I love the discussions that go on here, the free exchange of
ideas, even the
occasional grumpy dissenter who stirs the pot. I'm a novice,
but "serious"
bonsai enthusiast - I like that word best; two definitions of
this word I
have come across are "inspired by God" or "mad", the both of
which describe
me :-).

Welcome to the sport of bonsai.

Jim Lewis - - Tallahassee, FL - Our life is
frittered away by detail . . . . Simplify! Simplify. -- Henry
David Thoreau - Walden

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You hit the nail on the head! Serious & Fun are the key words. You might
add Pain & Laughter if you like. Wecome to IBC.
Marty
----- Original Message -----
From: "James Quinan"
To:
Sent: Sunday, April 13, 2003 8:38 PM
Subject: [IBC] Are you serious, fine art etc


I love the discussions that go on here, the free exchange of ideas, even
the
occasional grumpy dissenter who stirs the pot. I'm a novice, but "serious"
bonsai enthusiast - I like that word best; two definitions of this word I
have come across are "inspired by God" or "mad", the both of which
describe
me :-).
I like the gentle humour that Iris, Jim and others use. I got into this
because I wanted a hobby that would engage my mind, enrich my spirit, keep
my hands busy and give me some pleasure and some fun (ok, and pain,
frustration and a bit of worry). The point is, ultimately for me this is
supposed to be fun. I'm not saying not a lot of hard work either, or not
to
be serious about it, but If it aint fun I aint gonna do it. I fell into
that
trap some time ago with Tai Chi. Having done martial arts in the past,
when
I started doing Tai Chi I was waaaayyyyy too serious about the forms and
patterns and missed the whole point of the exercise - to enjoy it and have
fun. It ruined a beautiful and peaceful pastime for me, and I ended up
giving it away.
I see here an opportunity to interact with and pick the brains of some
(IMHO) very experienced and talented people. I take every opportunity I
can
to do that - helps me learn and grow as a person, and reminds me that as
smart as I may think I am, I know bugger all about anything really, and
that
is good for me.
As far as art goes, I'll just say one thing - art is anything that speaks
to
or touches the soul of a person - doesn't matter if its the artist or a
spectator. All art is born of the spirit. Intellect has absolutely nothing
to do with it. If I have to think about it, it aint art. I I feel it, it
is.
Recognition by peers, critics, experts (I was told ex is a has-been, spurt
a
drip under pressure BTW) is irrelevant.
Having given my 2 bob's worth, I'll shut up now.

Cheers
James


************************************************** **************************
****
++++Sponsored, in part, by Evergreen Gardenworks++++

************************************************** **************************
****
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Evergreen Gardenworks++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++