My shimpaku shohin.

[Si Nguyen]

Acually, I wasn't considering splitting the tree into two, but I have thought about removing either the lower left or right part of the canopy to get more movement. I think your virt is interesting and something to consider. Thanks for the post, Si.

Looking at it again, if this were my tree, I would definitely split off that right branch/trunk and make a cool bunjin/cascade shohin out of it. Here's another picture with the tree shortened a bit. I attached the wrong pic earlier. The tree looks bigger if you shorten it.
Good luck with it!
Si

 

[october]

The tree is beautiful. I like it as it is now, but I also like Si's virt as well. Shortening it seems to make for a more powerful image. However, that would be a matter of what the artist prefers. You mentioned that there is a live vein feeding the bottom right branch.. Is that the only part it is feeding? If so, then the virt could be done.

No matter what you chose, you have a stunning shohin. I do think that the tree has/had 2 nice fronts. I think Suthin's front might be the better of the 2. I think what some are failing to realize is that this tree is in training.

With Suthin augmenting this image and your near 20 years bonsai experience, this tree is on it's way to being a small masterpiece.

Rob

 

[A Random User]

Sorry Stacey, you don't know what you are talking about. Keeping it real???? Whatever....being a pompous, argumentative ass is more like it. I take criticism as well as anyone and I certainly didn't snub his. I understand Darios' point (and yours?) but I don't agree ... apparently Suthin doesn't either. Dario is more then welcome to comment and post what he wants in my threads... he is polite and usually goes out of his way not to to antagonize. You...pretty much the opposite, so feel free not to post in my threads if this is the way it's going to be.

"Others might want a "great bonsai" sooner...they should start with different material, I guess."

Nope... no snub here...

Especially since there was only a discussion of
how your tree's "style" didn't work for him.

 

[october]

Judy

There is nothing wrong with going with a "long term solution" or
a plan for a tree...
But, you style a tree for what the tree demands... or what you
would like the tree to look like or become... If it takes a growing
season, then it takes a growing season. If it takes 250 years, then
it takes 250 years...

This whole WELL... I COULD GO WITH THAT STYLE... BUT, I WOULD
RATHER GO WITH THE ONE THAT TAKES LONGER EXCUSE... is just
plain rediculous, a simply laughable...

Rather than Dave just saying he didn't want to style it the way, that
he has a different vision for the tree than was suggested by Dario or myself...
he has choosen to pass off this wing-dinger of an excuse. As though, we
poor clueless wanna be bonsai artists just wouldn't understand...

What next ??? I guess it's not called B-Nut, for no reason...

sawgrass..Did someone spike your corn flakes this morning??..lol

I have to tell you that you are way off on this one. I knew Dave for years before he moved. We used to be in many bonsai workshops together. Not once, did he ever take a short cut, suggest a short cut or ever talk down to anyone. He has 20 years experience and his trees were some of the best trees at the workshops. You have clearly misread something or misinterpreted
something, which is common on the net. You do not have to believe me or even give this a thought. Daves work and character have always been a credit to the workshops over the last several years.

Rob

 

[A Random User]

The tree is beautiful. I like it as it is now, but I also like Si's virt as well. Shortening it seems to make for a more powerful image. However, that would be a matter of what the artist prefers. You mentioned that there is a live vein feeding the bottom right branch.. Is that the only part it is feeding? If so, then the virt could be done.

No matter what you chose, you have a stunning shohin. I do think that the tree has/had 2 nice fronts. I think Suthin's front might be the better of the 2. I think what some are failing to realize is that this tree is in training.

With Suthin augmenting this image and your near 20 years bonsai experience, this tree is on it's way to being a small masterpiece.

Rob

Sorry Rob... but I am not failing to realize that Dave's tree is still in training...
I am perfectly aware of this... I was merely suggesting as Dario was that the
style didn't work for me... and if you go back and re-read what I posted, I
actually explained legitimite reasons why, I didn't feel it worked...

But, in Dave's 20 years of Bonsai experience as you put it... all he seems to
have learned is how to try and look down on someone with an opposing view.
Please don't tell me you have learned the same thing Rob ???
I thought you were better than that.

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

Dave, I like the shimpaku, the size is great and it's coming along nicely, but from the photos alone, Si may be on to something that is quite dramatic.

You know what's funny? I didn't know who sawgrass was until today...

 

[A Random User]

Sorry Stacey, you don't know what you are talking about. Keeping it real???? Whatever....being a pompous, argumentative ass is more like it. I take criticism as well as anyone and I certainly didn't snub his. I understand Darios' point (and yours?) but I don't agree ... apparently Suthin doesn't either. Dario is more then welcome to comment and post what he wants in my threads... he is polite and usually goes out of his way not to to antagonize. You...pretty much the opposite, so feel free not to post in my threads if this is the way it's going to be.

Sorry Dave, I had to go back and post a second comment on this
one... For I found it funny how you say you "can take criticism as
well as anyone"... Right after calling me a pompous, argumentative ass...

This makes sense...

 

[Poink88]

I am sorry for starting another problem. It is difference in approach, methodology, and taste. Dave and I discussed it off line and all is well. I'd hate to drag sawgrass into this and felt responsible somehow. Lets please drop it now if possible and go back to the tree.

I really like Si's 2nd virt and until then, I actually kept going back to the old front (which is very nice too).

 

[october]

Sorry Rob... but I am not failing to realize that Dave's tree is still in training...
I am perfectly aware of this... I was merely suggesting as Dario was that the
style didn't work for me... and if you go back and re-read what I posted, I
actually explained legitimite reasons why, I didn't feel it worked...

But, in Dave's 20 years of Bonsai experience as you put it... all he seems to
have learned is how to try and look down on someone with an opposing view.
Please don't tell me you have learned the same thing Rob ???
I thought you were better than that.

