Hi David,

----- Original Message -----
From: "David J. Bockman"
...On the list we discuss regularly technique vs. artistry... curious
what
people's thoughts are, and what they make of the above quoted passage as
it
relates to their personal journey in bonsai.
David J. Bockman
-------------------------

As a fledgeling bonsai artist, painter and composer, I find this gentleman's
ideas pretty clear and true. I see virtually no distinction between these
artforms in the theory of their techniques. Mechanics are a means to an end
and certainly not an end in and of itself. In fact, I'd say that mechanics
can help to facilitate technique (and technique produces the art), but
mechanics don't produce technique.

When he cites : "First comes the idea, then the technique. And not
reversed!" I can understand exactly what he is talking about, specifically
with regard to piano playing. For instance, my technique is wholly beholden
to the ideas that I work to interpret on the keyboard. In this respect, I
don't have technical abilities that are not utilized or are used for their
own sakes. They come solely from a need to actually realize the motif or
line or passage that I invent (this is not necessarily good, either). The
technique that is required to render this idea on the keyboard may or may
not be within my immediate repetorie, but the technique can be developed
with practice. Eventually, the technique required to render what I'm
striving for is within my grasp. In this instance, the needed technique
involves mechanics, mood, flavor, color, spirit, texture, etc. and is what
makes the piece.

I guess one way to express this idea is that mechanics are 1-dimensional and
technique is multi-dimensional. Mechanics cannot create art, but mechanics
can help with technical application - and it is the technique that creates
the art.

I'd say that technique is the practical application of the soul into the
work. Anyway, sorry to get to personal with this. I don't generally talk
about this stuff, but your note inspired me. ;-) Thanks for posting it.

Kind regards,
Andy

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