Great displays for critique/#1

bonsaikc · 02-03-2008, 06:03 PM

I want to post some of the displays from the Bay Island Bonsai 9th Annual Exhibit of Fine Bonsai. I will begin a new thread with each display, and hope to have some good critiques and commentaries on them. I should say that I owe a debt of gratitude to Scott Straley for sending me his excellent photos of the show, as I was not able to attend this January.

The first is a three-point display of a procumbens juniper with companion planting and Japanese black pine. Tell me whether you like this display or not, why it works for you or doesn't, and on what you base your opinion. You may critique the tree itself, or the composition, or both.

Rick Moquin · 02-03-2008, 06:33 PM

Nope!

The JBP is looking up (good) to the Procumbens whilst the procumbens is turning its back (the tree faces left) on the JPB. The scroll is out of focus and the companion plant is in the wrong position in the display.

Phil · 02-03-2008, 07:59 PM

As for the photo quality I think it excellent. I don't believe its a matter of having the scroll out of focus as I don't believe there actually was one in the background in the first place (or, at least not for this tree). Looks more to me as if it may be a backdrop for another tree and the scroll is behind the screen. As a matter of fact...I'm quite sure of it the more I look at the photo. If you look closely at the wood frame holding the screen the scroll is on the other side.
As for the accent plant being in the proper position or not I haven't the faintest idea. In regards to the trees themselves they both are again excellent but I admittedly have no idea as to whether they are facing each other properly or not. The jin and especially the shari on the Juniper is fantastic in it's flow upon the trunk. It almost looks like a beautiful sculptured inlay of two different colored woods. As for the JBP a beautiful tree with great form. Other than that....looks great to me!

I'll take both trees....you can keep the screen, scroll, stands and accent plant. God, I'm so generous at times it kills me!

~Phil

Ledanta · 02-03-2008, 10:16 PM

I love both trees. I would love the juniper more without the first branch.

Cheers,
Leigh.

Rick Moquin · 02-03-2008, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phil

As for the photo quality I think it excellent. I don't believe its a matter of having the scroll out of focus as I don't believe there actually was one in the background in the first place (or, at least not for this tree). Looks more to me as if it may be a backdrop for another tree and the scroll is behind the screen. As a matter of fact...I'm quite sure of it the more I look at the photo. If you look closely at the wood frame holding the screen the scroll is on the other side.

Yup! after a second careful look, seeing the fluorescents at the top of the screen (through the screen) the scroll is indeed on the other side.

Quote:

In regards to the trees themselves they both are again excellent but I admittedly have no idea as to whether they are facing each other properly or not.

To me the JBP's movement is towards the left and is seeing looking up at the Juniper. On the other hand, the initial movement of the Juniper is towards the right, while the canopy moves and rest in it's final position towards the left. This in turn makes the tree have it's back to wards the JBP whilst in normal displays, the larger higher tree usually looks down/upon it's smaller brother, so to speak.

Quote:

The jin and especially the shari on the Juniper is fantastic in it's flow upon the trunk. It almost looks like a beautiful sculptured inlay of two different colored woods. As for the JBP a beautiful tree with great form. Other than that....looks great to me!

I didn't comment on the trees as I thought this was a display critique vice a tree critique. I like the JBP and although the sinuous trunk of the Juniper is appealing, it is too top heavy. IMO this tree would be better suited as a literati. Either that or bring the canopy down. There are a lot of extremely straight sections that detract. The first branch was left IMO to disguise the empty space on the left, and the overall height of the canopy comparative to the height of the tree.

William N. Valavanis · 02-04-2008, 12:24 AM

Bonsai display critique:

A few of my personal observations on this fine display of bonsai.

Overall this display is pleasing and shows considerable effort both in the training of the bonsai, preparation for display and selecting the tables.

But for my taste I like variety and contrasts. Generally I try to avoid displaying two evergreen species together. Especially when they are in the same shape, style and color of containers.

Each bonsai has a suitable display table, however when displaying them together they just quite don't work. Perhaps because both have prominent legs. Yes, they are of different heights, but I would have rather seen the Japanese black pine on a lower table or even a freeform wooden slab.

These are just a few of my personal, quick observations. I really wish I could have personally attended Boon's show, it is excellent and in my opinion the finest in North America.

I truly hope we will have equally as fine bonsai in the First National Bonsai Exhibition which will be held in October.

Bill

bonsaikc · 02-04-2008, 08:53 AM

Thanks for your comments so far. Indeed, the scroll is for the display opposite this one. Unfortunately, the canvas stretchers are not opaque. This is a compromise between easy to put up and looking very professional. In a perfect world, there would be seamless walls behind every display.

As to the directions, even though the crown of the juniper does move back to the left, I believe the movement is to the right on this tree. Notice that the crown is not directly over the nebari, but to the right. So a line between the nebari and "apex" would definitely lean to the right.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Johnston

You may critique the tree itself, or the composition, or both.

So feel free to critique the tree as well

Bill,
Thanks for your in-depth analysis. I agree that the similarities of pots and the fact that these are both evergreens are less than ideal circumstances. I don't feel that the stands distract so much, for me, if the pots and trees are different enough, but in this case, that is a very valid observation.

I do like this composition, the bright red of the accent plant is a nice bit of color which possibly should have been reflected in one of the trees or pots, but all in all it works for me.

