of when they are doing
anything with bonsai. We can then upload the video on
to the IBC site and there members can download it. The
sessions could be root pruning, propagation, or
anything that beginners need to know. We can ask for
donation from members to buy the camera if we need
one.

Luc:

This is not a bad idea, but the ONLY way to master technique is to jump in
and do it.

Buy materials, tools, wire, and submerse yourself in the art. Devote
several weekends to doing nothing but working with materials, challenging
yourself to create better and better art. The materials need not be of the
highest caliber, and I would suggest purchasing inexpensive pieces ($10-$25)
for the intensive workshops.

My bonsai weekend is an immersion into the art. I accept only one student
for what begins on a Friday and ends on a Sunday at noon. We work on as
many trees as possible, and the key words are bonsai art.

Videos and books are wonderful vehicles for study, but the true learning
comes from diving into the art. Be fearless, knowing that great art is born
out of creative explosion. The trick is to learn how to light this fuse!

Cordially,

Michael Persiano

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