Tony

Tisk tisk tisk, Al. I took that deKalb turpentine art class too and I'm still waiting on my degree!


Quote:
I say you should learn the growth habits of the species then apply that to the individual tree.



This sentance has some merit. But only so far as the initial development of the tree.If the tree is to be a duplicate of the tree as it grows in nature, then by all means style it that way. But, there are artistic ideals that must be met also. A natural tree growing in the field may look wonderful with its natural surroundings but look totaly juvenile and ameturish in a bonsai pot.

Al, you know you/we/me could never make a duplicate of a tree in nature. However, we can make symbols and icons of them. There is just no way to duplicate them branch per branch. I think most around here have gotten by that point along time ago.


"Bonsai is not always letting the tree tell you what it wants to be. Sometimes its about thinking out of the box and pushing the envelope to trying something that is unique to the species. Obviously trident maples do not grow like pine trees, and they do not grow with huge oil spill root systems either, but artisticly these trees reach levals that rate them as masterpieces throughout the world.

How is that any different than what I said? I have many times cut back elms [do this in mid spring] to a one or two inch stump to bring up a new leader. You have to look at the tree when you are repotting it. Decide at that time the best front and the best style.


"while I am not exactly a fan of 'me too' posts, I can only agree to what you are saying here. Gradually the 'truth' comes out."

Walter, I have no idea what you are talking about. Please spell it out.

Tony