Friday TeaDay 2/19/10 TeaScience or TeaArt?

[Chip]

It is a great TeaDay ... so please take time to share what is in your cup throughout the day.

Yesterday responders were over a wide spectrum regarding their tea preparation. You can still vote and discuss yesterday's topic.

Today's TeaPoll and discussion topic. Once again taking yesterday's topic a step further. Would you GENERALLY consider your tea preparation an art or a science. I have heard it all when it comes to tea preparation here on the forum, but are you more artist or scientist? Please share why.

I am looking forward to sharing TeaArt and TeaScience today on TeaDay, bottoms up.

[olivierco]

I don't know. For me preparing tea is more a skill then an art or a science. Very analog to cooking in fact.

Musashi sencha this morning.

[dooble]

Definitely art . Tea has been the kind of spiritual/artistic thing for me from the beginning, and it's what I love about tea.
I think everyday tea should be regognized more as a spiritual thing too, not only tea ceremonies..

[Selaphiel]

The enjoying of tea is a very spiritual artistic act. However when it comes to measurements in preparation, tea is a science, precision makes a good cup of tea. I do not see any dichotomy between the two options.

My o-cha package arrived today So I'm currently enjoying Matcha, delicious.

[Aphroditea]

I definately see the artist analogy more than the scientist analogy - getting a feel for the flow and texture and the medium as well as the subtleties of the canvas (teaware) and that so much of it is visceral and emotional.

Orange juice at the moment....I shall tea later

[olivierco]

My o-cha package arrived today So I'm currently enjoying Matcha, delicious.

Which one?

[Selaphiel]

My o-cha package arrived today So I'm currently enjoying Matcha, delicious.

Which one?

The Kaoru Supreme

[olivierco]

Good stuff. It was my first matcha.

[cls46]

TeaArt all the way. Of course that's how I view all my food and drink preparation and sometimes its very good and sometimes....well it's not as good.
Toasted Sesame this morning (strange choice by my boyfriend).

[Selaphiel]

Good stuff. It was my first matcha.

It is, it is the second time I buy it. Have you tried the Uji Manten Matcha they have? Always been curious about that one.

[LauraW]

For me, tea is more of an art - since I don't measure much, if at all (I use the palm of my hand, typically, but sometimes a spoon), I don't own a thermometer to check the water temperature, etc.

Cooking, on the other hand, is a little of both: it's art when I can throw things in a pot and call it a stew, or grab 6 jars out of the cabinet and fridge and make a salad dressing; it's science when I want this bread to rise and have to use just enough leavening, or just the right mix of shortening and butter to make a perfect texture.

Darjeeling this morning!

[Victoria]

I am definitely a TeaArtist, I do my own thing.

Foshou Hon Cha in my cup this morning.

[artmom]

TeaArtist -- always. Hate measuring, etc., but I'm doing a bit of it now as I investigate all the new to me teas.

No tea yet this morning.

[bsteele]

I just drink the stuff

In fact... I'm gonna go make me some right now. Boom!

[Tazbell]

More of a tea scientist making sure of the right measurements and temperature today.

Drinking a nice light green tea this morning to wake me up for my day.