Puget Sound Bonsai Association

Demonstration by Bruce Baker 

Coastal Redwood, Sequoia sempervirens 

 
Some sketchy carving and another round of branch removal leaves the specimen looking a little homely, but perhaps more tree-like. Up to this point I have made every effort to avoid any but the most obvious styling decisions. If I see the base is ugly, then I am compelled to do something about it. If I see the trunk has no taper and never ends, then I am compelled to taper it and end it. If I find that some of the branches are ugly or out of proportion to the trunk, then I am compelled to remove them. If I am really intent on developing a bonsai, then I have no choice but eliminate everything that clearly doesn't belong there and then work with what's left. Once I've done that, then I can search for any beauty that had been hidden by all of the confusing or ugly elements. If I am lucky enough to find any beauty, then I can really begin the design work by enhancing and drawing attention to these discoveries. I honestly believe that I am a better prospector for!
hidden beauty than I am a designer. The less I give to the tree and the more I use that is already there, the more successful I will be in convincing you to enjoy the bonsai.


 
Here is a nice picture of my hands..



 
Wiring may be the most important contribution the artist can make to the composition. Each branch should be placed in a position that is pleasing to the eye and horticularly sound. A bonsai that is horticularly sound and sustainable is likely to be pleasing whether or not there was any great artistry involved.


As I completed the wiring, I finally became comfortable with this tree. I think a bonsai should tell a story. This one was once a larger tree. The new leader triumphs over whatever storm or or lightning strike attempted to crush the tree.

 


 

In the end, I was somewhat surprised to find hidden within this material the beginning of such a pleasing bonsai. Many thanks to PSBA and all of the fine people I met during my stay.

For more information about me or to see a few more trees see: http://www.ebonsai.com

 [Previous]  1   2   3

  Page: 3 of 3

All Rights Reserved © 2002 Puget Sound Bonsai Association