Itiogawa Juniper

[AZbonsai]

Picked this up at my bonsai club auction. Styled by David Nguy.

 

[thomas22]

My interpretation of this "styling" by David is that he wanted to put some character in the trunk so it could possibly be a very interesting tree in 5 to 10 more years. What do you think his intentions where? David Nguy is great and I've seen several demos by him where he styles much older and complex material that this and does a great job. You have a great start to a possible awesome tree if you have the patients and the skills to develop it. Good luck

 

[AZbonsai]

I think your observations are correct, especially since that is what he said as he was talking about the tree before the auction. I believe I have the patience, and I am hoping my skill set will be up to the challenge in a few years. I will never be as good as him but hopefully I will not mess it up.

 

[AZbonsai]

Here he is teaching a class in Phoenix last week. I was fortunate enough to observe for several days. Very nice man and excellent sensei!

 

[thomas22]

He really is a knowledgeable and nice man. I was having trouble with one of my trees and reached out to him for help. He invited me to his beautiful garden and we talked bonsai for awhile.

The fact that you belong to a club and are going to demonstrations tells me you are on the right path.

 

[AZbonsai]

Thank you time will tell. It seems to me that bonsai is like many other art forms in that people may become technically proficient over time, however, it is impossible to develop that innate sense that masters like David possess that make them stand out.

 

[rnbonsai78]

Nice one. Just curious, how much did you pay for something like that?

 

[AZbonsai]

$30...good cause bonsai society auction.

 

[thomas22]

I agree some have a more innate artistic abilities that others but maybe you have that and don't know it yet. I believe I am average in that department but it doesn't mean I'm not getting better with every year. I think you can learn from those who have it. That my take. That would be an interesting thread. How much creativity and artistic ability are you born with verses how much can be learned.

 

[rnbonsai78]

$30...good cause bonsai society auction.

They are very pricey. I never had a thing for junipers until I read about it's history a week ago. I recently bought 4 itoiwagas in various stages of development. But congrats on your new toy.

 

[AZbonsai]

Who knows ten years from now considering its first wire job was from a master it may be worth something! If I do not kill it first.