Show prep for California Juniper

mike_p

This Cal juniper was given me 4/5 years ago as a "basket case", and possibly near expiration.
It was planted in a cascade pot at a much different angle than it is now. It was so rootbound that I had to break the pot to free it. After that, I soaked it for a couple of days to re-hydrate it. Then I put it in a large container and crossed my fingers. Slowly it's come around to vigor and good health.
I've been trimming, wiring and limesulfering to prepare for the show in a couple of weeks.
I know this tree ain't everyone's cup of tea, but when I send the original owner a picture, he will be surprised and happy.
Height from table is about 28 inches.

Mike

Attached Images

roncaljun_06.jpg (67.2 KB, 146 views)

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Alasdair

I love the pot. The tree aint bad either, but the deadwood limbs by the foliage seem a bit strong, particularly the lower one. That's just my taste though. It really is an unusual shape as a whole, but good none the less.

Al

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Bonsai Barry

Rarely do I find a trunk with a hole through it that I find attractive. This is definately the exception. My thoughts mirror Al's regarding the lower deadwood branch. What is the height of this tree?

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Repotter

I think you've done a nice job with the tree.
I think in the future I would narrow the lower horizontal dead wood and even carve a hole in it to reflect the hole in the trunk.

Making it appear more delicate and weather worn.

But overall I like it a lot.....Good job.

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grampz

Mr. Mike,

I think you just hit the proverbial 'nail on the head' with not only this tree, but with many of your beautiful 'artistic' creations...I would like to take the opportunity to thank you for being bold enough to venture outside the 'traditionally accepted norms' of bonsai styling to give us examples of 'true' artistic vision...This tree displays exceptional line, form, and movement, and excellent color contrasts...If this were a sculpture in bronze, wood, clay, or other medium, it would probably still not be "everyone's cup of tea" but I think it would probably be accepted by a wider group of viewers... Likewise if it were a painting on canvas with splashes of color instead of foliage...Instead, you have taken a living thing, a tree, and created a pleasing to view object of art that will continue to make gradual changes with the passing of time, much in the same way a sculpture or painting develops patina as it ages...

I'm personally not fond of the appearance of pots with only one foot visible because of the feeling of imbalance it creates for me...That is of course only a personal opinion, as it is an accepted practice...This tree and pot combination however works very well for me...The tree has a certain distinctive imbalance that helps to make it "unforgettable", and the single visible foot along with the glaze on this pot just helps to convey that struggle to maintain the 'unsettled' look...It gives one the desire to 'mentally' carry the line and form of the tree to a more settled conclusion, yet there is no easy to obtain result...It is best to accept the artist' solution, remember, and enjoy...

Very well done, and I have no doubt "the original owner will be surprised and happy", when they see what you have created with this unusual material...


Regards
Behr

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mike_p

Hi Behr
As always, many thanks for your very kind words.
The attached image is the tree 2 years ago. Gives a little historical perspective.

Kind Regards

Mike

Attached Images

roncaljun_04.jpg (58.9 KB, 37 views)

__________________
Nature is perfect.
Man's attempts to improve nature,
Are imperfect.
MP@BBB Studio

There is no way to happiness. Happiness is the way
Gautama Buddha