Display for Critique #5

kingkong

The stand looks like it would be better for a semi-cascade. This rugged plant appears to be perched up to high esp with such a narrow connection to the soil.

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JohnG

Hello Chris... here is another video critique.

John

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Yandrosxx

Not only is the accent planting too small, but it is alo the wrong color scheme. I found the strong contrast in color really distracting. Really looks out of place.

PatArizona

G'day all...

Late, but better than never...I think...

My thoughs...

Beautiful bonsai...the foliage...wonderful...nicely done. But, the foliage belongs on a younger bonsai. It is too much for this majestic, ancient trunk. As Jeff said "...the top needs to be thinned out...". However, I would go a bit further and thin out the entire foliage mass...the better to show more of the branching.

Further, I agree with what Behr said "…it really does not 'need' an accent plant or any other accoutrement's to be properly appreciated...". It is complete of, and by itself.

One last thing...as kingkong said the "…plant appears to be perched up to high...". It doesn't need the elevation.

Pat

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bonsaikc

Pat,
Thanks for your input. In my opinion, the foliage only needs some arrangement into better layers. This will open up the structure some more. I believe that the trend toward showing collected specimens with such sparse foliage, popularized by Herb Gustafson and others, leads us to keep our trees too sparse, which also keeps them weak. Here's and example of a Sierra juniper at around 8000 feet. Near as I could tell, the base was six to eight feet across.

This clearly shows that the full look for these trees can be considered very natural. It doesn't mean, however, that every tree must be styled this way.

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P1010740bt.jpg (73.2 KB, 48 views)

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PatArizona

G'day KC...

That's a mighty good example to support your statement: "...full look for these trees can be considered very natural...".

I too have seen many trees in the Sierras that support your statement. But I've seen as many, probably more, wearing less than full foliage.

Some years back, in an earlier phase of my life, bonsai was second to back packing, and I spent mucho, mucho time in the High Sierras...and other wild and remote areas. The back packing ended when my wife and I, both, encountered physical and health problems.

To me, "less" tells a better tale of the harsh conditions, and the struggle for survival that these magnificant specimens have weathered.

"Less" works better for me, however, I do respect your opinion.

Finally, KC, I really do enjoy your display critiques posts. Nice contribution to the bonsaiTALK arena.

Pat

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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.

bonsaikc

John, I finally got the chance to view your critique. I agree that more defined foliage pads would be appropriate, and I am intrigued by your ideas for carving the deadwood. Thanks for the contributions!

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BrianG

The bonsai club I first belonged to used to never use companion plants. They did not use stands. They did not use table cloths. They did not moss the trees. Usually they did not take off the fertilizer cakes. We would display our trees in all their natural glory including the flies hovering around the fertilizer cakes. The natural manure smell took me back to my younger years playing with my cousins on the farm - it was beautiful.

I would never look at this miniature tree as if it were a miniature tree. Heavens no. That's why you don't need a companion or any of that other artsy fartsy crap.

I was talking to my good friend Kazoo (used to be a guest star in 'The Flintstones') and he really took offense at that dumbed down green helmet comment. He went on to say that he really admired bonsai artists that spent hours upon hours learning how to wire a tree to improve its appearance and raise the artistic bar. I showed him a picture of this tree and he believes that in the future when this tree matures more as a bonsai it too may honor him with the Kazoo look.

Ignore history and reinvent the wheel or stand on the shoulders of our giant artistic ancestors and ride the clouds. The choice is ours.

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redhawkbonsai

I agree with John here, the tree should flow into the display not away from it.
Awesome tree!

redhawk

Attached Images

toko2.jpg (34.1 KB, 14 views)

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