This is all a bit strange. He has never looked down at anyone in all the years I have known him. All the workshops involved everyone having fun, talking trees and addressing everyone as equals. This is actually quite amusing, if you knew him in person, you would see that you couldn't be more off base. I think this might be the first time someone actually had comments like this.

Rob

 

[A Random User]

I am sorry for starting another problem. It is difference in approach, methodology, and taste. Dave and I discussed it off line and all is well. I'd hate to drag sawgrass into this and felt responsible somehow. Lets please drop it now if possible and go back to the tree.

I really like Si's 2nd virt and until then, I actually kept going back to the old front (which is very nice too).

With all due respect... You didn't start anything. you just expressed your
oppinion, as did I... I have nothing to be sorry for... nor do you.

I still believe that the tree's branch structure and styling, does not
work with the base of the tree... If Dave would like to have a rational
discussion without insulting folks who disagree with him, then fine,
I am all for it.

 

[JudyB]

Judy

There is nothing wrong with going with a "long term solution" or
a plan for a tree...
But, you style a tree for what the tree demands... or what you
would like the tree to look like or become... If it takes a growing
season, then it takes a growing season. If it takes 250 years, then
it takes 250 years...

This whole WELL... I COULD GO WITH THAT STYLE... BUT, I WOULD
RATHER GO WITH THE ONE THAT TAKES LONGER EXCUSE... is just
plain rediculous, a simply laughable...

Rather than Dave just saying he didn't want to style it the way, that
he has a different vision for the tree than was suggested by Dario or myself...
he has choosen to pass off this wing-dinger of an excuse. As though, we
poor clueless wanna be bonsai artists just wouldn't understand...

What next ??? I guess it's not called B-Nut, for no reason...

What in the world are you speaking about? I had a comment to make. I made it. You are dragging in other comments to make some absurd scenario that has nothing to do with me or the tree.

 

[A Random User]

Stacey, thanks for ruining the thread...it was pretty descent for about 2 and one half years...then you showed up...

Oh... Boo-Hoo...
First of all it is only "ruined" because you say it is.
So, stop all the whinning, and feeling sorry for yourself.

Second, I actually brought up a legitimate problem that
I and others have with your tree. I then discussed what might
be the root of the problem and even how one might resolve the problem.

Now you might not agree with me, or even think there is a problem,
and that is fine...It is your tree and everyone has different views of
what looks good, and what does not. We are not all going to like the
same thing... I get it... Then say that is not what I want to do, or see
in the tree.

And lastly, if I "miss-read" as Rob says I did, your response to Dario,
as something more than it was, then I am sorry, and I do then appologize
for it...

BUT,

rather than you respond in a professional way and say, that I miss-read
what you intentions were, and that you didn't mean any insult by it...
What did you choose to do ???

I'll refresh your memory, you called me a pompous arguementative ass.
Making your post much more than just a Bonsai Discussion...
So, you see...
If anyone supposedly ruined your thread, it would be you...
Cheer up though... I don't think it is ruined.

 

[Vance Wood]

Do any of you know what happens when you combine cow manure with the use of a shot gun?

Holy Crap!

 

[Rose Mary]

wonderful progression!

I was really enjoying reading and seeing the progression of a very nice piece of material by an obviously experienced bonsai person....

at first glance the latest update seemed too contrived and I thought I preferred the other...but
It is a progression.. it was just worked on, the tree is responding, looking very healthy.
Can't wait to see how it responds to this last work.

Please keep this thread updated. I love to see progressions and learn so much.

Si's virtual is very powerful.

I will look forward to your next progression shot.
Wow thank you so much for sharing YOUR tree with us.

 

[Dav4]

Dave, I like the shimpaku, the size is great and it's coming along nicely, but from the photos alone, Si may be on to something that is quite dramatic.

You know what's funny? I didn't know who sawgrass was until today...

I really do like Si's virt...I actually have a shimp that looks quite similar to the one in his virt. I'm just not ready to move in that direction with this tree. I'm going to keep working with the canopy and deadwood currently in place, let the canopy fill in/develop pads, and see where we are in another year or two. Here's the other shimp I have

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

Very similar, it would almost seem like a pair of book-ends!

 

[Dav4]

Very similar, it would almost seem like a pair of book-ends!

Exactly! I really only want one...I don't have enough room on my bench for matching bonsai.

 

[JudyB]

Ummm... with all due respect Judy, your post didn't exist in
it's own little bubble...

There was context before, and context after...
this is how it usually works, am I right ???

Did you decided to comment on a post without
actually reading or finding out the backstory
to the post ???

I made a comment about the TREE and ONLY the TREE. If I'm commenting on someone else's comment, or observation, I do know how to use the "reply with quotes". Hmmm, matter of fact, there was a comment that I WAS referring to that was placed in my post that was what I was commenting on. So with all due respect, perhaps you should take another look.

If you haven't noticed, I generally don't get caught up in the childish/negative side of things here.

To answer your last question, of course I read the thread. Maybe you should rethink your attack on me.

 

[Alex DeRuiter]

Why do people like to start drama
And write their responses in prose?
I'm glad I know enough to skip of all this
To get to the meat of the thread
Because Dave's tree is very impressive
I feel like I'm reading Dante
But if he lived in Florida and watched American Idol
And practiced bonsai
Perhaps it's just formatting
But the arguing is still unnecessary

 

[fore]

Quick shot from this AM... re-potted last week into a smaller, more fitting pot (I think), started to wire out and form distinct pads in the canopy. Still working the deadwood. Let me know what you think.

I love it Dave! Nice branch structure, just needs to grow out and develop the pads. Off to a great start! Si's virt is nice too btw, but understand you don't want two of the same lol