Declarations up front:
(a) I'm not American, so probably shouldn't comment!
(b) I think your displays are striking and well executed artworks.
There are some interesting ideas here, that raise questions.
Your appropriation and subversion of 'classical bonsai' standards and expectations is clear and effective, and your arguments about that are coherent.
However, does this mean that you are defining 'American Bonsai' as a reaction to other influences, and not as an art/craft form with its own identity in and of itself?
Would someone not versed in the traditions and vocabulary of bonsai recognise what you are doing as something authentically American?
Thanks for the comment as well as compliment, I appreciate it!
Let me first state that at least for me, the whole Notion of American Bonsai, really has little to do with what I believe is the more important role, and that is the overall progression of the Art of Bonsai itself... no matter where one lives. Other than perhaps the personal pride of representing where one's from, and the rivalry that often goes along with it, that one could compare to that of supporting your local sports team... The whole notion as well as the discussion and title of this thread had more to do with the fact that at the present time here in the states, we seem to be questioning and asking ourselves how is what we are doing fit into the overall scheme of things in regards to Bonsai. There of course is no secret agenda, no evil plot to rule the world... and the discussion really is one that I am sure if you were to look at every country in the world, including the Japanese as well as Chinese, you would find, very similar conversations going on within each, and I bet if one was to search not to far back into the recent history of each country doing bonsai, more than likely what you would find, is that this discussion, has been one that has been going on for some time. I am sure folks 20-30 years ago here in the states were so groupie crazy over Naka, and what he was doing, and how he too was leading the charge for some great American Bonsai scene... I am sure where you live this is happening as well, so we all share a common thread and your views should be as welcomed as any ones!
Let me answer your questions by saying, as for myself and my own personal view... I would not define American Bonsai as a reaction to other influences, although they will often and usually do play a role. We do not exist in a bubble... and unless somebody just creates a totally new art form, an artists work will always be based upon those who have gone before. For me, what makes it one's own, is when you take this past, build upon it, and take it further than where you picked it up. This is the goal of every artist... to leave their mark, their own identity.
As to the second question as to recognizing what I am doing as something authentically American... this is obviously the topic of much discussion here. The question being what is actually American? Unless it's a recognizable "cliche", to use Alain's word... if I might, unless it is a teepee, a buffalo, cowboy or indian... which are all items most associate with being American... often it probably would be hard to really narrow something down to an item most my recognize as being from only one area.
Perhaps you should try to write a book man!
