Dragon Rising - transformation of a Juniper

[MelaQuin]

I took a new juniper to a major workshop and insisted that I did not want literati. The tutor, Glyns Bebb, tried to change my mind but went along with what I wanted... even tho she probably shuddered. I also watched her work with one enthusiast's tree and every time she came around she slowly persuaded him that this branch had to go. It was gently done and when he said NO, she continued to help and did the rounds again. By the end of the time he realised what she was saying and the branch went [and it was a very major branch] and the tree was much improved.

My tree, done to MY desire, my want, my insistence, didn't work. Simply didn't work and you can see why. It came home as she helped me style it [and she takes absolutely NO blame in this first photo].

Dragon rising 2004-09.jpg

Over a period of a year I kept reducing the tree. It has been to 3 workshops, each time major work being done and now, after 4 years, I have a literati. If only I had done it in the first place. But a tutor is there to help you learn how to style your trees. The day a tutor tells, as in TELLS, you how to do your tree..listen and if you don't agree or are unsure, don't do it. They do mistakes too. But usually the ideas they give you, plus ideas from other attendees, open your eyes in ways you simply hadn't thought of. And there are also times you can attend a workshop and simply walk around and watch, not work on a tree. You learn heaps that way as well.

Dragon Rising 2006-11 1.jpg

Dragon rising 2007-07.jpg

Dragon Rising 2008-08.jpg

And while I say it should have been done initially had I been more open and willing, the additional foliage that tree carried for the excess time helped it to grow and develop even more character. So the time wasn't entirely wasted. Well, it wasn't wasted at all. I developed my eye, my styling, my guts - that's a lot from one tree.

The last workshop was quite funny... I had two trees... Dragon Rising could have had the falling branch removed or the top knot. It was very much an everyone-participation in the decision and the decision was about 50-50. When I flashed the sidecutters and took off the topknot you could have heard a pin drop in the hall. See... that's it about workshops... you are not isolated, most people are very interested in what is going on and workshops are just great.

[daiviet_nguyen]

Hi MelaQuin,

If I were you, I would have no regret about the times spent on this tree.

Without the initial "mistakes" you might not have arrived at the current
shape -- so I guess we can say that it happened for a reason

The current one looks very dynamic. I imagine that, more refinement might
cause it to lose its strong looks?

Regards.

[MelaQuin]

It has actually develop beyond the last photo but the apex needs minor adjustments. However, with the temperatures in the mid 30s for the next few days... nothing but watering will be done. But thanks for your kind comments. Also, one thing that really is putting me off is the pot. No, not this one... I bought a very nice drum pot for it and despite the quality and style of the pot, they don't work.. I am trying to get Pat Kennedy to make a special pot for this special tree - when he moves away from his shohin craze. I think, due to the tree's curves, the very geometric pot like the drum does not work... freeform is what is required. That and the revised apex are what I am now working for.

[Pup]

G, day MelaQuin, I too like what you have achieved with this. It is very reminiscent of, a tree that has had the top bent or broken and is struggling to recover.If I may post mine here I will show it?. I have one very much like this.
I posted it on another site a a year a so ago. It got some interesting remarks. Your assessment of the pot, what I would suggest is a genuine Bunjingi pot ,they are free style or a Crescent.
The reason I ask is I do not want to hijack your post. Pup

[anttal63]

this one is on the money! a beautiful raw elegance and such delicate balance. i cant wait to see it in a free form, rustic pot. love it lee.

[Leigh Taafe]

Hi MelaQuin,

Orsum! Love it!

Cheers,
Leigh.

[aaron_tas]

love it lee

but if i know you, which i think i might, this tree will undergo some other drastic change in the future

just keep us posted

[Pat K]

when he moves away from his shohin craze

Told you Lee, I'm over little pots....now I'm outta clay ....but the mind is still cranking!!!

Pat

ps Leigh (from Ledanta), how are you mate?......please be patient, the clay's coming!!!!

[aaron_tas]

please no