This image is from a video entitled ‘growth’ by Richard Lantz.
Bonsai as metaphor
Richard Lantz’s entry is less about bonsai than it is about what it means to be human; specifically (according to Amanda Rataj’s comments on Richard’s site) “control and the desire to better understand the place of the individual in society.”
Bonsai as bonsai
I enjoyed Richard’s video. His flowing drawings are quite mesmerizing and his talent is undeniable. However, from a purely bonsai perspective, none of the drawings taken alone achieve a presentable bonsai, and the ones with potential are either ruined (intentionally, I think) or just left that way. This unrealized potential may work well as metaphor, but leaves us hanging a bit when it comes to bonsai.
Meaningless musings on my part
Don’t read this! It’s about the text that accompanies Richard’s video and has nothing to do with bonsai and is directed only at Richard and perhaps the two of you (that’s probably a stretch) who care about such things.
I have trouble with the word ‘society.’ To me, it’s an abstraction that is so general that it has very little meaning (there’s no there there). Worse, when this vague, somewhat meaningless term is used, it is often to represent some dark amorphous force or as a kind of complaint or excuse. I’m also not too crazy about the use of “the individual,” but I won’t bore you with any more musings.
Richard is the final entrant (unless I missed someone)
Stay posted for the winner(s).
I enjoy this critique of my work!
in response to the last part, The language you are critiquing is not mine but that of an art critic. My work which evolved out of my personal experience with bonsai is less about “the individual in society” as it is about My personal experience as a human in life. Im not criticizing society or the individual. More so, calling to question events in my life which at the time seemed un-avoidable but in hindsight I allowed to happen.
and you are right, I am not trying to portray the “perfect” or “finished” bonsai, More so to explore a sad beauty inherent in the process of creating the tree.
Hi Richard,
Yeah, I knew that isn’t your writing but thought maybe it represented your view as it’s right there on your site. But now I understand. Anyway, thanks again for entering your art. I like it.
Almost forgot. I like your view that you call “My personal experience as a human in life” Seems much more to the point.
Thanks Wayne!
The series was probably the hardest artwork I have ever done. It was greatly influenced by artists’s Hiroshi Sugimoto and William Kentridge.
Like Sugi i consider myself a Minimalist and try to remain within the realm of the contemporary artist, but outside of the politically motivated.
And well, just look at kentridge and you will see how he influenced me heh. Learned to animate when i was a young child, and have far more advanced digital animation, This series has begun to steer me in a direction towards more tactile methods of expression which can not be achieved by the computer.
BTW Love the blog! thanks for the Crit !!