AusBonsai

This tree from the American National arboretum shows the difference between now and 80 years ago

Hi Mel thats very cool.
Do you know how old three was in the 80 year old photograph?
I definitely prefer the shape they have gone wigh now.
Thanks for sharing this.

Greg

Do you know how old three was in the 80 year old photograph?

Hi Greg, no I'm sorry, I don't know.

I prefer it 80 years ago. Then it looked like a tree, now it looks like a million other pagodas. Shows the styling follows the zombie-like, robotic, unimaginative group think. With a trunk like that, this is a disservice to the tree. BOOH!

In 80 years time it may look like that again, along with all the others.

It is a shame that having seen so many pines styled like that now, I find it impressive for technical ability to create it, but underwhelming as a tree.

That is one hell of a trunk ...!

As much as I like the look of the tree now. I feel it looks younger now that the first photo

I have to say I don't much like either the new or old shapes...but was interested to see the differences.

While it must take deep knowledge and skills to curate such a tree over a long period of time, to me this tree is clinging to youth - it's all bonsai botox and foliage pads acting as a virtual kaftan. There's something about aging gracefully and allowing the passing of time to expose the cracks and crannies of the tree; something beautiful in seeing how the elements have battered the tree as time passes. I do not have the technical capacity to even water a tree like this - I am an interested on-looker only - but this interested on-looker would love to see this tree start slowly and skilfully stripped back and not burdened by the weight of it's own foliage.

treeman wrote: ↑October 3rd, 2019, 10:01 am I prefer it 80 years ago. Then it looked like a tree, now it looks like a million other pagodas. Shows the styling follows the zombie-like, robotic, unimaginative group think. With a trunk like that, this is a disservice to the tree. BOOH!

the day treeman speaks about one my trees like that is the day iv truly made it in bonsai.

Mbunro wrote: ↑October 7th, 2019, 9:38 am

the day treeman speaks about one my trees like that is the day iv truly made it in bonsai.

If you keep a tree alive for more than a year and prune it now and then you have truly ''made it'' in bonsai

I think it a bit ridiculous to be so critical. Sure times have changed, tastes have changed and approaches have changed. What was a masterpiece 20 years ago does not suddenly become ugly.We should appreciate what has been achieved enjoy what it is now.
Perhaps some will suggest that the purpose of the forum is to point out that this type of styling is 'old hat', but I do not believe it to be ugly or offensive.
Surely this tree will not remain as it is forever, perhaps an innovative artist will add their special touch.
We should enjoy what it is, where it has been and where it may go, it is certainly not an 'ordinary tree'
Thanks Mel for the post

=Gerard post_id=270626 time=1570411111 user_id=918]
We should appreciate what has been achieved enjoy what it is now.

Why? I ''appreciate'' (as in understand) what has been achieved but I don't need to enjoy it.

treeman wrote: ↑October 7th, 2019, 12:56 pm

=Gerard post_id=270626 time=1570411111 user_id=918]
We should appreciate what has been achieved enjoy what it is now.

Why? I ''appreciate'' (as in understand) what has been achieved but I don't need to enjoy it.

I enjoy viewing this, and I should not presume to tell you that you should. I look forward to future iterations of this tree (perhaps in my lifetime) but meanwhile will enjoy the bigger picture.
As with all bonsai, patience is needed.