Rick Moquin
Omono
Undoubtedly Peter''s interview (published recently) at A of B, was probably the most refreshing profile I have had the opportunity to read in some time. I offer these reflections in view of his seemingly relaxed and candid demeanour in which he expressed his views. His words spoke volumes not unlike the embarrassing truth that comes out the mouth of a child at times, and let's face it, it has happened to each and everyone of us on an occasion or two. The wisdom displayed and portrayed from this “bonsai virgin” demonstrated an unqualified full comprehension IMO of this fascinating passion, we call bonsai. Although I labelled him a “bonsai virgin” (a 5 year practitioner) Peter is anything but. He displayed a degree of maturity commendable to most masters and seasoned practitioners.
There has been many debates to date between the differences of Eastern and Western bonsai. It seems that every time we turn around the question is raised. This discussion (interview) pretty much centred on it. I have followed many interviews over at A of B and it seems these comparisons are always an object of discussion. It almost seems as though an unquenchable thirst needs looking after. The quest for an answer, almost an obsession. Why is this so important? Perhaps because the interviewers are Westerners? This question has been answered repeatedly, but it wasn't quite the right flavour, so let's try it once again please, this time in harmony.
The delta exist not by fault of talent or lack thereof, but America is still very much in its infancy on many fronts, and bonsai is just one of them when compared to the rest of the world. Let's face it the East has been around for 2K plus years, America 200 plus. How does one aspire to having a 600 year old trees in that time frame. Heck bonsai has not been around in America since America's inception.
But for those that took the opportunity to read and understand Peter's interview, will soon come to find out that bonsai is not about owning world class trees or bonsai for that matter. It is about the journey and this belief is lost on the West. The individual (owner, practitioner etc...) is but a passing ship in the night in the life of any given tree. The enthusiast envelops himself in the joyous raptures that bonsai brings along with its tranquillity and devouring beauty. He feels a deep sense of commitment and privilege in sharing in the trees journey to majesty.
In the West, especially in today's society we seek and demand instant gratification in most of what we do. We want it now, it needs to be done yesterday, and look what I have. It needn't be spectacular, but it needs to be bigger and better than thy neighbour. Humility has become but a pointless commodity. Yet in the East it is often the very foundation of many endeavours and predominant when practising bonsai on psychological versus mechanical levels. An individual who inspires me is Robert Steven, individuals who have engaged in interlocutory exchanges with Robert can sense this. One does not necessarily need to participate in these exchanges to capture the depths of his passion, his book conveys the message quite clearly. Bonsai must come from the soul and seen with the mind vice the eyes, bonsai is felt, not touched. These facets are shared by many Asians, who have achieved grandeur in the community. Peter has displayed a profound belief in these concepts, as can be readily seen in his interview. If one takes the time and listens to the spoken word vice interpreting what was said then the message is crystal clear.
The aforementioned observations are but a brief synopsis to the root of a perceived problem. Of late bonsai practitioners in general are consumed and I would go as far to state obsessed with the need for acceptance within the art community, while the quiet and humble enthusiast cherishes his accomplishments from within. He does not feel the need nor thirst for recognition, he senses his accomplishments through the visual expressions of his viewers rather than the spoken word. These unspoken displays far outweigh any praise or thirst for acceptance, because in his creation the practitioner not only captured their soul with his achieved beauty, but raised these deep rooted feelings from within their soul to finally end up in an orgasmic crescendo in their minds. These displays are indeed acceptance that the spoken word fails to convey miserably.
Peter's response to the question:
Why do we need recognition from the art community? If the art community does not recognize truth and beauty when they see it then more fool them. The bonsai world should drop the obsession with recognition and just get on with life.
... and later:
These people have created trees that have stopped me in my tracks and drawn a positive emotional response from me. Artistically they have a profound understanding of what is important in a bonsai and their trees do not have their individual personality stamped on them.
In short bonsai is more than just owning trees in the East. In my opinion until the West gives in to the spiritual aspects of bonsai, then they will always be playing catch up. The West has a profound tendency in their quest to be better than the rest of the world. Why is that? This is displayed on many fronts and is not restricted to bonsai. Why? As Peter said folks need to get on with life.
I was going to post this review or a facsimile thereof shortly after reading Peter's interview. I decided against it because the timing was all wrong. If we are to look back at Michael Jackson and Lionel Ritchie in the mid eighties, with their albums “Thriller” and “Can't slow down”. Both these albums were scheduled for release weeks apart. From a marketing strategic point of view, Lionel's was released a year later. In doing so the sales of the album were similar to those achieved by Michael's album. Sales of Lionel's album on the other hand would have been dwarfed, if both albums were released at the same time, it's all about timing. What does this have to do with bonsai? Let's read on!
