My Book is Coming Soon
- Thread starter grouper52
- Start date
Attila Soos
Omono
Hey, I sympathize with anybody who is reluctant to wire. I admit, it's a royal pain in the rear to wire everything. The other day I wired the first branch of a juniper, it took me one hour to do it - just one branch. So, I put it back on the bench and decided that tomorrow is another day to wire the next one.
I know more than a few old-timers who don't wire anymore - they use their imagination to see the finished tree as if it was wired. If the rest of us mortals can't do the same, it's our problem. Bonsai is all about imagination.
Hey, I sympathize with anybody who is reluctant to wire. I admit, it's a royal pain in the rear to wire everything. The other day I wired the first branch of a juniper, it took me one hour to do it - just one branch. So, I put it back on the bench and decided that tomorrow is another day to wire the next one.
I know more than a few old-timers who don't wire anymore - they use their imagination to see the finished tree as if it was wired. If the rest of us mortals can't do the same, it's our problem. Bonsai is all about imagination.
As with most things Japanese its the discipline and the hardness that make the lesson.
Victrinia Ensor
Omono
Ahhh.... but you miss the point entirely if you believe for a minute that he does any of his work with a nod to the Japanese. He never has in the past, it would be rediculous to think he should do so now. I've seen him wire every single branch and twig on a tree, taking 20 or more hours on particularly large trees... and believe me when I tell you I've had the pleasure of removing it for hours at a time. Because a tree has not be styled into something which fits the mold and pattern you expect does not mean it has not been handled with as much attention as a tree by another.
Daniel makes no apologies for not fitting the mold... I make none for him now... you've expressed an opinion, and there isn't a thing wrong with that. My opinion is that his work isn't for everyone, but there's no need to cast stones either. I tell you what... when you have contributed as much to bonsai as he has, cast all the stones you want. It's a rare soul that can put themselves on that same level of over 50 years at the ceasless pursuit of the art.
You will grant my opinion in this particular matter, about as much I as I will grant yours I would think. It is no reflection on you as an individual... just this moment.
Kindest regards,
Victrinia
Daniel makes no apologies for not fitting the mold... I make none for him now... you've expressed an opinion, and there isn't a thing wrong with that. My opinion is that his work isn't for everyone, but there's no need to cast stones either. I tell you what... when you have contributed as much to bonsai as he has, cast all the stones you want. It's a rare soul that can put themselves on that same level of over 50 years at the ceasless pursuit of the art.
You will grant my opinion in this particular matter, about as much I as I will grant yours I would think. It is no reflection on you as an individual... just this moment.
Kindest regards,
Victrinia
Victrinia Ensor
Omono
JC... I think your error was in being flip with someone who has labored for years to get this thing done. With the shear amount of time in it, the many interviews and research he conducted, it really could be a doctoral work... if he wasn't already a PhD.
I'm fairly certain he didn't sleep for almost two years. Lord knows I had few weekends to myself for that period, and that was just for photoshoots. All this while running a private practice... the man is truly a marvel. It was nothing short of a labor of love, his only thought to share with those who could appreciate it, something rare and unique in bonsai. He'll never get paid for the hours he has in this, and we'll be lucky to just recoup all the costs we both have. The P word was never even a goal. So a little respect isn't much to ask for... for no better reason than the fact that he created something beautiful for you and everyone else to enjoy. If it were me your original tone was addressed to, I would likely have gotten a little bent out of shape myself, and I know you...
I believe also you might have misread his comment... because he said that Elandan was where signed copies could be had... knowing that not every copy shipped out from Elandan will be signed... I would imagine you have to request a signed one, and that it's available at the time you ask for it... or you'd have to wait for us all to get together to sign it. Which is no small feat either... getting us all together.
Depending on who's signatures you wished to have... Dan's or all three... Since Walter isn't local, people will have to get their copies to him on their own if they want a fully signed copy.Be well,
Victrinia
grouper52
Masterpiece
... it really could be a doctoral work... if he wasn't already a PhD.
