Display for Critique #3

bonsaikc · 02-07-2008, 11:27 PM

I thought I would add a shohin display next. There's a lot going on here and I'd like to hear everyone's impressions. Feel free to critique a particular tree or several, or all of them, as well as the overall feel of the display.

I have another question to pose: Is there a better way to photograph this stand, so one is not looking at the top tree from underneath, without looking at the tops of the lowest trees?

Ledanta · 02-08-2008, 12:33 AM

Lovely trees again. I wish I knew something about displaying trees to input. To me all of these trees look fantastic, even add odd angles.
Cheers,
Leigh.

JLDoggett · 02-08-2008, 12:42 AM

From my western point of view this is not what I think of as traditional Japanese 3-point display. It is too busy, there is too much for the eye to take in and any serenity is completely out the door. The large stand is so massive in visual weight that the companion plant and its little rabbit are lost. the side tree almost appears as an after thought (though were it mine, I would have placed it on the lower right compartment (as in the attached virtual). To me, the ?raft? (it is hard to tell) in the lower right compartment breaks the harmony of the display. I feel it is not of the same quality as the other trees in the display. I would rather see the tree from atop the large stand moved to beside it, maybe on a thicker slab or small table (sorry the programs on this box are not the ones I usually use for a virtual.) with a narrow scroll on the wall behind it. I also removed the ?handle? that is visable on the top of the large stand, I am unsure what it is and why it is there.

I will try to do a better virtual tomorrow.

Rick Moquin · 02-08-2008, 06:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bonsaikc

I thought I would add a shohin display next. There's a lot going on here and I'd like to hear everyone's impressions. Feel free to critique a particular tree or several, or all of them, as well as the overall feel of the display.

Dang Chris! We haven't even finished display 101 and you now you are into shohin displays?

Which have a hockey sock full of their own rules and conventions.

Quote:

I have another question to pose: Is there a better way to photograph this stand, so one is not looking at the top tree from underneath, without looking at the tops of the lowest trees?

I believe it achievable if the photographer was further away and zoomed in on the composition.

I was/am never fond of shohin displays perse, with the exception that I would use the stand in my home to display several trees.

That being said, I believe this one was tastefully done with the exception of the bottom tree, I am not sure what that is trying to represent. There is a certain calm about the display that does not distract (with the exception of the rock on the top shelf). Jim's addition of the scroll does add some panache to the display.

Now when it comes to convention, I would like to know what type of tree is in the bottom left? This scene represents winter, why is there a tree in leaf? I don't believe it to be an evergreen.

As previously stated I am not sure what I am suppose to be commenting on. The thing that pisses me off the most about bonsai, the more we learn the less we appreciate. Let me explain this...

For bonsai virgins, using a term that to me is untainted, when they look at something it either works or it doesn't, they do not analyze it. This particular display as previously mentioned represented a certain calm and beauty. However, the tree on the bottom right was like a slap in the face that woke me up from the "revery" in which I was engaged. Then and only then did I start to dissect the composition.

Having said that, the more we learn the greater is the depth of our artistic understanding. We may not be overwhelmed by the superficial beauty of a given tree or display, but we can indeed appreciate the message being imparted and the skill required to convey such a representation.

Phil · 02-08-2008, 11:16 AM

Pretty plain and simple input here as to the display as I have no idea what rules apply to such a display.
From my simple perspective.....I don't care for it. Beautiful stand holding the four trees yet they do not seem to compliment each other in any way. Even if I thought that they were perfect in every way the tree on the lower right ruins it all completely. It looks as though someone accidentally walked on stage during a play and disrupted the entire act. The tall stand looks absolutely ridiculous to me and totally out of place. Aside from that fact it is further ruined with its having its own accent plant and then placing yet another very disruptive object (the rabbit) being placed next to it. Much too much busy and chaotic IMHO. I'm not at all sure just what it is that I'm supposed to focus on. Instead of giving me any feeling of serenity I feel as though I'm looking at a picture of a crowded airport terminal! Just because a child has a lot of toys in their toy box does not necessarily mean that they have to take them all out at once. I've said many times in the past that in simplicity lays beauty. This is anything but simple. Although I admittedly know next to nothing about arranging such displays I feel as though even I could have done much better!
For all I know it may have done quite well in the competition if thats what this was but this one leaves me cold. Wow!....sounds all pretty harsh but....just my humble opinion and untrained eye as to how I see it.