A thread was started using a passage in Peter's interview. The passage quoted occurred around two thirds to three quarters of the way of said interview. I stated in the threads that the discussion was taken place out of context, because of the aforementioned points I have raised in my review. A Western question was asked and a reply was forthcoming. Although as I mentioned, these words were printed and hence factual, what was the true meaning behind Peter's intentions as stated?
My interpretation of his words were totally different than the ensued discussion that took place. Having read the entire article, I believe I can discuss his point in a more rational manner than what was exhibited here through passion.
Undoubtedly as discussed in the past that the quickest way to achieve a world class tree is through the use of collected material or acquired pre-bonsai stock but, there is indeed rare gems to be found at local nurseries. This was also pointed out. The mugo I posted some time ago, that I did find in the back corner of a nursery had tremendous potential to becoming a bonsai in short order. Why? because the qualities that we seek in our material were present. This tree did have some faults that needed to be rectified to become a convincing bonsai. The nursery owner was reluctant in selling this particular tree as its health was questionable and hence found tucked away in the back corner of the nursery. I convinced him to sell me the tree anyway. Bonsai in Nova Scotia is not well known. To many bonsai is either “those little Japanese trees” or “mallsai” that all have seen displayed for sale around Christmas time. However, the owner could plainly see that this tree in the rough had a distinctive bonsai outline, from the movement in the trunk, to first branch placement, right down to the nebari which had a beautiful radial spread. The development of this tree had many years behind it. Having previously stated that I salivate over some of the stock available in the US, I find myself compelled (<--- edited) in having to acquire nursery material. The yamadori potential in the US is indeed the envy of both Europe and the East. Anyway this tree was acquired for $25 dollars. It did not survive, but was a worthy investment in my opinion.
Of late far to much emphasis is placed on exuberance, this perception is not often found is the East. Anyone who points out that bonsai can be practised regardless of price is often ridiculed on the forums. Will raised good points in the past, emphasized once again yesterday with regards to quality and price. A long debate ensued and is still on going in those two threads. World class bonsai is achievable with good material. It is unimportant where this material comes from nor what it cost. Good material is good material, period. Having said that, which one will get you there sooner? or does that really matter? In Japan they feel privileged in having played a role in the trees life, vice ownership of said tree. Bonsai is lived not possessed, the passion passed on to the next generation unselfishly.
This is where Peter's comments need to be brought into perspective here. As previously discussed bonsai is not about ownership but the journey. This is conveyed in many passages and facets during Peter's interview. I do not wish to cut and past passages for clarification but do indeed recommend everyone to take a walk over to A of B and read it in its entirety.
Bonsai in the East has been around for an extremely long time and is passed down from generation to generation. They have a deep sense of duty in preserving their heritage. As discussed they envy the quantity and quality of our collectable material. Why? because they can achieve a world class bonsai in a shorter time frame than that achieved by their forefathers, and that is unfortunately today's society regardless of culture, instant gratification, not unlike a four year old who rants: “I want, I want, I want”.
Because bonsai in America has not been around for centuries as in the East, we find very little nurseries that grow out stock. America has jumped on the band wagon with regards to this shortcoming and have finally got on with it. Brent has been at this for many years 25 or so I believe, and finally some of his nurtured stock is finally hitting the market. That is a long time not to mention investment in both time and money to wait for a return on your investment. That is a short time indeed when compared to the East where the majority of their stock grown in nurseries is destined for the bonsai industry or yet again in Oriental landscape settings, have been grown for centuries and the torch passed on to the next generation. The next generation have inherited a gold mine so to speak as they have the ability of growing out stock while controlling sales in order to make a reasonable living. However, as noted bonsai in Japan has its shortcomings also, their cultural future is very much in question as mentioned in Peter's and many other interviews.
There was also a discussion that ensued over at A of B with regards to ownership vice recognition of the trees pedigree and the many artisans involved in its achieved grandeur and beauty. America is obsessed with the facet of ownership as displayed during that debate and once again mentioned during Peter's interview. Although it is my opinion that the timing of the release of the point raised for such a debate was totally inappropriate, I will leave it at that, the ensuing discussion was eye opening to say the least. The views expressed in America are somewhat shared in Europe as well. In my opinion these views are totally acceptable in one way, because they are borrowed culture. The purist on the other hand do not feel the same way. These are the folks that are participating in a bonsai journey rather than creating them, the spiritual level vice the mechanical level, and God forbid anyone who raises this point as he or she is often ridiculed, especially someone who has only recently taken up the passion.
I believe that in order for Bonsai to prosper in the West we need to thoroughly understand its meaning and humility. It has often been said stop talking bonsai and start doing bonsai, and I believe Walter has allured to this particular comment in one way or another, during some discussions.
