The Art of Bonsai Project

Hello everyone,
I've had a number of requests to make the images in Nick's gallery "clickable", so that you click on each image on the main page to see a full-sized image in a new window.
So, by popular request, I have done this.
Best regards,
Carl

Personally, I find some of Mr. Lenz's trees very wonderful, and some are a disappointment. Mainly because I am looking for the "trick", the catch....a tree with a name or title tell us to be looking for deeper meanings, rather than approach with an open mind and let the tree tell the story.

His technical expertise is amazing. But, like the current trends in ceramics, by making social statements or trying to surprise the viewer something can be lost. It shifts the focus from the innate qualities of the tree, to the role that the tree plays in the larger context. Not everyone likes this kind of art.

People who do, really do, and write textbooks about it. Others walk away.
No one forces us to like or dislike, to view or ignore anything. We take what we want from it, and sometimes come back later to find something entirely different than what we saw before.
Joanie

Hector,
I apologize for the previous post. I got the memo after posting a few times about using my full name and maintaining a certain degree of professionalism when composing a post for this site.

What I meant to say in a more drawn out way is that the rules set down by the Japanese over the past few hundred years are great to learn in terms of the basic styles and techniques, but I see them as a good starting point; not gospel. I have taken some classes from Warren Hill in Tennessee as well as Joe Harris out in Oregon. Both (especially Joe) are adamant about sticking close to Japanese traditions, but I feel that the Art of Bonsai is a more personal endeavor based on my experience and ideals of nature. I hate to be too corny on this site but Mr. Muyagi in The Karate Kid movie said it best "when you close your eyes, what tree do you see? Now make that tree".

I am not a militant bonsai artist, just someone tired of seeing perfectly good plants being mutilated by ignorant people. I'm sure any good bonsai enthusiast would denounce my trees, but I was mainly aiming such a statement toward the average person not versed in proper gardening procedure.

I will try in the future to have a little more tact in my posts and keep a certain level of professionalism when stating my opinions.
Owen Reich

owenr@uga.edu
*personal information containing address and phone number removed. Name, City, state, and email is sufficient for any purpose. More personal information can be shared by PM if needed. - mgt

Good to read views from different viewers from around the world!
I will put it straight and short. Nick's collection is not my cup of tea really.........and if these gargoyles, tanks and ruins are considered art then I would rather remain 'unartistic' all my life.

Sorry Nick, but apart from the objects you have used in your bonsai, most of the trees also look quite 'stiff' lacking a natural movement. These are my very personal views but as most of the viewers are 'all praises' for your gallery, you should not feel bad with one odd post of mine.
Forgive me for speaking my mind, and I hope you will take it in good spirit.

Shaukat