Cosmic Bonsai/Laurent Darrieux to be in the USA...2025

[Cadillactaste]

His interview with Ryan Neil was very interesting, I appreciate that he's classically trained but rejected that as too constraining. I'd be much less interested if I felt that he was doing this because he didn't have the chops to do the other. If you didn't catch that podcast, highly recommend.

I heard he was coming to Ohio, would definitely go.

B

Yes... he can style a traditional tree...and has. Agreed, I believe that's why I respect him. Everyone needs to grasp the principles of bonsai. Before stepping off the well beaten down path of bonsai principles...

I love a deciduous tree with a scar. His scarification is art to me. It's beautiful. Sucks me in.

Ohio you say. Very cool.

 

[NMbonsai]

I don't consider it bonsai, because the tree is an afterthought. In fact, you could remove the tree altogether and no one would notice it wasn't there. Put a hubcap in there, or a mannequin head - it wouldn't change the compositiony. The tree is no longer the f

 

[NMbonsai]

My point exactly. The tree is no longer the focus of the composition; all the other stuff is, I guess because it is so cute and daring. When we start doing bonsai in the the Japanese tradition, we are taught that special attention should be paid to the choice of pot, and to any kusimono added to the display, so that neither clashes with or draws attention away from the tree. Call this stuff "art" if you wish but it isn't the art of bonsai.

 

[Cadillactaste]

My point exactly. The tree is no longer the focus of the composition; all the other stuff is, I guess because it is so cute and daring. When we start doing bonsai in the the Japanese tradition, we are taught that special attention should be paid to the choice of pot, and to any kusimono added to the display, so that neither clashes with or draws attention away from the tree. Call this stuff "art" if you wish but it isn't the art of bonsai.

There has been a lot of modern art for display as of late from well known bonsai artists... or even Crust's vacuum display total opposite direction which I absolutely loved.

You are permitted your stance. But...to expect everyone to conform to Japanese tradition...is far from where we are. We aren't in Japan...and people are pushing the envelope in many instances. Kudos to them. I can respect all of it. Even if something isn't to my liking. And some...haven't been. But...I can still pause...and appreciate what they are bringing... something new.

But...end of the day... he's not teaching his display technique. He's sharing his technique for Cosmic design in designing a tree. For anyone interested in having your club have some fresh ideas. I hope you take advantage of his being in the USA.

And end of the day...tree in a pot. You can either love it or hate it. But many do find it curious...and want to learn how to do that technique to their trunk. It's not for everyone...but clearly there are admires. I'm one of them.

 

[Orion_metalhead]

My point exactly. The tree is no longer the focus of the composition; all the other stuff is, I guess because it is so cute and daring. When we start doing bonsai in the the Japanese tradition, we are taught that special attention should be paid to the choice of pot, and to any kusimono added to the display, so that neither clashes with or draws attention away from the tree. Call this stuff "art" if you wish but it isn't the art of bonsai.

I would say the artist would take umbrage at you calling their attempt to use the bonsai artform to make a serious critique on technological progress, humankind's impact on nature, and industrial/martial aesthetics "cute and daring".

This is the same angle or rooted sentiment that critics have laid upon death metal and extreme music for decades and it is less about the merits and progress of the artform and more about the fear of having to expand one's aesthetic sensibilities and be confronted with the opposite of harmony. It is atonal music vs pop music, avante garde vs classical. There was a time when Stravinsky was laughed at and exiled for the initial performances of Rite of Spring... we see this art differently now.

 

[Tidal Bonsai]

 

[DogwoodApprentice]

My point exactly. The tree is no longer the focus of the composition; all the other stuff is, I guess because it is so cute and daring. When we start doing bonsai in the the Japanese tradition, we are taught that special attention should be paid to the choice of pot, and to any kusimono added to the display, so that neither clashes with or draws attention away from the tree. Call this stuff "art" if you wish but it isn't the art of bonsai.

“My point exactly. You can barely tell it’s a cafe terrace at night. I guess because it’s so cute and daring. We are taught art is oil paintings that look as close as possible to real life. Call Vincent Van Gogh “art” if you wish but it’s not painting”

Getting wayyyy too wrapped up in the “rules” of bonsai, bending over backwards to a culture and its customs that aren’t your own.

 

[Gabler]

I'm assuming you all hate Picasso, too.

 

[Gabler]

I'm reminded of Ben Shapiro's take on rap.

 

[Orion_metalhead]

I'm reminded of Ben Shapiro's take on rap.

God forbid you ask him what he thinks of power electronics.

 

[Cadillactaste]

I'm reminded of Ben Shapiro's take on rap.

I also listen to rap... I guess I never even gave it thought. My son commented..."since when do you do rap!?!" I have used it for Instagram posts too. If I like a song. I'll use it for my posts.

I guess...I'm open minded. If the words relate to me. Then...I'll listen to it. Christian rap... but rap none the less.

