critique of number 5

John Dixon

When I first saw this tree in the contest, I remembered trying to rationalize the extreme bend as something that COULD happen naturally. That used to be a very hard decision for me to come to when styling strayed from the norm. At first, the lack of deadwood at the bend really makes the idea that this bonsai isn't "natural". But then I considered what happens in nature. Infinite mishaps and extremes. Struggles to survive. With that mindset I could envision a deer stepping on a sapling, bending it over underneath tall grass that holds it down. The sapling struggles to survive and eventually gathers the strength to reach up from the grass, causing the trunk to contort. It gains vigor and eventually thickens. Still, deer nibble at it and sometimes hit it as they walk by. The result is yamadori.

Now I hope that isn't too drama-like, but this bonsai, although manmade, can reasonably give me that type of vision and thought. Even though it has what some may consider an undesirable bend, it has used that same feature to become something original. Walter's virtuals show that. I am motivated by the fact that he can do that. It is a skill I hope to have one day.

The owner of this material should be very pleased with the outcome. Well done.

John

__________________
John Dixon

Si vis pacem parabellum

Stay off the trails of others, that's where the booby-traps are.

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kestutisg

Walter, John and all,

I'm thrilled by the positive feedback and by the many suggestions.

Walter - I'm totally positive about your feedback, this was the main reason I participated in the contest. I don't understand how can one get insulted by receiving free wisdom.

I'm still having the busiest schedule ever, however it is becoming lighter and I will try to describe the process and idea behind this tree and John - your explanation of the tree's story is almost exactly as I had imagined, only in my story it was avalanches, not deers

Happy New Year to everybody!

Best regards,

Kestutis