Victrinia
MD, Vic, not PhD. We're trained not to need sleep.
Beyond that, thanks.
Most here probably don't know, BTW, that the cover was designed by Eric, using one of your photos.
Will
Wow! I was just funn'in. You folks on the upper left coast are touchy...........
rockm
Spuds Moyogi
Cquinn,
No, it's not the left coast. It's mostly people who have earned some respect, Dude.
These folks have basically busted their arses producing something of pretty unique value. Dan Robinson is one of those seminal personalities that has helped shape bonsai not only in the US, but globally (ask Walter Pall).
Doesn't mean you can't poke some fun, but, jeez Dude, respect the effort...Books don't photograph, write, produce or mail themselves. It's not up to one person. Publishing anything in physical form is not an easy thing to do. There are many moving parts, including printing and production processes that the writers have no control over.
You dont' simply walk into a freakin' Kinkos and order 1,000 copies of a hard bound coffee table photo book. You can't walk into a professional book printer and do that. You have to fit into the printer's schedule (printing machines run ALL THE TIME to make money...
No, it's not the left coast. It's mostly people who have earned some respect, Dude.
These folks have basically busted their arses producing something of pretty unique value. Dan Robinson is one of those seminal personalities that has helped shape bonsai not only in the US, but globally (ask Walter Pall).
Doesn't mean you can't poke some fun, but, jeez Dude, respect the effort...Books don't photograph, write, produce or mail themselves. It's not up to one person. Publishing anything in physical form is not an easy thing to do. There are many moving parts, including printing and production processes that the writers have no control over.
You dont' simply walk into a freakin' Kinkos and order 1,000 copies of a hard bound coffee table photo book. You can't walk into a professional book printer and do that. You have to fit into the printer's schedule (printing machines run ALL THE TIME to make money...
You need to check your facts. I wasn't the one who used "Dude". My poking fun comments were about the trees not the book, and they were tongue in cheek because I'm familiar with Robinson's work and was not insulting it per say but being sarcastic. Get your facts straight Dude!
Victrinia Ensor
Omono
Main Entry: sar·casm
Pronunciation: \ˈsär-ˌka-zəm\
Function: noun
Etymology: French or Late Latin; French sarcasme, from Late Latin sarcasmos, from Greek sarkasmos, from sarkazein to tear flesh, bite the lips in rage, sneer, from sark-, sarx flesh; probably akin to Avestan thwarəs- to cut
Date: 1550
1 : a sharp and often satirical or ironic utterance designed to cut or give pain
2 a : a mode of satirical wit depending for its effect on bitter, caustic, and often ironic language that is usually directed against an individual b : the use or language of sarcasm
Not sure how there's much difference between an insult and sarcasm... but I am something of a literalist, so I'll ask you to forgive me if your words did not communicate a lightness of heart that you may have intended. As much as one might despise them, the use of emoticons can assist in interperting the intention of the speaker...
I did not use any in my response either, but my use of language was designed to convey that I had no irritation with you, but that we would disagree. Your response back to Attila appeared to reinforce the perception that you were being unkind rather than attempting to be amusing. Implying by my interpertation, that his trees were a mess and that he lacked discipline. From that standpoint I think you can understand that I would have to respond to that in a way which would be kind but also direct.
I hope you realize I still have no bone to pick with you... and that I accept your belated statement of intention as your only purpose.
This is the joy of pure unfiltered communication. What you say will be read and interperted based only on the filters available to the reader. Without body language or tone of voice to provide clarity, only the crafting of words (which can be more powerfully enforced by what you leave out than what you actually write) can paint the picture of your intentions.
Such is the life of internet communications....
