just think that perhaps "American Bonsai" should actually live up to the name... and actually be representative of all the folks in America, doing bonsai. I don't think this is too much to ask, do you?
So... I am just thinking out loud, not arguing or disagreeing or demeaning your opinion, in the most respectful way possible- How would one person go about representing all the folks in America who do Bonsai? Yes, that seems to me to be way too much to ask.
I have seen your posts on this subject in the past Stacy and it seems clear you are taking offense to him using the term American Bonsai because... Why? Because he doesn't do a bunch of tropicals? I think Bonsai, like any art form, is dramatically different from one region to another and even from one artist to another within very close proximity. That is what makes it great, interesting, dynamic, adaptive... It should not be offensive or an affront to people who like to do Tropicals in America that Ryan prefers to do his American Bonsai primarily with Conifers in the Pacific NW. Nor is it- I am sure- any concern to him that you may want to call your trees "American Bonsai" while you do a lot with tropicals (and other stuff, I know) in South Florida... It is all Bonsai, right? Is it American Bonsai? ANY OF IT? By your requirements, no. If you have to somehow be representative of all the folks in America doing Bonsai? Nobody is or CAN do that... Rembrandt was not representative of Picasso.. Does that mean neither was a painter? Ford and Chevy make different cars are they thus not making American Automobiles because they are not representative of each other?
I think all that Ryan is trying to do- based off what I have read and seen him say in interviews- is help advance Bonsai in America, show people it does not have to be the same old traditional Japanese way.. It doesn't mean he is saying "do exactly what I am doing and what I think of as American Bonsai, or you are not doing it right"... He has his vision, you clearly have your own, and every artist between Florida and Oregon- I HOPE- has their own unique ideas and vision... Doesn't make anyone is right or wrong, just different and in the end, isn't that what America has kind of been about front he start? Accepting and even celebrating and embracing our differences? You make some good stuff Stacy, Ryan makes some amazing stuff of his own- your trees may be quite different but I wouldn't fault either of you for calling it American Bonsai... But that is just my take! Hope that makes a little bit of sense...
I agree... I as I have said I am not offended by Ryan or what he is doing. I have no personal issue with him, I don't even know him...
As far as the term "American Bonsai" to be honest it is pretty silly. And really not necessary. I think everyone in America can quite literally do Bonsai without us all having to try and define it! To each there own... if someone wants to do what ever and work on whatever, then cool!
However, this is not what is happening is it? And let's not forget it wasn't I nor thousands of others doing bonsai in the states that decided to try and define it, nor begin to try and voice opinions on where or perhaps where not it should go...
When I open up threads here regarding the discussion, read blogs and pieces shared on FB and people's voices and opinions, it's as if the sky all of a sudden opened up and now everyone has a path to glory! Which, ok... fine... but, perhaps it is me, but what we're folks doing before this great enlightenment?
I mean, was there not anyone else pushing a path forward to advance the scene? Do we all really have to run out and get a tree from Randy Night to be a part of this great movement? Not trying to obviously insult anyone... or just be a "hater"...
Just merely asking a question, as well as voicing an opinion, that I think it is awesome what is happening in Seattle... yet at the same time, I see awesome stuff all around happening... yet, only a small percentage of what is happening is being talked about, as well as being brought to the table of being representative of, if we are to now define it... "American Bonsai" How come?
I think the answer lies less with the concept of jealousy, and instead perhaps more with the notion that the facts are, America has lots of diversity... People are looking around at what they are doing, and asking the simple question of... if they are American, doing bonsai why is it they feel they are not part of what we are all trying to achieve?
I am all for one trying to take the reigns as you have said, someone who has a voice, who can yell from the roof tops... Let's all get together and play our part and make the freaking scene the best it can be, let's pull together our diversity... what in my opinion makes America great, and let's get things done... but, this is not what seems to be happening, at least not in my opinion, as well as others I am sure... and because someone says hey what's up with that... all of a sudden they are just "haters"... about the dumbest thing I ever heard.
What is being missed is that, I think "everyone" should have a voice. You like and appreciate Ryan... that awesome! I like his work too! I also like other people's as well, and even though I may not agree with Ryan on everything, I should at least be able to say, I don't agree with him here... Right? Or is this not allowed in the new American Bonsai movement?
