Display for Critique #3 - bonsaiTALK Community

10-Feb-2008

#11

bonsaikc

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Join Date: Jan-2004

Location: Ottawa, KS

Country: USA

USDA Zone: 5-6

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Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnG

Hello again Chris,

Excellent display...very little to critique. I personally enjoy the rock planting very much...I like that the undergrowth adds a bit of mystery to the illusion. I typically appreciate rock plantings much differently than I would a normal tree. Perhaps this is because less is left to the imagination.

In terms of the display...the only thing I might experiment with changing would be the height and size of the stand. This stand is a tad bit on the small side(width) for this planting. I also think that a lower stand, or sometimes even a flat board is more to my liking with rock plantings. In my opinion, getting the stone/planting closer to the table surface adds to the feelings of strength and stability.

I have also struggled in the past with the accessories for rock planting. In this case, it appears to be some type of fern which I think is very appropriate. I imagine one would see ferns in the underbrush if this were a natural image. Another possible choice would be a nice stone...suggesting a mountain or mountain range...or maybe even a waterfall stone...in any case these images would once again add to the story of this display. However, I wonder with both of these choices(fern and stone) if they are not redundant with relation to a rock planting. Perhaps in a case like this it might be better to use something like an animal/bird figurine...or something that is not already present in the rock planting.

If I could take this display a little further, I think it would be nice to add a scroll... something that might suggest a season and perhaps further suggest a time of day. I think these elements would add to this already excellent display.

Thanks again Chris for this opportunity to learn and grow.
John

John,
Thanks for your thoughtful and insightful input. I like this particular display just as it is. Looking at it again, it instantly transports me to a mountain glade. I think the fern echoes the undergrowth on this one so well that it is truly evocative of a sense of place. Tidying up the underplanting on the stone might have the effect of ruining the naturalness of the look.

I think the suiban is perfect for this tree, very unobtrusive, and the stand is the right size for the suiban. I'd like to see a virtual or two with a wider stand before I make a commitment in that direction.

I also think that less is more in this case. The main tree is so good, I want as little extra ornamentation as possible. A scroll may or may not add anything to this display.

I also like the juxtaposition of the tree being a little higher than the fern, and the differences between the stand and the slab. All of these things combine to produce a powerful image.

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10-Feb-2008

#12

bonsaikc

Registered FedEx Sender

Join Date: Jan-2004

Location: Ottawa, KS

Country: USA

USDA Zone: 5-6

AHS Heat Zone: 7

Posts: 1,729

Quote:

Originally Posted by JavaScottC

I actually enjoyed this display, and thought the accent was just right for the tree. Again, I haven't studied the display aspect as a member of the club, I am not able to attend club meetings due to my schedule. But watching the show be set up, I picked up on some subtleties that I noticed, and thought this to be a strong display. The beauty of the show is that I get the chance to see these trees worked on in workshops, and this one is included in that. The tree really has a strength to it, one that the photo doesn't really capture, and I think the real depth of the tree is amazing.

Scott

Scott,
Thanks again for the opportunity to show your fine photos of this show. I can hardly wait for next January and the big 10th Anniversary show. See you there!

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10-Feb-2008	#13
PatArizona Bonsai Master, in my mind Join Date: Feb-2005 Location: Back Home in Northern California Country: USA Posts: 1,917	G'day again Chris... "...Tidying up the underplanting on the stone might have the effect of ruining the naturalness of the look...". I really like everything about this display...the tree, the rock, the suiban, the stand, the absence of a scroll... However...this bonsai evokes the impression of significant age, and to me, the sight of the first branch practically laying on the ground cover, does not come across to me...repeat, to me...as naturalness of great age. Nonetheless...a great display... I wish I could have seen it up close and personal...maybe next year. Pat __________________ BONSAI isn't about surviving in a storm, rather, how to dance in the rain. THE ONLY WAY: Always remember, and don't ever forget, that whatever you read here is not cast in concrete... the intent of any advice is to help. In no way should you feel that I’m saying that my way is the only way…heaven forbid! I've seen far too much of the "my way or the highway" attitude in bonsai as well as in other areas of life. Pat Patterson...Bonsai in the Greater Bay Area, Northern California

10-Feb-2008	#14
ElGringo tree love Join Date: Jun-2006 Location: Wales/Cymru Country: UK USDA Zone: 8-9 AHS Heat Zone: 1 Posts: 813	Can I ask, with white pines, why is it that the first branch (or sashino eda, I think they call it) is often styled disproportionatly long? I Like the display, I would have liked a lower stand. The 'squat' shape of the tree and the rock it is grown on seem to demand a more masculine shape in the stand, if you know what I mean. Thanks for posting these, pics and the discusions are a good resource for those of use unfamiliar with formal displays. __________________ Richard

10-Feb-2008	#15
Vonsgardens Professional Amateur Join Date: Feb-2005 Location: Arkansas Country: USA USDA Zone: 7 AHS Heat Zone: Hot Posts: 2,626	Gringo, The long first branch is associated with at least two things: 1) A garden tree that guards and welcomes one through the garden to the home; 2) A common stylistic effect from the last century, if you look at the kokufu books these trees were common in the 60's-80's and the long first branches got more and more pronounced. This is an old tree and reflects the plan of the originator. On the younger rather crappy imports (usually badly grafted on to black pine) you will still see this effect, I usually look to see if there is some hope to remove the majority of the first branch. On this tree, it works, it is old and the whole design hinges on the completeness of the tree. I don't know what the owner's plan is for the tree, but it really works as it is now. Having carried this tree arounf for a while, I can tell you that it is both large and heavy. look up Sashieda- it is in the wiki. John __________________ "Wiring is simple; However, it is not easy to do it right" Boon

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