bonsaiTALK Community - View Single Post - Progression of a Barberry

Will,

Since Al "drew first blood"...

Yes, the characteristics you cite all lend itself to good potential for bonsai. I had some of the same misgivings when I saw this particular piece of material.

Here's the challenges as I see... you have four trunks. Two to the left that appear very similar in diameter, forking out in a slingshot style, short and stubby, and relatively straight.

The second pair to the right have similar issues. The innermost one presents a slightly more interesting conundrum as it appears to emerge from a slight inner curve and bends drastically inward.

The two pairs have a somewhat disparate relationship, unless we are creating a new "Elephant-stomped" style, that is...

How do you propose to address these challenges:

1. the mundane nature of the 4 trunks (BTW- 4 is considered unlucky so you're already "screwed" by Japanese standards).

2. Elimination of any one trunk appears to create further difficulties...The two would look fine seperately, just not together. However, it is obvious that division mid-coitus might be terminal...

3. The ony two trunks in the pairs that have drastic bends are at complete odds to one-another.

4. Your virtual, while adequate, risks just creating a "tin helmet" - i.e., a nice canopy but the underlying structure is not "true"...

5. "I guess that would then qualify it for the classical dual trunk style." While this is a two-trunk composition I do not think it qualifies in the very strict sense as a "classical bonsai"... Not so much a critique but pointing out potential symantics... an area that just makes my gut and head ache...

6. Based on your intent above, rather than styling it as a bramble patch as quince, I believe, often seem to be, I don't see all four trunks (or "main branches", if you prefer) "working" into a cohesive believable image...

I must admit that I don't have a ready solution other than what you state your intent is- put it back on the bench and let it grow awhile... I think I would be contemplating one more additional big chop in the future to further define the future...

Jim

13-May-2005	#10
bnsaijim bonsaiTALK Master Craftsman Join Date: Sep-2001 Location: Gulf Coast Country: Texas USDA Zone: 8b-9 AHS Heat Zone: ? Posts: 772	Will, Since Al "drew first blood"... Yes, the characteristics you cite all lend itself to good potential for bonsai. I had some of the same misgivings when I saw this particular piece of material. Here's the challenges as I see... you have four trunks. Two to the left that appear very similar in diameter, forking out in a slingshot style, short and stubby, and relatively straight. The second pair to the right have similar issues. The innermost one presents a slightly more interesting conundrum as it appears to emerge from a slight inner curve and bends drastically inward. The two pairs have a somewhat disparate relationship, unless we are creating a new "Elephant-stomped" style, that is... How do you propose to address these challenges: 1. the mundane nature of the 4 trunks (BTW- 4 is considered unlucky so you're already "screwed" by Japanese standards). 2. Elimination of any one trunk appears to create further difficulties...The two would look fine seperately, just not together. However, it is obvious that division mid-coitus might be terminal... 3. The ony two trunks in the pairs that have drastic bends are at complete odds to one-another. 4. Your virtual, while adequate, risks just creating a "tin helmet" - i.e., a nice canopy but the underlying structure is not "true"... 5. "I guess that would then qualify it for the classical dual trunk style." While this is a two-trunk composition I do not think it qualifies in the very strict sense as a "classical bonsai"... Not so much a critique but pointing out potential symantics... an area that just makes my gut and head ache... 6. Based on your intent above, rather than styling it as a bramble patch as quince, I believe, often seem to be, I don't see all four trunks (or "main branches", if you prefer) "working" into a cohesive believable image... I must admit that I don't have a ready solution other than what you state your intent is- put it back on the bench and let it grow awhile... I think I would be contemplating one more additional big chop in the future to further define the future... Jim __________________ Jim Stone Seki Bonsai Studio sekibonsai.com Santa Fe, TX