~Phil

bonsaikc · 02-08-2008, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JLDoggett

From my western point of view this is not what I think of as traditional Japanese 3-point display. It is too busy, there is too much for the eye to take in and any serenity is completely out the door. The large stand is so massive in visual weight that the companion plant and its little rabbit are lost. the side tree almost appears as an after thought (though were it mine, I would have placed it on the lower right compartment (as in the attached virtual). To me, the ?raft? (it is hard to tell) in the lower right compartment breaks the harmony of the display. I feel it is not of the same quality as the other trees in the display. I would rather see the tree from atop the large stand moved to beside it, maybe on a thicker slab or small table (sorry the programs on this box are not the ones I usually use for a virtual.) with a narrow scroll on the wall behind it. I also removed the ?handle? that is visable on the top of the large stand, I am unsure what it is and why it is there.

I will try to do a better virtual tomorrow.

The "handle" is the prize for best shohin. It is a glass dome etched with BIB logo and the named prize. It's fine to delete it.

William N. Valavanis · 02-08-2008, 03:08 PM

OK, a few of my personal observations on this very fine shohin bonsai display.

Please note that this is NOT a three point Japanese display. It is a the contemporary method for display of shohin bonsai currently popular in Japan today.

In my long experience of bonsai study I have discovered that displaying shohin bonsai is THE most difficult to effectively compose. This display is very, very fine, even excellent! I only find one item disturbing, but not that much.

Please note that the top Japanese black pine is leading your eye towards the center of the display, while the Shimapku cascade style juniper on the right is also leading your eye towards the center of the display for unity. Also, even the small footed fern accent plant for the Shimpaku juniper is also leading your eye towards the center, along with the rabbit figurine which is the appropriate for the 2008 year of the Zodiac symbols.

Every container is of a different color and design.

There is no duplication of the species displayed.

The placement of the three evergreen species on top left and right contain the eye into the frame of the composition, very, very good.

Note the variety of the smaller stands under the Trident maple and Japanese flowering quince are also different.

The stand under the Trident maple is essential to avoid the height of the Zelkova and Trident from being on the same level. If one had used a taller stand under the Trident maple, it might be too large for the displa space it occupies.

There is a pine on top, symbolizing species on top of a mountain and a "shrubby" bonsai on the bottom lowlands.

This display includes:
Narrow leaf evergreen
Broad leaf evergreen
Deciduous
Flowering species, very, very well done.

The direction of each individual bonsai leads one's eye toward the center of the box stand too.

And the bonsai are all excellently designed, manicured and cared for.

There are five different styles of bonsai displayed here.

BUT, in my opinion, there is one area where this bonsai display could have been improved. The Japanese flowering quince on the lower right is perhaps a bit out of scale with the other delicate bonsai. It is, however a bit heavy, and if one is to use a heavy bonsai, it is in the best position.

No wonder why this bonsai received an award. Boon is an excellent instructor and has fine taste which is is passing on to his students.

One question: This type of display is very difficult to compose. Do all the bonsai and box stand and individual tables belong to one exhibitor? This is NOT an important factor, but I'd like to impress to this forum that it is extremely rare to find one owner for all of the above items. Generally, we must share bonsai and tables for an effective display.

I wish I had such fine bonsai and friends to help me with my shohin bonsai displays.

EXCELLENT WORK, please keep it up and continue to delight our eyes!

Bill

Phil · 02-08-2008, 03:47 PM

Well, like I said previously:

Quote:

Pretty plain and simple input here as to the display as I have no idea what rules apply to such a display.

And ended by saying:

Quote:

For all I know it may have done quite well in the competition if that’s what this was but this one leaves me cold. Wow!....sounds all pretty harsh but....just my humble opinion and untrained eye as to how I see it.

