In a message dated 2/27/2003 9:26:20 AM Eastern Standard Time, writes:

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?

Bart:

In this instance, the student will learn the wrong and right way. Yes, keep wiring until you get it right. Did I say work in the dark? No. );-)

Wouldn't that be intimidating for a newbie?

The art of bonsai is intimidating at its highest level, in my opinion. Why? Most artists push themselves to continually refine their work. I am never satisfied with what I do.

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

Yes, but it does not replace immersion in the art. One learns by doing it.

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.s

I do not understand what you are saying here. Please clarify.

Again, books and videos have their place: the act of doing or not doing is a basic Zen principle and, in my opinion, a key pivotal point for those venturing into the depths of this art.

Cordially,

Michael Persiano
members.aol.com/iasnob/index.html

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