I'll let you in on a little clue though... I never ever use the words "Kindest regards" with anyone I'm actually vexed with. It is improper to write "With no regards whatsoever"...lol Though I have done it once. It is best to have no closing salutation at all in those cases, so that is my general rule. So if you read something from me and you believe I'm offended, just read the salutation, and then re-read the body of the message. I rarely fail to speak my intentions....
Again, kindest regards...
Victrinia
Pronunciation: \ˈsär-ˌka-zəm\
Function: noun
Etymology: French or Late Latin; French sarcasme, from Late Latin sarcasmos, from Greek sarkasmos, from sarkazein to tear flesh, bite the lips in rage, sneer, from sark-, sarx flesh; probably akin to Avestan thwarəs- to cut
Date: 1550
1 : a sharp and often satirical or ironic utterance designed to cut or give pain
2 a : a mode of satirical wit depending for its effect on bitter, caustic, and often ironic language that is usually directed against an individual b : the use or language of sarcasm
Not sure how there's much difference between an insult and sarcasm... but I am something of a literalist, so I'll ask you to forgive me if your words did not communicate a lightness of heart that you may have intended. As much as one might despise them, the use of emoticons can assist in interperting the intention of the speaker...
I did not use any in my response either, but my use of language was designed to convey that I had no irritation with you, but that we would disagree. Your response back to Attila appeared to reinforce the perception that you were being unkind rather than attempting to be amusing. Implying by my interpertation, that his trees were a mess and that he lacked discipline. From that standpoint I think you can understand that I would have to respond to that in a way which would be kind but also direct.
I hope you realize I still have no bone to pick with you... and that I accept your belated statement of intention as your only purpose.
This is the joy of pure unfiltered communication. What you say will be read and interperted based only on the filters available to the reader. Without body language or tone of voice to provide clarity, only the crafting of words (which can be more powerfully enforced by what you leave out than what you actually write) can paint the picture of your intentions.
Such is the life of internet communications....
I'll let you in on a little clue though... I never ever use the words "Kindest regards" with anyone I'm actually vexed with. It is improper to write "With no regards whatsoever"...lol Though I have done it once. It is best to have no closing salutation at all in those cases, so that is my general rule. So if you read something from me and you believe I'm offended, just read the salutation, and then re-read the body of the message. I rarely fail to speak my intentions....
Again, kindest regards...
Victrinia
Last edited:
Victrinia Ensor
Omono
MD, Vic, not PhD. We're trained not to need sleep.
Beyond that, thanks.
Most here probably don't know, BTW, that the cover was designed by Eric, using one of your photos.
Will
I have truly never figured out the rank and file difference, but that I believe one is a whole lot more work than the other...lol Oh well... It makes no difference to me Doc... you've never waved a banner, in fact I'm always amused that you tolerate us calling you Doc.
My dear husband is singularly gifted at making my work look good... plus it was a nice touch for him to have that role to play in the process.
As I said in the begining of this project, I am only honored to have been allowed to participate. You never "needed" me... your a bang up photographer on your own, but it was wonderful fun getting to do it - and I learned SO MUCH. I think our very different perspectives have given a lot to the whole project, so it's all good.
Your friend in all things,
V
grouper52
Masterpiece
RockM - Thanks for your thoughtful words.
Vic - A clinical PhD or PsyD psychologist comes from a fundamentally academic tradition, whereas a psychiatrist is an MD (or DO) from a medical tradition - trained at least to some degree in the whole spectrum of that discipline, but specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders. In other words, a medical specialist, like a cardiologist or a radiologist.
In an effort to move the focus back onto the book - - I thought it might be (more or less) a good tease to show the Table of Contents for those who like such things. It should at least give a hint at the basic organization of the book, although there is also a visual organization that can only be appreciated by seeing the whole book. Below is an wrong-proportioned JPG file of a PDF file of a Pages file of the InDesign file of the Table of Contents. I think it's still readable if enlarged, though just barely.
Enjoy.
