As for answering my question about the cloths Karakusa, actually you did not answer it at all, but avoided it altogether. Trying to hide the fact you do not know the answer because you have not taken the time to study in depth. Every time I have asked you a sincere and serious question about scrollmaking, whether it is technique, theory, or history you use the argument that some people are too in love with Japanese things to get "it".
And not really quality food at all...
Actually, I have probably looked at your displays in depth more than most of the posters on this thread....I will never like it and will never have a peaceful calm feeling when I look at it...But there will be those who like it, and I do not discount nor discredit their opinions. But in my final opinion, I feel your attempt to define American bonsai display in the way you used your Kakejiku (wallscroll) is disrespectful towards the art of hyousou.
Johnathan, you are 2 funny!
Where 2 start?
Let me just say that from the get go, of me doing Scrolls... I have not once, nor will I ever try and "hide" the fact that the formalities and traditions of scrolls have never been of concern to me. In fact, I tell people this all the time.
This is what I find so interesting... I believe I even told you when we were having our face to face chat in Saratoga Springs a couple if years back, that none of that concerned me... Still doesn't! So, trying to call me out on the fact that I don't know something, when I tell people I don't know it all the time, is pretty much laughable, right?
What you haven't quite come to terms with is that no one cares about this except for u... This is why when you post up the work you do in a thread, and discuss all of the various factions of the scrolls you do and their meanings, all laid out with their various Kanji translations... no one responds. Because, for the rest of the population this is boring as shit and puts them to sleep. I mean, not trying to knock you down here, or even trying to call you out for it... you love what you do, I respect you for it and hope that you continue to do it!
But, for most... they will never get it, don't want to get it, and don't need to get it in order to try and do what they need to do, in order to have a scroll displayed with their tree. All they need to know is perhaps what side it should be displayed on and if the picture is cool... right?
Which is all I have ever done... and in fact is the whole reason why I started doing them in the first place, because people liked my Chinese Brush Paintings, and asked if I did them. I am an Artist, this is why people come to me to me, because of my painting abilities. They like my work, it is reasonably priced, i dont take 4 yeara to make it and the art is really good. I am not a Scrollmaker, to me this is the equivalence of being a picture framer... a job for people who are not the artist to do. I simply make them, because I am asked to, and if it means one more Avenue to sell my product, then that's what I have to do...
I mean, I understand there is some animosity here... Seeing I am the guy who knows little about scrolls, yet is selling all of the scrolls... but, the reasoning behind what is happening, has more to do with business and understanding one's potential client base is, what their needs and demands are, and working to make this happen. This, along with the fact that I paint the Art... right? Which is no fault of mine, that it is the most important part of the scroll...
Moving on...
I want to say, i have never said in my lifetime people are 2 in love with Japanese culture to get anything... or not get anything, You must be confused. I merely said to you in my last reply that I am not Japanese... so therefore I should not have to abide by their culture, nor should it be a requirement that I have to thoroughly understand their culture. I have my own culture, which takes up enough time, without having to try and learn others.
In my culture, we are not so simple, and art does not have to be calming. In fact, it can, and often is just the opposite. It also can be complex as well. We are not simpletons who have a nervous breakdown due to over stimulation , and to much to look at. In fact, in my society we are often exposed to complex images, with a lot going on... on a daily basis... and some how we all seem to make it through the day just fine!
Lastly, thought I would just put it out there that your concerns over the scrolls might further be exhausted... when I continue on with some follow up posts as well as pictures, when I return from being out of town, which I had planned on doing before I left, but had to much to do.
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