There has been a lot of discussion concerning “Masterpieces” on this forum lately.
We use the word, “Masterpiece” so much, that I wonder if we cheapen the term. There are thousands of artists (in other mediums) alive today that recognize that they will never a masterpiece. There are thousands of professional painters that make a successful and rewarding living painting excellent pieces of art but none that will ever be called a masterpiece. This does not mean that they do not enjoy a great feeling of reward as they pursue their artistic vision, they just have an honest appraisal of their abilities.
In bonsai, we throw this term around as if anyone of us might produce a masterpiece given enough time, experience and/or money. Do we have lower standards in bonsai than other mediums regarding the making of a masterpiece? Do we feel the artistic vision and abilities are more easily obtained?
Is there anyone that contributes to these discussions that would can claim to own a masterpiece? Is there anyone that anticipates creating or even owning a masterpiece in the future?
Just a few ramblings on a dreary Sunday afternoon. What are your thoughts?
I really have no idea where you are attempting to go with this thread, but I think I can solve the problem and answer most of your questions as well as those of others.
I think the main problem here is not that
"we have lower standards in bonsai than other mediums regarding the making of a masterpiece" or that we
"feel the artistic vision and abilities are more easily obtained" as you stated, but instead that the very word "masterpiece" brings to mind, for many, the thought of some unattainable height of artistic creation.
Words are funny, people toss them around, debate them, drag them through the gutter, without even having the slightest clue what they mean. But words are pretty much precise in the sense that they all have standard definitions, this makes precise, intelligent communication possible. Without such universally accepted definitions of words, no one could communicate at all. This is where many debates and misunderstandings come into play, one person not knowing what a word means.
We can solve that problem with the word
"masterpiece" by simply looking at the standard definition of the word. Now, I'll also head off other problems by simply stating that it doesn't matter in the least what a person "thinks" a word means or what it should mean, all that matters is what the words actually does mean, according to accepted definitions.
Let's go to the Encarta Dictionary and look up "
masterpiece"
mas·ter·piece (plural mas·ter·piec·es)
noun
Definition:
1. great artistic work: an exceptionally good piece of creative work, e.g. a book, movie, or performance ( sometimes considered offensive )
2. artist's best work: the best piece of work by a particular artist or craftsperson ( sometimes considered offensive )
3. work earning recognition by guild: the piece of work presented to a medieval guild to show that its maker was worthy of the rank of master craftsman
Now, let's answer your questions with the very definitions of the word.
Is there anyone that contributes to these discussions that would can claim to own a masterpiece?
The second definition of the word can certainly pertain to every single person who works on bonsai. Does it cheapen the word? In the broad sense, maybe, but each artist has his or hers own best creation, their own masterpiece, this goes for all art forms.
But let's look at the first definition, which defines a masterpiece as a great artistic work or an exceptionally good piece of creative work. In answer to your question quoted above, yes, Pall, Valavanis, Van Meer, all have created bonsai that are no doubt exceptional and in some cases, certainly great. These three (although there are others) are members here and do post here as well.
Wait, could the third definition also answer your question? If we consider the medieval guild to be the bonsai community, then a masterpiece is a bonsai presented to the community that shows its creator is worthy of the rank of master craftsman.
Is there anyone that anticipates creating or even owning a masterpiece in the future?
Certainly everyone will own a masterpiece as defined in definition #2, those with talent could well create a masterpiece as defined in the first or third definition, some may even buy a masterpiece as defined in the first definition.
It is impossible for someone to condemn the recent discussions about masterpieces without putting forth what they think a masterpiece is. Even in putting forth what they personally think, they accomplish nothing because this is only a personal opinion and one most likely not shared by the artists, the critics, the publishers, the community, or the public.
Think about it this way, how many times have we heard someone say that such and such a painting is considered a masterpiece, but they don't think it is. Did someone read that, run right to the museum and take it down in embarrassment? No, it still hangs, it is still a masterpiece, and it always will be because it was declared to be so by the people who declare such things.
Ever see a film win an Oscar that you hated? Ever see a book win the Hugo that you detested? Ever see a bonsai make the cover of a major magazine or win the Gingko that you didn't like? Get used to it, that is simply the way it is.
One man's opinion, a dozen opinions, do not make or break the masterpiece. Even if they are qualified to judge such a thing, and so very few people are, far less than think they are. All we can do is put forth our thoughts, but we can at least base them on solid definitions instead of personal feelings. I do not like every "masterpiece" I see displayed at the DIA, but I recognize their inherent value, I respect the techniques, and I admire the work for what it is and I try and see what others do, many times I am surprised when I finally see it, other times I am saddened that I can not.
In closing I will repeat what I said at the begging of this rant, it doesn't matter in the least what a person "thinks" a word means or what it should mean, all that matters is what the words actually do mean, according to accepted definitions.
What I think a masterpiece is unimportant, what you think is unimportant, what is important is the work.
When someone posts a bonsai, first we should enjoy it, second we should study it, thirdly we should learn from it. All bonsai teach, it is the person that spends time condemning, complaining, or insulting that is deaf to this teaching.
When someone posts a masterpiece bonsai, do you look for reasons it is not, or for reasons it is? Do you enjoy the tree or make sure no one else does? Do you study it to see why it is a masterpiece, or do you condemn it before you even see it?
Lastly, are you part of the problem or part of the solution?
Will
