If bonsai is art, what does it mean? (semiotics of bonsai)

[Dogestoevsky]

Sure, whatever floats your boat! The problem I see, however, is this:

“Thinking about [semiotics, meaning, symbolism] can only add to your intentionality as an artist making these creations.”

Symbolism is useful and fascinating, but it can also blind us from the thing-in-itself. I really like your throughline of injury and healing (bonsai maybe can’t exist without that!), I’m just not sure that our narrative of those concepts is reliable or true to the process of the tree!

Thanks for the think

 

[Tidal Bonsai]

It's a reminder that if you take care of nature, it will give you something beautiful to look at!

 

[cmeg1]

Im so glad Wolfgang’s website is here still!!!
***check the tokanoma explanation.

This and walter’s were the first info that appeared to me about bonsai!!!

Years ago.

Bonsai - Webseite von Putz Wolfgang

 

[john blanch]

Artistic Foundations of Bonsai Design

The fundamentals of meaningful bonsai composition.

andyrutledge.com

This is something I read many years ago.

 

[john blanch]

Personification in artistry.
"Artistry is often an effort to imbue our work with human qualities.

Even if we are not imposing human qualities directly on our work, we often create an image that provides contrast between ourselves and the image or qualities exhibited by the work"
From Andy Rutledge. Artistic Foundations of Bonsai Design.