Not everyone's cuppa ... "To hell with the devil"...was NOT my subcontractor 's song choice.

 

[Asymetrix]

Sorry but those action figures are repulsive and kitsch in the worst of ways. Art is subjective but there is a reason we develop a keen eye for aesthetics; which is inextricably linked to the success of the art.

In this case my interpretation of these additions is purely shock value and they are exclusively detrimental to the trees - which I do admire and believe the style is unique and worthy of merit. Also seems impressive on a technical level.

I'm not usually one to criticize but when an artist puts themselves in the public realm it is expected.

 

[NMbonsai]

Sorry but those action figures are repulsive and kitsch in the worst of ways. Art is subjective but there is a reason we develop a keen eye for aesthetics; which is inextricably linked to the success of the art.

In this case my interpretation of these additions is purely shock value and they are exclusively detrimental to the trees - which I do admire and believe the style is unique and worthy of merit. Also seems impressive on a technical level.

I'm not usually one to criticize but when an artist puts themselves in the public realm it is expected.

Exactly. And like most artists, inflinfluences, other media figures, they are in it for the attention and recognition. That's not why I do bonsai. I am doing it for my personal satisfaction and the challenge of working with new species and techniques. Other than fellow club members, I don't feel the need to share my experience with anyone. I do choose to post a picture or two of a tree of mine on this site occasionally, but only if it is relevant to a discussion someone has started.

 

[NMbonsai]

I would say the artist would take umbrage at you calling their attempt to use the bonsai artform to make a serious critique on technological progress, humankind's impact on nature, and industrial/martial aesthetics "cute and daring".

This is the same angle or rooted sentiment that critics have laid upon death metal and extreme music for decades and it is less about the merits and progress of the artform and more about the fear of having to expand one's aesthetic sensibilities and be confronted with the opposite of harmony. It is atonal music vs pop music, avante garde vs classical. There was a time when Stravinsky was laughed at and exiled for the initial performances of Rite of Spring... we see this art differently now.

All true from a historical perspective. I don't fear "having to expand one's aesthetic sensibilities ", but I do value harmony above all, in life and bonsai composition.

 

[Gabler]

Sorry but those action figures are repulsive and kitsch in the worst of ways. Art is subjective but there is a reason we develop a keen eye for aesthetics; which is inextricably linked to the success of the art.

In this case my interpretation of these additions is purely shock value and they are exclusively detrimental to the trees - which I do admire and believe the style is unique and worthy of merit. Also seems impressive on a technical level.

I'm not usually one to criticize but when an artist puts themselves in the public realm it is expected.

Exactly. And like most artists, inflinfluences, other media figures, they are in it for the attention and recognition. That's not why I do bonsai. I am doing it for my personal satisfaction and the challenge of working with new species and techniques. Other than fellow club members, I don't feel the need to share my experience with anyone. I do choose to post a picture or two of a tree of mine on this site occasionally, but only if it is relevant to a discussion someone has started.

Are the figurines tacky? Maybe. I used to think that mud men were tacky, yet they're an important part of penjing. A cicerone might turn his nose up at Bud Light, but it's the best-selling beer in the United States for a reason—people like it. Bonsai is typically a highbrow art form, and action figures definitely lower the brow. I'm not sure that makes it bad, just plebeian. It certainly jibes with the French disdain for the upper class.

I would also note that it is extremely difficult to build a career as an artist. The competition for attention is ruthless, and artists must do what they can to draw attention to their work if they want any hope of receiving the money they've earned.

 

[Cadillactaste]

I freaking love my figures from Laurent ... their bad @ss! Way cooler than mud men. That's my perogative... I'm honored to have ones tied to the Trophy show.

They are way taller than 8 inches too. Which I initially thought. They are sizeable...love the face masks...and robot. The other one, the smallest was not from Laurent. But Mike Lane used one in his images he used for promoting Laurent the first time he was in the country.

 

[Cadillactaste]

That said...this post keeps falling down a rabbit hole on how one chooses to display. Where...cosmic design is far more than displaying at a show. It's technique applied.

 

[NMbonsai]

Enough already. Can't we shift the discussion to something we can all agree on like, say, bonsai soil composition?

 

[Cadillactaste]

Enough already. Can't we shift the discussion to something we can all agree on like, say, bonsai soil composition?

Then step out of this thread topic. And go create one. This was to promote Laurent coming to the USA...and allow bonsai clubs be aware of a great opportunity.

Your attempt at humor...fell flat to me.
I'm now in my literal head game. And I am not amused.

 

[NMbonsai]

Then step out of this thread topic. And go create one. This was to promote Laurent coming to the USA...and allow bonsai clubs be aware of a great opportunity.

Your attempt at humor...fell flat to me.
I'm now in my literal head game. And I am not amused.

So sorry. Maybe it didn't fall flat for everyone else. Go play with your acton figures and amuse yourself.