Restyling a Collected Wild Olive

FredL

OK, since this appears to be a safe place to express an honest opinion, let me cast my vote, also.

I don't really agree with the thesis that a bonsai should resemble a mature specimen of that species in the wild; that is, a pine should look like a pine, an elm like an elm, an olive like an olive. The issue, for me, is rather, in whatever mysterious way it happens, does a mature bonsai invoke in me the feelings of wonder, awe, etc., that I value great trees for. Now, the natural form of the mature treees of a species may offer some ideas of what to do with it, but I don't think they provide guidance.

This is an issue that Walter Pall has weighed in on from time to time. He is a genius; I am merely an ordinary guy, but I am still unconvinced by his powerful arguments on this issue. Why? Simply the feelings that great Maples and other deciduous trees done in what he calls the "Pine Tree Style" invoke in me. Simple as that!

I liked this tree better before the pruning was done. When I saw it, my reaction was "Pretty good tree. Not great, but recognizable as a decent bonsai. Probably will never be a great tree, but I'd be delighted to have it in my collection". I did not like it as well after pruning. To be fair, more growth and development of the branches may help. In fact, may help alot. I also was not too crazy about the jin at the top. It's not terrible, but somehow looked too smooth and artificial. Or something. Somehow, it just didn't inspire me with the wonder of the natural world.

Maybe if I had the special relationship with Olives that Carmi speaks of, I'd feel differently. Without that, my reaction is as it is.

Best regards, Fred

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DavidN

I just want to say that I like the original view of the tree before the styling. I would of been more than happy with that.

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Bonsai Northwest Inc, Melbourne, Australia

Bonsai Flora Nursery in Yarraville, Melbourne

Hank Miller

Thanks to everyone for their comments and criticisms. I personally think that all of the points raised and opinions stated are valid. In the end, however, Ithe beauty of the bonsai tree lies in the eye of the beholder.
Hank

bonsaial1

Take the first picture and cut the jin off behind the top most foliage. This would be a whole different tree and one to command respect.

The new trim job makes it look like a sharpened pencil!

Sorry, Bonsai-al

__________________
I been kidding the last seven years.
no.... really!

riprap

Ahh! but some beholders are better beholders than other beholders.

Barry

Hank Miller

Are they ?
Hank

FredL

Oh, boy! Looks like here we go again. How do you tell a good tree from a not-so-good-tree. What is art? What is beauty? Are my feelings valid if they're not the same as yours? Are there objective standards for art and should we strive to obtain them regardless of how we feel about the results? To what degree are my feelings changed by self justification? Who am I doing my trees for, anyway? Am I a craftsman or an artist? What is the meaning of life and does bonsai have anything to do with it, after all?

What is it about these discussions that draws me to them like a moth to flame? Must be getting close to that time of year when we shut down the discussions on how to develop our bonsai - or, in the case of many of us, just keep them alive - and get back to philosophy.

Well, all I can say is, "Bring it on!".

Fred

Jay

This discussion is going to go off....I feel it!

Unless you are planning on this tree going into shows/contests etc, the most important opinion on how it looks belongs to the owner. If it is or isn't correct is only important when others come into play. I know, if you compromise on standards on any tree it will show in all trees but it still matters most what the owner thinks.

If Hank seeks advise critques he should receive them with the desire to improve the tree so as to make it the best it can be. But, if after hearing the advise he decides to go in another direction, one that is counter to 'an accepted' course it is his right to do so. In the end, we must do what is best in our own eyes.

Now... the question of first directing our minds and eyes to appreciate trees that are more inline with accepted norms is a totally differnet discussion, one that has been debated and debated and ................

Jay

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A Bonsai student living with his trees at N 44.37 W 77.49...
Think before you act... then think again... no good comes from rushing

riprap

And Hank Miller -- taking the gambit -- wrote: "Are they?"

I have no doubt that they are. My perceptions of bonsai are more refined and subtle than they were years ago when I started my bonsai adventure. I consider that additional refinement and subtlety to be "better." I am therefore a better beholder than I was earlier. Part of this development comes from paying attention to the opinions of skilled and acknowledged experts in the field, when I am fortunate enough to receive them. This doesn't mean that you and I couldn't have a rollicking good argument down at the local bonsai-ists' tavern. The paths are various.

Cheerfully,

Barry