I guess beauty is indeed in the eyes of the beholder! As I stated quite empathically that I know next to nothing about arranging such displays….OK, nothing, but I still don’t care for the set up/display of the Shimpaku juniper with its accent plant and the rabbit. Obviously, as stated by Bill, that this display is right on the nail but for some reason it still leaves me cold and gives me the feeling of “too much”! Then again, I can only go by as to the impression it leaves on me. Some people love Igor Stravinsky’s "Le Sacre du printemps” as I do but there are many who still find it very disturbing. Again…..such is art.

~Phil

Ledanta · 02-08-2008, 04:00 PM

Wow.....Thanks Bill.

I had no idea there was so much to consider when displaying trees in this way. I commented on the trees only from each individual tree's point of view. I think they are all exquisite little bonsai. No, after reading what you have said, I have gone back to the picture and used what I have learnt to view the overall composition. I must say, I can see a whole lot more now!

Thanks!

Cheers,
Leigh.

bonsaikc · 02-08-2008, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by William N. Valavanis

OK, a few of my personal observations on this very fine shohin bonsai display.

Please note that this is NOT a three point Japanese display. It is a the contemporary method for display of shohin bonsai currently popular in Japan today.

In my long experience of bonsai study I have discovered that displaying shohin bonsai is THE most difficult to effectively compose. This display is very, very fine, even excellent! I only find one item disturbing, but not that much.

Please note that the top Japanese black pine is leading your eye towards the center of the display, while the Shimapku cascade style juniper on the right is also leading your eye towards the center of the display for unity. Also, even the small footed fern accent plant for the Shimpaku juniper is also leading your eye towards the center, along with the rabbit figurine which is the appropriate for the 2008 year of the Zodiac symbols.

Every container is of a different color and design.

There is no duplication of the species displayed.

The placement of the three evergreen species on top left and right contain the eye into the frame of the composition, very, very good.

Note the variety of the smaller stands under the Trident maple and Japanese flowering quince are also different.

The stand under the Trident maple is essential to avoid the height of the Zelkova and Trident from being on the same level. If one had used a taller stand under the Trident maple, it might be too large for the displa space it occupies.

There is a pine on top, symbolizing species on top of a mountain and a "shrubby" bonsai on the bottom lowlands.

This display includes:
Narrow leaf evergreen
Broad leaf evergreen
Deciduous
Flowering species, very, very well done.

The direction of each individual bonsai leads one's eye toward the center of the box stand too.

And the bonsai are all excellently designed, manicured and cared for.

There are five different styles of bonsai displayed here.

BUT, in my opinion, there is one area where this bonsai display could have been improved. The Japanese flowering quince on the lower right is perhaps a bit out of scale with the other delicate bonsai. It is, however a bit heavy, and if one is to use a heavy bonsai, it is in the best position.

No wonder why this bonsai received an award. Boon is an excellent instructor and has fine taste which is is passing on to his students.

One question: This type of display is very difficult to compose. Do all the bonsai and box stand and individual tables belong to one exhibitor? This is NOT an important factor, but I'd like to impress to this forum that it is extremely rare to find one owner for all of the above items. Generally, we must share bonsai and tables for an effective display.

I wish I had such fine bonsai and friends to help me with my shohin bonsai displays.

EXCELLENT WORK, please keep it up and continue to delight our eyes!

Bill

Bill,
I don't have confirmation yet, but I do believe that this was a joint effort. Thank you so much for your wonderful critique here.

