AusBonsai

Shannon wrote:Rod is right, there is two tree's in one and they conflict with each other, I would lean toward removing the left side .......but......I would hate to be the one using the branch cutters hahaha.

to right there!!!!!!!!

on the other hand what i would be doing instead of chopping would be trying to airlayer.... that way you would get the best of BOTH worlds... (i know....bad pun )


jamie

Jamie I would have expected you to go the sumo option.... sorry couldn't miss the opportunity

Rod wrote:Jamie I would have expected you to go the sumo option.... sorry couldn't miss the opportunity

i wish it were possible!!!! ( i will probably eat those words now )

but hmmmm sumo juni.... just kidding.... pssssssst. can it be done


jamie

The tree seperated to make two trees does make two very good looking trees I have to agree but I still like the original tree, I just really like it for some reason. I guess it's the defferent nature that the tree was styled to the ussual traditional ways of styling trees is what gets me going for
this tree. I think it's a great tree and pushes the boundries to creat a balanced but also unbalanced tree at the same time that just makes you keep looking, which I'm thinking s a good thing if you want your tree to be noticed and get attention

Hugh

I have read this thread and the replies with interest.
Over my years of practising the art of Bonsai. One thing I have learned, its contradiction to the norm is rife.

What is conceived as normal, then this tree pops up. If you are lucky enough to have a good Bonsai Library or access to one.
You can see many pictures of different trees, lots that are considered the norm because there are plenty of them. Then you get those that are different, not new just not too many around.
Using these Books and Magazines in your approach to styling is very helpful. You will see in the stock, or Bonsai, in them, that is very SIMILAR ( I emphasized that so I would not be misunderstood ) to what you have.

I have seen a few very similar trees to this one. In books and Magazines, so it is not new just different. There for looked at differently.
If you study the Aesthetics of this tree you will see it more, by noticing the use of negative space.

JMHO cheers Pup

Thanks webos for raising this posting. It touches right on the 'art' aspect of bonsai.
The discussion so far has been good, with varying perspectives on what is pleasing to the eye and mind or not.

It takes quite a bit of time and experience to learn to look at a bonsai styled by someone else, especially if they are practicing 'art', in addition to the 'craft' of bonsai. The way you look at the tree, the kinds of questions you consider change as you start to appreciate the 'art'. Perhaps there is less of a desire to restyle their tree. Perhaps there is a willingness and growing ability to look for what the artist has done and less effort spent trying to do it differently yourself.

The tree you pointed out is a complex piece of work. It has strong and exciting movement in the trunks and branches, yet the crowns are calmly stationary. You ask yourself 'what does that mean?' 'how could it come to be?' 'Is it just imagination or could it reflect life in the wild?' 'Are the wiggling lines of the branches suggestive of movement, as in windswept conditions, or changed direction of growth from something else?'

Some will find such works exhilarating to see, while for others it will either leave them cold or even hostile. All valid responses. I do wonder about the strength of desire to 'restyle' though.

Just some thoughts on a good post...
Kunzea

Interesting.
I like both of the trees that have been suggested and I find them really easy to look at.
BUT
I still have a preference for the original, it is interesting in a challenging way. Certainly it is off balance however as it pulls off balance in two different directions it somehow seems to find a new balance.
What a great tree that it produces this much thought and discussion.

Thanks for your addition to this post Pup, but you carefully avoided the question... What do you think of this tree?

Webos wrote:Thanks for your addition to this post Pup, but you carefully avoided the question... What do you think of this tree?

I am training for politics.

Haha...I thought so. Pup the Diplomat

I fully agree with restyling the tree. The actual tree is saying too much. It is either tall and crookedly elegant or windswept and elegant but it can't be both at the same time. The artist has covered all the options but the tree looks like two parts that aren't talking to each other and that's what is disturbing. I have two cats that do that on a daily basis and that's bad enough... to have a tree do it when it is not necessary is not right.

My artistic preference is the the upright because that contorted trunk is to die for but either option would be spot on. Well done.

I would have no problem with adding this tree to my personal collection It would be more impressive in the flesh(or bark). The work involved to create this tree is impressive and i think that is what also needs to be considered and appreciated.

Guys...wouldn't it be something if we could get the story from Mr Wilson himself...how the tree evolved,what were the intentions of the artist at the time, what the future holds for the tree ,etc....I think I'm going to dub this tree "lonely lady at the end of the bar"...you know you shouldn't keep looking,but you just do! ....Dog P.S. Pup...It's not our Kevin Wilson from W.A is it?......Santa where's me .........bike!...Dog

bonzaidog wrote:Guys...wouldn't it be something if we could get the story from Mr Wilson himself...how the tree evolved,what were the intentions of the artist at the time, what the future holds for the tree ,etc....I think I'm going to dub this tree "lonely lady at the end of the bar"...you know you shouldn't keep looking,but you just do! ....Dog P.S. Pup...It's not our Kevin Wilson from W.A is it?......Santa where's me .........bike!...Dog

done! i cantacted mr. wilson via email just then and hopefully will hear a return from him soon, i also invited him to join our wonderful site


jamie

bonzaidog wrote:Guys...wouldn't it be something if we could get the story from Mr Wilson himself...how the tree evolved,what were the intentions of the artist at the time, what the future holds for the tree ,etc....I think I'm going to dub this tree "lonely lady at the end of the bar"...you know you shouldn't keep looking,but you just do! ....Dog P.S. Pup...It's not our Kevin Wilson from W.A is it?......Santa where's me .........bike!...Dog

Not on your bloody life, he don't live next door to Allen.

Just as aside it is WILLSON.
I agree to the name it is one of those tree's. Webos asked if we like or dislike it and why. I did a political thing and skirted the issue because for the life of me I cannot explain why I like the tree, but I do maybe your analogy is right. You just cannot help your self, but keep looking.

Cheers Pup