The Art of Bonsai Project

Yes I agree, Mark said it very well.
"I would tend to draw the line at adding things that the tree couldn't have in a wild state. That would mean bark or fruit from another species, plastic foliage or fruit or bark, or whatever."
Anything else is scupture and not bonsai, no less valid but completely different just the same.
Now if we could just have Mark cleabn up that quote and refine it, we may have a creedo!
Will Heath

The best example that comes to my mind is the Chinese quince (Pseudocydonia sinensis). Those fabulous specimens seen at Kokufu-ten, displaying one or two yellow moon-like fruit. They are usually artificially attached to the tree.

The exhibit takes place in late-winter, the tree is dormant, and the fruits have usually fallen by that time. In addition, the fruits usually don't grow on the visually most advantageous branch on the tree. So, they are strategically placed on a certain branch in harmony and balance with the overall design.

Adam,
First, welcome to the forum, I look forward to reading more of your thoughts. As a sculptor, you may find this an interesting read

Interesting definitions above, I can not disagree with any of them separately. I see that you agree that a bonsai may or may not be art as with any other medium used. Metal wielded together may indeed be art or just highly skilled craftsmanship paint on a canvas may well be art or just highly skilled craftsmanship...this is true in all forms of expression.
I defined bonsai in the article here titled, "Defining Bonsai" as "A living, artistically created, idealized vision of a tree, cultivated in a container." I think this covers most of the issues, while separating the endeavor from container gardening quite well.

The Internet is full of pictures of bonsai craft, the examples of bonsai art are indeed rare. Have you seen our gallery section as of yet? I am sure you would agree that there is art tucked away in some of the galleries.
Again, welcome!

Will

Will, Thanks for the warm welcome!
I've had the pleasure of seeing several of those bonsai sculptures in person at a traveling exhibition while I was in college. That certainly pushes the boundries and merges them at the same time. In the gallery, perhaps the most obvious example is Salvatore Liporace's magnificent jin/shari work. There is a clear and precise aesthetic at work there. The execution is obviously well thought out in advance and masterfully executed. Add it all up and I'd definetly call it bonsai art. More than that, i'd go so far as to say Fine Art in Bonsai.
Cheers