As to the trees:
I don't necessarily agree that the juniper's crown is too heavy. It's a matter of personal taste, and showing these kinds of trees with the most sparse foliage possible is not necessarily to my taste.

However, I think this tree needs time to mature. The shari is very fresh. Notice the lack of swelling of life lines. This is obviously a very nice piece of nursery material which has been handled well, and will become a lovely tree in time.

I like the black pine, but wonder about needle length. Was it really ready to show this year? Obviously, Boon thought it was, so it may have more going for it in person.

Anyone else who would like to venture an opinion is welcome to join in.

Rick Moquin · 02-04-2008, 09:57 AM

Well I did flip it in photoshop and did not like the balance of the tree nor the display, with it facing the other way. Thanks for sharing Chris we have all learned from this.

But having said that, there is something that bugs me about the overall feel of the tree. Maybe some one else will chime in.

Mindcrime · 02-04-2008, 11:19 AM

The problem with the juniper is that there is no unity when it comes to directions. That's why it will never look good in a 3 point display. No matter how you flip it, it simply won't look good. IMHO, the first left branch is a good idea that's been poorly executed. I assume the idea was to fill a gap to activate the negative space beneath the crown but it doesn't do the job. Instead there's now a negative space that simply detract from the design. I included a couple of virt to show how these "faults" might be corrected. The third one explains what I meant by contradictory movement or directions if that makes sense.

bonsaikc · 02-04-2008, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mindcrime

The problem with the juniper is that there is no unity when it comes to directions. That's why it will never look good in a 3 point display. No matter how you flip it, it simply won't look good. IMHO, the first left branch is a good idea that's been poorly executed. I assume the idea was to fill a gap to activate the negative space beneath the crown but it doesn't do the job. Instead there's now a negative space that simply detract from the design. I included a couple of virt to show how these "faults" might be corrected. The third one explains what I meant by contradictory movement or directions if that makes sense.

Emil,
This is why I enjoy your posts so much. I like your second virtual a lot, and it seems to be a very simple forward plan for the tree. I don't know the owner or their plan for the tree, but I would look very carefully at your ideas.

02-03-2008, 06:33 PM	#2 (permalink)
Rick Moquin Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Dartmouth, NS Zone 5a/b Posts: 186	Nope! The JBP is looking up (good) to the Procumbens whilst the procumbens is turning its back (the tree faces left) on the JPB. The scroll is out of focus and the companion plant is in the wrong position in the display. __________________ Bonsai is the journey, not the destination Bonsai Wonders

02-03-2008, 07:59 PM	#3 (permalink)
Phil A bit "Windswept" Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Chicago, Ill. USDA Zone 5 Posts: 1,051	As for the photo quality I think it excellent. I don't believe its a matter of having the scroll out of focus as I don't believe there actually was one in the background in the first place (or, at least not for this tree). Looks more to me as if it may be a backdrop for another tree and the scroll is behind the screen. As a matter of fact...I'm quite sure of it the more I look at the photo. If you look closely at the wood frame holding the screen the scroll is on the other side. As for the accent plant being in the proper position or not I haven't the faintest idea. In regards to the trees themselves they both are again excellent but I admittedly have no idea as to whether they are facing each other properly or not. The jin and especially the shari on the Juniper is fantastic in it's flow upon the trunk. It almost looks like a beautiful sculptured inlay of two different colored woods. As for the JBP a beautiful tree with great form. Other than that....looks great to me! I'll take both trees....you can keep the screen, scroll, stands and accent plant. God, I'm so generous at times it kills me! ~Phil __________________ Please, always keep in mind that the typewritten word does not always convey what you wish to say, and to always treat others as you would have them treat you. Think twice-submit once. I started out with nothing....and still have most of it. "Its hell out there, give them hell back." ~ Prowler/Victor Gray 12/31/1943 - 11/24/2008

02-03-2008, 10:16 PM	#4 (permalink)
Ledanta Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Canberra, Australia Posts: 60	I love both trees. I would love the juniper more without the first branch. Cheers, Leigh. __________________ http://www.ledanta-bonsai.com.au

02-04-2008, 09:57 AM	#8 (permalink)
Rick Moquin Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Dartmouth, NS Zone 5a/b Posts: 186	Well I did flip it in photoshop and did not like the balance of the tree nor the display, with it facing the other way. Thanks for sharing Chris we have all learned from this. But having said that, there is something that bugs me about the overall feel of the tree. Maybe some one else will chime in. __________________ Bonsai is the journey, not the destination Bonsai Wonders

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02-04-2008, 12:24 AM	#6 (permalink)
William N. Valavanis Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Rochester, NY USA Posts: 12	Bonsai display critique: A few of my personal observations on this fine display of bonsai. Overall this display is pleasing and shows considerable effort both in the training of the bonsai, preparation for display and selecting the tables. But for my taste I like variety and contrasts. Generally I try to avoid displaying two evergreen species together. Especially when they are in the same shape, style and color of containers. Each bonsai has a suitable display table, however when displaying them together they just quite don't work. Perhaps because both have prominent legs. Yes, they are of different heights, but I would have rather seen the Japanese black pine on a lower table or even a freeform wooden slab. These are just a few of my personal, quick observations. I really wish I could have personally attended Boon's show, it is excellent and in my opinion the finest in North America. I truly hope we will have equally as fine bonsai in the First National Bonsai Exhibition which will be held in October. Bill

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