Sleek And Slender, No Its Not My Body On A Diet

bonsaial1

I aquired this Cal. Juniper today in a great back and forth haggle. I forced the bonsai proprieter to face the fact that the tree had been in the nursery for more than two years.

I have studied this tree numerous times and decided to make him an offer today. Obviously he accepted, since I have the tree to make my attempt at some real art.

I have studied this tree and found it to be a study of literati at its finest. The juniper comes from the soil in a graceful curve. The trunk is sleek and the live vein will be accentuated later after polishing the old scale off.

There is much foliage to work with, and I am sure that I can come up with something better than the way it is now.

I have always wanted to get my hands on a piece of material that has the potential to become something great. I am attacking this like I have come from some other country, and have been given the task of developing this raw stock.

It will be interesting to see what I get out of this..stay tuned

Attached Images

caljun.jpg (41.0 KB, 229 views)

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Jay

Al, I wish you the best. I'm sure we are in for a treat when you have done your 'magic' to this tree.

When I look at it, it brings up several thoughts. I see a nice tree but I cannot see the "piece of material that has the potential to become something great". I am NOT saying it cannot be great, just that I cannot see it. Why? Well this is where I see my lack of great artistic vision being present.

I am sure I have or will have the ability to give my trees the best horticulture possible. I have or will have the ability to see them go in a positive direction. But I do not know if I have or ever will have the artistic ability to see a tree as this go in a "Great" direction. Sure I see the possibility of some major bending but do not know if it will be correct or will do the tree justice.

So it brings me back to the craftsmen/artist thing. I am progressing as craftsmen, while others are progressing as artists. Maybe someday, I will crossover to the artist but if not I am very happy as is.

Al, sorry if I took this thread away from your tree, but it is a perfect example of one of the differences between an artist like yourself and a craftsman like me. (Of course there is also the ability difference).

Thanks for listening
Jay

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David Chauvin

Al,

Now I'm drooling. I love the literati form and this piece of material has many possibilities. Good luck and keep us posted.

Watching Jealously,

David

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FredL

Jay, I enjoyed your comments. You expressed my feelings exactly.

Fred

bonsaial1

Literati is more a state of mind. There are somethings in life that make certain segments of the population wonder what is going on.

I am not a Jackson Pollack fan. But there are those that will defend his work till the end. Me, I like a good landscape with detail. Something like Remington or the others that can capture the feeling of the landscape. I also prefer the work of a great watercolor artist over other mediums.

While this tree does not posess the attributes that would make it a suitable tree in the other forms, It does posess some wonderfull qualities that make it extreamly suitable for the literati style. Like David above, if the style is one that you love, then you can see all the attributes that the tree has to offer and why it will be great. On the other hand, if you don't get what the literati style has to offer for the soul, then looking at this tree would be like looking at a 1956 Studebaker Golden Hawk.

Some love it, and some loath it. Me, I think it is one of the greatist cars ever made. Of course when I was in high school I thought it was the weirdest looking car I had ever seen.

Tastes change.... Bonsai-al

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pdbbonsai

Hi Al,

John Naka has a drawing of a Literati that your tree could be styled after.

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naka10.gif (3.4 KB, 107 views)

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pdbbonsai

I changed your photo into a sketch and then manipulated (by computer) it a little. I used John Naka's sketch (drawn by hand) as a guide and thought your tree could be done this way.

Here is the before sketch of your tree.

Paul

Attached Images

caljunb.jpg (33.0 KB, 100 views)

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pdbbonsai

Perhaps the "sketch" virtuals aren't to anyones liking but I was bored and thought I would mess around a little. I liked how it turned out. Even if it is a "close copy".

Here is the after.......good luck with your material. Knowing your talent, I would think you will come up with something very suiting the tree.


Paul

Attached Images

caljunvirt.jpg (26.3 KB, 100 views)

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pdbbonsai

Al,


Do you remember the Leggy Juniper Post thread a few months ago?

I cannot wait to actually try working on the tree. I am at least three weeks out before I can work the outdoor trees.

I know....woe is me. Keep it to yourself Cali man!! Hope to see what you have done with your new tree SOON.



Paul

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It is essential to experience all the times and moods of one good place. (Thomas Merton)

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