For those new to the idea of shohin bonsai display, Morten Albek has some beautiful articles at the link below.

http://www.shohin-europe.com/articles.html

02-08-2008, 12:33 AM	#2 (permalink)
Ledanta Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Canberra, Australia Posts: 60	Lovely trees again. I wish I knew something about displaying trees to input. To me all of these trees look fantastic, even add odd angles. Cheers, Leigh. __________________ http://www.ledanta-bonsai.com.au

02-08-2008, 11:16 AM	#5 (permalink)
Phil A bit "Windswept" Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Chicago, Ill. USDA Zone 5 Posts: 1,051	Pretty plain and simple input here as to the display as I have no idea what rules apply to such a display. From my simple perspective.....I don't care for it. Beautiful stand holding the four trees yet they do not seem to compliment each other in any way. Even if I thought that they were perfect in every way the tree on the lower right ruins it all completely. It looks as though someone accidentally walked on stage during a play and disrupted the entire act. The tall stand looks absolutely ridiculous to me and totally out of place. Aside from that fact it is further ruined with its having its own accent plant and then placing yet another very disruptive object (the rabbit) being placed next to it. Much too much busy and chaotic IMHO. I'm not at all sure just what it is that I'm supposed to focus on. Instead of giving me any feeling of serenity I feel as though I'm looking at a picture of a crowded airport terminal! Just because a child has a lot of toys in their toy box does not necessarily mean that they have to take them all out at once. I've said many times in the past that in simplicity lays beauty. This is anything but simple. Although I admittedly know next to nothing about arranging such displays I feel as though even I could have done much better! For all I know it may have done quite well in the competition if thats what this was but this one leaves me cold. Wow!....sounds all pretty harsh but....just my humble opinion and untrained eye as to how I see it. ~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

02-08-2008, 04:00 PM	#9 (permalink)
Ledanta Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Canberra, Australia Posts: 60	Wow.....Thanks Bill. I had no idea there was so much to consider when displaying trees in this way. I commented on the trees only from each individual tree's point of view. I think they are all exquisite little bonsai. No, after reading what you have said, I have gone back to the picture and used what I have learnt to view the overall composition. I must say, I can see a whole lot more now! Thanks! Cheers, Leigh. __________________ http://www.ledanta-bonsai.com.au

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02-08-2008, 03:08 PM	#7 (permalink)
William N. Valavanis Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Rochester, NY USA Posts: 12	OK, a few of my personal observations on this very fine shohin bonsai display. Please note that this is NOT a three point Japanese display. It is a the contemporary method for display of shohin bonsai currently popular in Japan today. In my long experience of bonsai study I have discovered that displaying shohin bonsai is THE most difficult to effectively compose. This display is very, very fine, even excellent! I only find one item disturbing, but not that much. Please note that the top Japanese black pine is leading your eye towards the center of the display, while the Shimapku cascade style juniper on the right is also leading your eye towards the center of the display for unity. Also, even the small footed fern accent plant for the Shimpaku juniper is also leading your eye towards the center, along with the rabbit figurine which is the appropriate for the 2008 year of the Zodiac symbols. Every container is of a different color and design. There is no duplication of the species displayed. The placement of the three evergreen species on top left and right contain the eye into the frame of the composition, very, very good. Note the variety of the smaller stands under the Trident maple and Japanese flowering quince are also different. The stand under the Trident maple is essential to avoid the height of the Zelkova and Trident from being on the same level. If one had used a taller stand under the Trident maple, it might be too large for the displa space it occupies. There is a pine on top, symbolizing species on top of a mountain and a "shrubby" bonsai on the bottom lowlands. This display includes: Narrow leaf evergreen Broad leaf evergreen Deciduous Flowering species, very, very well done. The direction of each individual bonsai leads one's eye toward the center of the box stand too. And the bonsai are all excellently designed, manicured and cared for. There are five different styles of bonsai displayed here. BUT, in my opinion, there is one area where this bonsai display could have been improved. The Japanese flowering quince on the lower right is perhaps a bit out of scale with the other delicate bonsai. It is, however a bit heavy, and if one is to use a heavy bonsai, it is in the best position. No wonder why this bonsai received an award. Boon is an excellent instructor and has fine taste which is is passing on to his students. One question: This type of display is very difficult to compose. Do all the bonsai and box stand and individual tables belong to one exhibitor? This is NOT an important factor, but I'd like to impress to this forum that it is extremely rare to find one owner for all of the above items. Generally, we must share bonsai and tables for an effective display. I wish I had such fine bonsai and friends to help me with my shohin bonsai displays. EXCELLENT WORK, please keep it up and continue to delight our eyes! Bill

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