bnsaijim

Attilla,

I wouldn't consider the curve symmetrical at anything more than a quick glance...

Al,

Great thread in that some folks are finally justifying their decisions rather than simply offering decisions.

In a painting course it was presented that the eye tends to start at the lower right quadrant of a canvas or picture and moves through the composition. I'm not sure that this is universally true or not or to what extent it applies to bonsai- pictures or in real life. I have caught myself initially staring at this exact spot when viewing paintings, typically only for a split second...

I am immediately drawn, regardless of origin, to the large negative space on the left. I deem the shari essential to pull my eye from this infinite pit and rely upon that jin to get it moving again.

One runs the risk with an insignificant crown of having the eye move off to the right into oblivion. Carl offered an excellent solution with which I agree.

To extend the canopy too much would be inconsistent with the tree's "Story" and take us too far away from all the "interest".

As for design and artistry. Artistry is achieved (only) through good design. I think probably only God can achieve artistry in spite of it.

I think this is artistic in the sense that it adopts one of the more common bonsai themes, perhaps not necessarily of any personal significance to Al, one of achievement and triumph over adversity and natural forces; Even with a "typical theme" form a bonsai perspective it attains it's personal imagery through Als' ultimate decision making- branch and pot choice...

I too would like to see 18 offer practical application of his knowledge to this tree rather than generic circular pontifications.

Jim Stone
TX