Vic - A clinical PhD or PsyD psychologist comes from a fundamentally academic tradition, whereas a psychiatrist is an MD (or DO) from a medical tradition - trained at least to some degree in the whole spectrum of that discipline, but specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders. In other words, a medical specialist, like a cardiologist or a radiologist.
In an effort to move the focus back onto the book -
- I thought it might be (more or less) a good tease to show the Table of Contents for those who like such things. It should at least give a hint at the basic organization of the book, although there is also a visual organization that can only be appreciated by seeing the whole book. Below is an wrong-proportioned JPG file of a PDF file of a Pages file of the InDesign file of the Table of Contents. I think it's still readable if enlarged, though just barely. Enjoy.
Attachments
I am most excited about seeing the collecting grounds part. I love reading about collected trees, and collecting areas. Collecting is enough work as it is, so photographing the grounds and the process makes for some good, but rare entertainment.
Looking forward to it.
Looking forward to it.
grouper52
Masterpiece
I think you will really like it then. Collecting is as much a central theme in the book as is Dan's styling.
In fact, three chapters are entirely devoted to collecting. The first section of the book - Roots - is essentially Dan's biography, and within that section the chapter, "Tree Hunter," is the story of his development as a collector - his philosophy, wisdom and techniques. The second section - The Main Trunk - consists of four contemporary stories about Dan, and two of those chapters are about collecting. "The Collecting Grounds" is the story of a trip Dan took with Larry Jackel to collect Ponderosa pine and Rocky Mountain juniper in Wyoming. "Pete's Peak & Pete's Bog" is about a trip he took with George Heffelfinger and Pete Wilson collecting in two different bogs on Vancouver Island. All three of those chapters are full of useful info and lots of pictures - I tried hard to include lots of both as often as I could throughout the book. I really think you'll get a lot out of it, and enjoy it visually as well.
Attila Soos
Omono
This is great to hear...making collecting a central theme. Especially because yamadori collectors are often burdened with guilt trips by overzealous "protectors" of nature...as if bonsai was a menace to our environment. Cool stuff.
grouper52
Masterpiece
Anyone who doesn't get TOO distracted by the sheer number and beauty of the book's photos
D), but actually takes the time to READ the biography section, will find a great story there. The Cliff Notes version is that Dan was always passionate about trees, but did not discover bonsai until around age 20 while studying forestry in college, around 1960. While in college he used to earn money working for his uncle collecting trees and other things from nature for landscaping. He fell in love with it. After college he chose - of all things available to him - to continue doing that, and he started his own business doing just that, supplying wild collected trees and other natural materials to nurseries and landscapers. At the end of a trip collecting, when he had enough to sell upon return, he would also start collecting occasional small stunted trees for bonsai, which he had just started to learn about from books. He never saw a real bonsai or met anyone who knew how to do it for years afterwards.People mostly know Dan for his styling artistry, which is also a huge part of the book, especially photographically, but some believe his main impact on the art has been the info and techniques he developed surrounding collecting. There were no books in English back then that mentioned anything about collecting, so he had to figure it out on his own by applying his basic and academic knowledge of trees. He built and taught the basic skills for all the successful collectors that came after him. He actually started to write a book about in in 1982, but never finished or disseminated it: large segments of that writing are included in various parts of my book.
Will
grouper52
Masterpiece
And for anyone who doesn't think I'm teasing too unnecessarily by saying so, the "plotter proofs" just arrived today via FedEx from Hong Kong. (The "wet proofs" came a week ago.)
The printers see only two small errors in this set of proofs, which basically look at page layout and such. Should be easy to correct, and quick. We'll review them for other last minute changes as well, hopefully soon, and then I think there are no further obstacles at all under my control. Let's hope not anyway.
Things moving forward!
The printers see only two small errors in this set of proofs, which basically look at page layout and such. Should be easy to correct, and quick. We'll review them for other last minute changes as well, hopefully soon, and then I think there are no further obstacles at all under my control. Let's hope not anyway.
Things moving forward!