In closing, when will the West catch up to the East? When practitioners finally embraced and basque in the raptures of bonsai. Until then, you are but a ship sailing in the night without a lighthouse nor compass to guide you to “Bonsailand”
I am truly amazed at the wisdom Peter displayed in his interview for such a novice. Many a seasoned practitioner can indeed learn allot from these spoken words of wisdom. The rest is up to you.
From a humble fan sitting in the stands watching a football match.
The interview
There has been many debates to date between the differences of Eastern and Western bonsai. It seems that every time we turn around the question is raised. This discussion (interview) pretty much centred on it. I have followed many interviews over at A of B and it seems these comparisons are always an object of discussion. It almost seems as though an unquenchable thirst needs looking after. The quest for an answer, almost an obsession. Why is this so important? Perhaps because the interviewers are Westerners? This question has been answered repeatedly, but it wasn't quite the right flavour, so let's try it once again please, this time in harmony.
The delta exist not by fault of talent or lack thereof, but America is still very much in its infancy on many fronts, and bonsai is just one of them when compared to the rest of the world. Let's face it the East has been around for 2K plus years, America 200 plus. How does one aspire to having a 600 year old trees in that time frame. Heck bonsai has not been around in America since America's inception.
But for those that took the opportunity to read and understand Peter's interview, will soon come to find out that bonsai is not about owning world class trees or bonsai for that matter. It is about the journey and this belief is lost on the West. The individual (owner, practitioner etc...) is but a passing ship in the night in the life of any given tree. The enthusiast envelops himself in the joyous raptures that bonsai brings along with its tranquillity and devouring beauty. He feels a deep sense of commitment and privilege in sharing in the trees journey to majesty.
In the West, especially in today's society we seek and demand instant gratification in most of what we do. We want it now, it needs to be done yesterday, and look what I have. It needn't be spectacular, but it needs to be bigger and better than thy neighbour. Humility has become but a pointless commodity. Yet in the East it is often the very foundation of many endeavours and predominant when practising bonsai on psychological versus mechanical levels. An individual who inspires me is Robert Steven, individuals who have engaged in interlocutory exchanges with Robert can sense this. One does not necessarily need to participate in these exchanges to capture the depths of his passion, his book conveys the message quite clearly. Bonsai must come from the soul and seen with the mind vice the eyes, bonsai is felt, not touched. These facets are shared by many Asians, who have achieved grandeur in the community. Peter has displayed a profound belief in these concepts, as can be readily seen in his interview. If one takes the time and listens to the spoken word vice interpreting what was said then the message is crystal clear.
The aforementioned observations are but a brief synopsis to the root of a perceived problem. Of late bonsai practitioners in general are consumed and I would go as far to state obsessed with the need for acceptance within the art community, while the quiet and humble enthusiast cherishes his accomplishments from within. He does not feel the need nor thirst for recognition, he senses his accomplishments through the visual expressions of his viewers rather than the spoken word. These unspoken displays far outweigh any praise or thirst for acceptance, because in his creation the practitioner not only captured their soul with his achieved beauty, but raised these deep rooted feelings from within their soul to finally end up in an orgasmic crescendo in their minds. These displays are indeed acceptance that the spoken word fails to convey miserably.
Peter's response to the question:
Why do we need recognition from the art community? If the art community does not recognize truth and beauty when they see it then more fool them. The bonsai world should drop the obsession with recognition and just get on with life.
... and later:
These people have created trees that have stopped me in my tracks and drawn a positive emotional response from me. Artistically they have a profound understanding of what is important in a bonsai and their trees do not have their individual personality stamped on them.
In short bonsai is more than just owning trees in the East. In my opinion until the West gives in to the spiritual aspects of bonsai, then they will always be playing catch up. The West has a profound tendency in their quest to be better than the rest of the world. Why is that? This is displayed on many fronts and is not restricted to bonsai. Why? As Peter said folks need to get on with life.
I was going to post this review or a facsimile thereof shortly after reading Peter's interview. I decided against it because the timing was all wrong. If we are to look back at Michael Jackson and Lionel Ritchie in the mid eighties, with their albums “Thriller” and “Can't slow down”. Both these albums were scheduled for release weeks apart. From a marketing strategic point of view, Lionel's was released a year later. In doing so the sales of the album were similar to those achieved by Michael's album. Sales of Lionel's album on the other hand would have been dwarfed, if both albums were released at the same time, it's all about timing. What does this have to do with bonsai? Let's read on!
A thread was started using a passage in Peter's interview. The passage quoted occurred around two thirds to three quarters of the way of said interview. I stated in the threads that the discussion was taken place out of context, because of the aforementioned points I have raised in my review. A Western question was asked and a reply was forthcoming. Although as I mentioned, these words were printed and hence factual, what was the true meaning behind Peter's intentions as stated?
My interpretation of his words were totally different than the ensued discussion that took place. Having read the entire article, I believe I can discuss his point in a more rational manner than what was exhibited here through passion.
