The reason that you haven't seen it earlier is this very dilemma that worried me so. Once I show it to you, and ask for your suggestions, I need to be clear what is acceptable and what is not, within the context of the tree itself. Ruining it impulsively would be worse than not touching it at all. It's too easy to go at something with the concave cutters and worry later about whether it was the right thing to do. And it probably won't be nearly as interesting to you as this debate may seem to make it, the debate was about the ethics more than the tree.

So, tomorrow there will be pictures for you to play with!

Joanie

Joanie can call it her tree right now.

If the next question is "who created this tree?", then she can elaborate on the history of the tree and she can talk about who did what, if that's what the interviewer wants to hear.

Bonsai are living objects, and as such they are in a state of constant change. I think it is implied when you receive a tree from someone, that they give you permission to project your vision onto it. The issue of trust is important, would you trust someone with one of your trees if you thought they would kill it or destory it? I know that I wouldn't give someone that I did not trust a tree, furthermore, if the tree stays alive, then the spirit of the previous owner stays with tree even if it changes form.

You honor the original owner by preserving the tree's life and passing it on to a future generation. The tree will outlive you, so you are only its temporary caretaker.

Yes, Ron, the comments were both about the same tree. They are the two sides of the dilemma. The practical side, and the side of the heart. The side that itches to chop and prune and overlay the tree with a new vision, and the side that wants to honor and respect and defer to the past.

Oh, and we can't forget the timid "not worthy" newbie side that is rather frightened of ruining this old tree.

Joanie

Sounds like a plan, Ron! Fix it. Make it the best tree that it can be.



Joanie

do what you want with the tree... IT IS YOUR TREE!! I understand your dilema but if you trust your vision do it. I know some of Naka's trees I have seen, I would change if I had them... I know he had a cypress tree with all the branches hanging straight down from the crown. I thought the tree was gorgeous but the branching terrible. If I had it I would have changed the branching even though it was styled by NAKA. If Naka gave me the tree to keep in his memory, then I would leave it be.. I am guessing if Peter Chan sold Naka a tree, Naka would do what he wanted with it. Joanie, you are my NAKA.... do it, change it...

Good girl. Just let us see it when you get done with it

See it? Are you kidding? You're going to HELP me with it!

Joanie