I think there is much more to this picture than meets the eye. I'm no photography expert, and my gallery shows it, but there are many elements that make this picture great. The black sillouhette on the grey sky, the other trees in a stark winter looking mood. Almost stormy, with the fine ramification of the background trees to act as accents.

Squint you eyes and white out all that is in that picture except the tree. It is very easy to do. The tree starts to lose validity very quickly and looks lost when on a white background.

sorry, my eyes wouldn't squint, this was easier. Al

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I agree. It no longer has even a fraction of the appeal it originally had.

Great article demonstrating your point which is very valid. I do believe that there were several misinterpretations between you and some of the other posters in the threads which prompted this post. It seems as though you are all pretty much in agreement on the meat of it all.

Regards,
Mark

Mark,
Good Observation! I was just going to submit a post along these lines when I read that you already did it!

Best Always,
Ryan

P.S.--I would give you some rep. points for it ...but it says I have to "spread it around"

Al,

This thread was very well-written and informative. I certainly see your points. I was humbled to be included as part of your motivation to create it.

I do not disagree with your perspective. There are many trees in nature that are NOT good examples of subjects for bonsai. Absolutely correct. But the wabi-sabi aspect is one to always consider. Sometimes it is the way to go.

Now, let me turn the tables here:

How many BONSAI have you seen that are not good subjects in NATURE? Would a forty foot tall satsuki look right? In general terms, it isn't even a tree. How about a sixty foot tall kingsville boxwood? Both could be beautiful, but they are decidely NOT what we see in nature. If I were to plant a nice mikawa black pine in a field of long-leaf pine would you even see it? If you're a collector, you bet you would, but the average person just isn't looking for that.

In bonsai we ARE looking for it. The tree that moves us, stirs our soul, reminds us of past experiences. All that sitting in a pot right in front of you, ready to be enjoyed within the gaze of your eyes. How profound.

No doubt some natural-occurring phenomenon to trees make the tree ugly when it was previously beautiful. Still, there is the aspect of respect that we feel when we witness the survival of a living thing through untold, yet obvious, hardship. It is true wabi-sabi. Have you ever spoken with a very old person - who has copious wrinkles, scars, maybe even confined to a wheelchair - about something that they did YEARS ago? I have profound memories of speaking with elderly people and seeing that "twinkle" in their eyes as they reminisce about their past experiences. That twinkle belies their physical frailty, and hints of the timeless, and inexhaustive energy of their soul. How beautiful is that? I, as a person, come away from those chance meetings in awe of the human spirit.

That specifically is my goal in bonsai. To stir the soul. To recognize and make known the inner energy of the subject, even when it contradicts the external limitations perceived by the casual observer.

That is art, and bonsai IS art.

Good post Al.

John

You've inspried me.
Azalea in flower, azalea out of flower, JWP and a recently posted Monterey Pine.

The Monterey might ALMOST work, but the rest are as ridiculous as it gets.

pootsie

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Pootsie,

I saw your post at 2:15 am. I am now going to bed and have nightmares of giant bonsai attacking me. Thanks.



John

I can't stop, help me help me

pootsie

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Perhaps this large pine might fit the discussion. (Don't know the species.)

It is 60-70 feet tall, but appears to have been styled a long, long time ago, then taken over by "natural" growth.

Also from that old estate in New Jersey.

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Why do I expect to see "Ultra Man" come running into the picture?

Wake me up momma, please!!!

John

i like this one....it reminds me of an old eucalyptus

andy

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