Undoubtedly as discussed in the past that the quickest way to achieve a world class tree is through the use of collected material or acquired pre-bonsai stock but, there is indeed rare gems to be found at local nurseries. This was also pointed out. The mugo I posted some time ago, that I did find in the back corner of a nursery had tremendous potential to becoming a bonsai in short order. Why? because the qualities that we seek in our material were present. This tree did have some faults that needed to be rectified to become a convincing bonsai. The nursery owner was reluctant in selling this particular tree as its health was questionable and hence found tucked away in the back corner of the nursery. I convinced him to sell me the tree anyway. Bonsai in Nova Scotia is not well known. To many bonsai is either “those little Japanese trees” or “mallsai” that all have seen displayed for sale around Christmas time. However, the owner could plainly see that this tree in the rough had a distinctive bonsai outline, from the movement in the trunk, to first branch placement, right down to the nebari which had a beautiful radial spread. The development of this tree had many years behind it. Having previously stated that I salivate over some of the stock available in the US, I find myself compelled (<--- edited) in having to acquire nursery material. The yamadori potential in the US is indeed the envy of both Europe and the East. Anyway this tree was acquired for $25 dollars. It did not survive, but was a worthy investment in my opinion.
Of late far to much emphasis is placed on exuberance, this perception is not often found is the East. Anyone who points out that bonsai can be practised regardless of price is often ridiculed on the forums. Will raised good points in the past, emphasized once again yesterday with regards to quality and price. A long debate ensued and is still on going in those two threads. World class bonsai is achievable with good material. It is unimportant where this material comes from nor what it cost. Good material is good material, period. Having said that, which one will get you there sooner? or does that really matter? In Japan they feel privileged in having played a role in the trees life, vice ownership of said tree. Bonsai is lived not possessed, the passion passed on to the next generation unselfishly.
This is where Peter's comments need to be brought into perspective here. As previously discussed bonsai is not about ownership but the journey. This is conveyed in many passages and facets during Peter's interview. I do not wish to cut and past passages for clarification but do indeed recommend everyone to take a walk over to A of B and read it in its entirety.
Bonsai in the East has been around for an extremely long time and is passed down from generation to generation. They have a deep sense of duty in preserving their heritage. As discussed they envy the quantity and quality of our collectable material. Why? because they can achieve a world class bonsai in a shorter time frame than that achieved by their forefathers, and that is unfortunately today's society regardless of culture, instant gratification, not unlike a four year old who rants: “I want, I want, I want”.
Because bonsai in America has not been around for centuries as in the East, we find very little nurseries that grow out stock. America has jumped on the band wagon with regards to this shortcoming and have finally got on with it. Brent has been at this for many years 25 or so I believe, and finally some of his nurtured stock is finally hitting the market. That is a long time not to mention investment in both time and money to wait for a return on your investment. That is a short time indeed when compared to the East where the majority of their stock grown in nurseries is destined for the bonsai industry or yet again in Oriental landscape settings, have been grown for centuries and the torch passed on to the next generation. The next generation have inherited a gold mine so to speak as they have the ability of growing out stock while controlling sales in order to make a reasonable living. However, as noted bonsai in Japan has its shortcomings also, their cultural future is very much in question as mentioned in Peter's and many other interviews.
There was also a discussion that ensued over at A of B with regards to ownership vice recognition of the trees pedigree and the many artisans involved in its achieved grandeur and beauty. America is obsessed with the facet of ownership as displayed during that debate and once again mentioned during Peter's interview. Although it is my opinion that the timing of the release of the point raised for such a debate was totally inappropriate, I will leave it at that, the ensuing discussion was eye opening to say the least. The views expressed in America are somewhat shared in Europe as well. In my opinion these views are totally acceptable in one way, because they are borrowed culture. The purist on the other hand do not feel the same way. These are the folks that are participating in a bonsai journey rather than creating them, the spiritual level vice the mechanical level, and God forbid anyone who raises this point as he or she is often ridiculed, especially someone who has only recently taken up the passion.
I believe that in order for Bonsai to prosper in the West we need to thoroughly understand its meaning and humility. It has often been said stop talking bonsai and start doing bonsai, and I believe Walter has allured to this particular comment in one way or another, during some discussions.
In closing, when will the West catch up to the East? When practitioners finally embraced and basque in the raptures of bonsai. Until then, you are but a ship sailing in the night without a lighthouse nor compass to guide you to “Bonsailand”
I am truly amazed at the wisdom Peter displayed in his interview for such a novice. Many a seasoned practitioner can indeed learn allot from these spoken words of wisdom. The rest is up to you.
From a humble fan sitting in the stands watching a football match.
The interview
Last edited:
. (Not that I'd let him look at mine)
