Thank-you for your kind words. It is gratifying to know that my trees can touch so many while in their secluded spot in the world.
Thank-you, Carl Bergstrom for taking the time to assemble my gallery.
Will wrote:
I really like the Celtis sinensis, it is quite inspiring, thanks for allowing these wonderful bonsai to be posted.
The hackberry is starting to grow on me. When I first saw it, it was the original pot that I loved and the hackberry was a bonus. I'm glad that you find it inspiring. Just knowing that it touches you gives me reason to study it see it anew again.
Michael Thomas wrote:
I would never take anything away from Mr. Nick Lenz or Mr. Kenji Miyata as I greatly admire both, but in the context of your gallery I felt that the two trees that were yours, the Celtis sinensis and the Quercus suber stood out from the rest as my favorite out of all pictured.
Michael, I am just the next generation caretaker for these trees. These trees passed through many hands before mine. Though, these two are probably more "mine" than the others. I thank-you for your kind words and admire your good taste in trees.
mike mccallion wrote:
what doesn't show here is the scale - that Celtis is quite a large tree, the nebari is near 12" if I recall. What are your thoughts for the future of this one Candy?
(in person the hollow still reminded me of those Muppet aliens though! )
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v625/ ... yipyip.jpg Mike, the Celtis is a big one - 40 inches tall with a trunk diameter of 12 inches. Many an artiist has questioned the validity of the large center branch and many have pondered the possibility of cutting it off. I have done a few virtuals and it would look even sillier without that branch. I think the current styling is a good direction. The future that I see for this tree simply involves ramification and refinement.
Attila Soos wrote:
The hackberry evokes a sense of mystery, it reminds me of a powerful old tree from the enchanted forest of the fairytales. It is full of surprises, there is nothing predictable about it. I've found that the trees that impress me the most are those the least predictable. Those that gives you something new with every little detail. Not unlike the stories or movies I enjoy the most. Predictable stories are boring.
The image that I see is silliness. It certainly is a character tree. I was hoping to impart a bit of nobility and reverence to this tree but it continues to echo silliness. I will try to see the mystery.
Attila Soos wrote:
The cork oak has a lot of charm and elegance. Somehow that charm contrasts very well with the rugged skin.
I think that this is my favorite composition - especially since it has recently found a new home in a wondewrful Sara Raynor pot. It has presented many surprises as it develops. It is good for me to know that this tree has touched you because sometimes I think that sentiment can sometimes blur artistic value. As an artist, I would like to know that the feelings that a composition evokes has been communicated and is not only my internal sentiment that I value. This gives me confidence in my art.
Attila Soos wrote:
The maple forest is attractive in its simplicity and modesty. It invites me to contemplate in its shade.
Wow, you can see that in the photo! It took me awhile to appreciate the beauty of this piece. Luckily, Carl Bergstrom was on hand when it became available and he vocalized its' merits. Until then, it did not shine for me. I agree, it is the simplicity (wabi sabi) that makes this composition.
-Candy
