Tree of the Day - Thursday, April 28, 2005

TreeBay

This forum is an experiment that has evolved out of some of the activities on the bonsaischool program.

I'm going to select a bonsai each day to spark group discussion.

• Trees of the day don't belong to anyone you're likely to know, so there is very little chance that you're going to hurt anyone's feelings with your honest opinions, critique and suggestions. This is key.
• However, if you recognize the tree, please keep it to yourself until at least the next day.
• If you have a tree-of-the-day you'd like to submit, you can start a new thread (not a new post) in this forum. It won't appear immediately.

Some questions to ask about the tree of the day

1. What are the tree's strengths?
2. What are its weaknesses?
3. How could the tree be improved?
4. Does the tree have a message you could define in words?
5. How would you arrange the tree with other elements to create an interesting two or three-point display?

You can respond right here.


ABOUT TODAY'S TREE: Today's tree is a Chinese Juniper. You can make notes with the pencil tool underneath the attachment.

Attached Images

TOD_032805.jpg (59.4 KB, 794 views)

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Ian_Homer

Love it!

I would just trim a little off the top left cloud to introduce a more triangular shape to the Apex.
Other than that, nothing other than a re-pot. I have never been keen on "panelled" pots of any type, particularly with scenes on, since they force you to "look" at them and hence spoils the joy of seeing the whole composition. (IMO).

Ian.

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Cre8tive

I am not crazy about the semi-cascade portion of this bonsai. It seems forced to me. Also, I am a bit distracted by the first set of brances on the left/back of the main trunk. The curved movement of that section doesn't seem natural to me.

With that said--I can appreciate the talent needed to create this bonsai even if it doesn't appeal to MY eye. Lighting is great.

Regards,
Mark

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ART - An object or event that evokes an aesthetic reaction—a sense of beauty, appreciation, harmony, and/or pleasure; the quality, production, expression, or realm of what is beautiful or of more than ordinary significance; the class of objects subject to aesthetic criteria

pootsie

Tradition!
*sung to the tune from fiddler on the Roof*

Strengths:
Marvelous strong trunk + base
Unique lines and movement
well-tended and arranged foliage pads
dynamic deadwood

Weaknesses:
Too traditional for some?
Painted pots are not hip anymore

I really like this tree a lot. The very traditional pot IMHO is a great pairing with this tree, both because of the shape and tones, and also because the mountain scene gives us a good "location" for the tree - a built in accent.

The only thing pootsie suggests is maybe reducing the volume of the upper foliage pads a smidge.

pootsie

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Ian_Homer

Poots,

I agree that it is a compliment to the tree and as you say the "mountain scene" gives location to the tree.

I would still like to see a "virt" in a plain cascade.

Anyone with time ?

Cheers,
Ian.

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BrianBay9

While I like this tree as well, it seems to me there are two trees, one semicascade and the other informal upright. I would suggesting making a committment to one or the other.

Brian

Will_Heath

Excellent. Captures the living, timeless dance of nature.

The pot should be centered on the stand.

Will

mike_p

Earlier this week I received my copy of Robert Steven's wonderful new book. I contacted Robert and received permission to quote from it.
The following fits in with many of the discussions of artistry and rules and is worthy of a careful read.

Mike
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Robert Steven, from the Introduction to his book, VISION OF MY SOUL.

"I believe there is nothing wrong with seemingly dogmatic and rigid rules being taught, because each rule is simply a useful convention with an important lesson behind it. Unfortunately, most bonsai enthusiasts simply swallow these rules without digesting the lessons. Consequently, many mistake a list of helpful conventions for an ironclad checklist of absolute rights and wrongs. This sort of mistake greatly decreases any chance they may have of creating artistry."

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Bonsai is a way of life.
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There is no way to happiness. Happiness is the way
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Bart Thomas(deceased)

Will: The tree is centered on the stand.