An exercise in display table design

[ben17487]

Hey guys and girls, I wanted to try a little exercise with anyone willing to participate..

I'm getting close to finishing the current display table I'm working on and was beginning to plan my next one when I thought it might be good practice to do a design based of an individual tree or a 'clients' brief.

So if anyone is willing to post a tree they would like to see a table made for or write a descriptive brief for me to try to match I would be very appreciative!

I think it's the next step in challenging my creative journey in woodworking

Thanks very much
Ben

I'll also post my latest table when it's finished!

[Grainer]

Im up for the challenge pending costs ..not a great photo of the tree.. but if you want here is a ornamental jade. Getting into using carving tools so would be interested in what you do. It is a little light of leaf due to winter and a repot at the moment. I was going to carve up a root stand for it.. but interested what is out there. Although not a magnificent tree .. it is one of the most prized in my possession .. It was one of my first trees when working up at Don Delucas in my earlier days on his farm.

[ben17487]

Thanks for submitting Grainer, an impressive jade! I was looking back for another of yours a little while ago to get inspiration and direction for one that I have, and they were monstrous!
In terms of costs the are none involved unless I go ahead and make something you were interested in purchasing.
But this is merely for me to get a grasp on designing stands that actually suit the subject tree being it masculine, feminine or abstract..
So I'll come up with a drawings that will be up for constructive criticism.

Cheers!

[ben17487]

Didn't scale this on the page very well..
But in terms of the design I feel the soft curves match the rounded nature of the jade yet the chuck and weight of the table suit the size and power of the tree.
Would love to hear your thoughts!

[Watto]

Wow, I'm surprised there wasn't more interest in this fantastic opportunity. I have a small English Elm that is starting to come along OK and need a good stand for when I exhibit it and would love to see an idea.
Cheers
Watto

[Charliegreen]

Ben ur pretty awesome with that pencil.

The table design is beautiful, got a few more?

[Pup]

OK I am in here is a native tree.

IMG_4035.JPG

The pot is by Pat Kennedy

[ben17487]

Thanks for participating guys!
Great trees to work with so I'm very appreciative
This is basically an exercise for me to learn a bit about designing tables to suit trees and as i am quite new to bonsai I'd love people's inputs and direction on the designs I come up with. I know there are a huge number of seasoned bonsai artists on here so your knowledge and opinions are more than welcome!

I'll sit down next chance I get and do a few for your trees Watto and Pup

And I'll also do a root stand design for your jade Grainer

Thanks Charlie, I do have a few other tables in other posts but;
I'm planning on putting the first few stands I made up for sale so I can put the money toward new machinery and equipment, so keep an eye out

Cheers,
Ben

[Grainer]

Interesting display table.. the curves really work, but I wondering the corners are in contrast to the round pot? I have no idea I am not great when it comes to designing a display table. I agree elegance would be the key to this tree. When it is in full leaf it is pretty elegant and the foliage pads all up and really make the tree quite spectacular. But he way LOVE your sketch.

When I get my Foredom, I would love to catch up over a beer (I home brew!)and a carving day

Open to your suggestions

[ben17487]

Watto you're up!
Let me know what you think as you know the tree best in person. Anything you would do differently?



Silhouette


Pup, The native is going to be an interesting one because it's a real opportunity to utilize some Australian design into it. I may need to ponder on that one. Open to any ideas you may have

Grainer, I assume you're referring to the sharp underside of the top board? I couldn't quite tell if the pot's lip had an edge at the bottom or of it was rounded; it was to somewhat match that but also add a touch more masculinity to the table given it mostly consists of curves. Hope that's what you were referring to?

Cheers
Ben

[Watto]

Ben,
I can't sketch, but I was thinking something similar to this for the elm. What are your thoughts?

[ben17487]

Hey Watto, yes along the same lines I was wondering if you'd be after something taller or short like that...
What are the dimensions of the tree?

[ben17487]

That's a beautiful table by the way... Where did you get it?