grampz

Mr. Mike,

I think you just hit the proverbial 'nail on the head' with not only this tree, but with many of your beautiful 'artistic' creations...I would like to take the opportunity to thank you for being bold enough to venture outside the 'traditionally accepted norms' of bonsai styling to give us examples of 'true' artistic vision...This tree displays exceptional line, form, and movement, and excellent color contrasts...If this were a sculpture in bronze, wood, clay, or other medium, it would probably still not be "everyone's cup of tea" but I think it would probably be accepted by a wider group of viewers... Likewise if it were a painting on canvas with splashes of color instead of foliage...Instead, you have taken a living thing, a tree, and created a pleasing to view object of art that will continue to make gradual changes with the passing of time, much in the same way a sculpture or painting develops patina as it ages...

I'm personally not fond of the appearance of pots with only one foot visible because of the feeling of imbalance it creates for me...That is of course only a personal opinion, as it is an accepted practice...This tree and pot combination however works very well for me...The tree has a certain distinctive imbalance that helps to make it "unforgettable", and the single visible foot along with the glaze on this pot just helps to convey that struggle to maintain the 'unsettled' look...It gives one the desire to 'mentally' carry the line and form of the tree to a more settled conclusion, yet there is no easy to obtain result...It is best to accept the artist' solution, remember, and enjoy...

Very well done, and I have no doubt "the original owner will be surprised and happy", when they see what you have created with this unusual material...


Regards
Behr

__________________
As the Master departed the workshop,
he could have sworn he heard some
one saying rather loudly...
"I thought he would never leave"
San Antonio Bonsai Society, Inc.