Lots of controversy flying around the internet about this lately.  I didn't want to muddy up any other threads, so I started this one. 

For the record, I could care less about doing this whole thing the japanese way.  If I were to try painting, would it be necessary for me to recreate a Rembrandt first, in order to understand painting. Bonsai just happens to be the only word we have to describe what we do. 

So, I will no longer practice the art of bonsai, as it has no place for those who don't wish they were born in Japan.  Anyone who wishes to join my club for the raising of trees maintained in containers while being pruned to remain smaller than their natural form is welcome to do so. 

Dave

Sorry, anyone BUT John

Hey Dave, 

There will probably always be room for both with me.  I do love the art as the Japanese practice it, but I also love, perhaps even more, being able to apply what I have learned to my own experience and environment.  To create miniature trees and landscapes that are inspired by my experiences is personally very rewarding and challenging.  Yet, I have, and hope to always have trees that fulfill both realms.

John 

Dave,
This "stuff" has been kicking around for years, on the internet and before the internet. I think Boon said it best, there are really only two kinds of bonsai: good bonsai and bad bonsai. Theclassic example I love is when folks throw up pictures of Walter Pall's spectacular Rocky Mountain Juniper, and explain how it is better than Japanese trees because it is more Naturalistic. I have noticed that as the tree matures in it's bonsai life, the foliage gets denser and the sillohoutte more refined, starts looking a little Japanese. As one rather famous/infamous European BonsaiProfessional has put it, as the bonsai in the west mature they will look more andmore like the Japanese trees. We will have to see. I have been lucky to see many spectacular Bonsai in Japan andin the West (US and Europe), I think Boon has it right- theyare all just really, really, good bonsai.  John

John,

Very well said.  And, perhaps a much less controversial way to put it.  Good thoughts.

here is the branch pattern on sierra juniper

side view
and view from under neath.

Boon, thanks for the great images and insights.  Also, thanks to everyone for your thoughts.  I realize I wasn't too clear in my opening statement, so let me add this.  I wasn't arguing about the trees at all, no doubt the Japanese develop some amazing ones, and achieve the results through great and consistent technique.  Great trees, are great trees and the best ones do resemble the majestic natural forms. 
 
My comments were more aimed at the "Why" of practicing bonsai.  Some feel that it must be approached from that Japanese Ideology.  I disagree, do it however you want, there is no right or wrong.  Years and Years of their culture is no doubt infused into the way they approach bonsai, that isn't to say it is the only way. 

Some people give me the impression that if you have ever littered, you don't care about nature, therefore you could never be a serious bonsaiist.  Bullocks I say.  I like the way they look, I think it is cool, that is why I grow small trees.  I have fun doing it.  I would love to go to Japan, and see the nurseries and shows, but I feel no need to duplicate the feel of that in my back yard.

Dave

I disagree, do it however you want, there is no right or wrong.

Not to derail the thread too much, but I take exception to this.  There may be multiple right ways (and possible ways that are "righter" than others) but there are wrong ways.

Not to derail the thread too much, but I take exception to this.  There may be multiple right ways (and possible ways that are "righter" than others) but there are wrong ways.

And I take exception with this.  Who's to say what's right and wrong?  If your goal is to create ugly trees.... nevermind.  Carry on.