[360°] Juniper squamata styled by John Naka

[Jamie]

gday gavin

I think to begin with a shari would "thin" the trunk a little, but in time what will actually happen is the live vein that is left will start to swell and thicken, which in turn will create a flat plate like deadwood.

jamie

[GavinG]

Jamie, you are right, but I think it would take twenty years in the ground to get the effect you want. By which time the Naka style and feel would be long gone. I still don't think you should divide the visual impact of an already slender trunk. Be happy.

Gavin

[Jamie]

gavin

yea there is that side of things too, you would actually be surprised at how "fast" (possible a few years in a pot) that a live vein will start to expand.

in saying the Naka look would dissapate that is a possibilty but I also think that we also have to envisage the future of the tree, maybe even think along the lines of what would the late great Mr. Naka would do seeing the tree now, 20+ years on from the original sketch ? food for thought

[Mitchell]

gavin
maybe even think along the lines of what would the late great Mr. Naka would do seeing the tree now, 20+ years on from the original sketch ? food for thought

I imagine John would have included the shari, if he had ever intended for it to be there. Given that though, if he was to re-access the plant now, perhaps he would include one in his new design.

[Jamie]

hi mate

yea its just me thinking outside the pot again, he might not of too, but honestly with being literati and from what I have seen, I do think it could have been possible. maybe some that met mr. Naka could enlighten us on what they think?

jamie

[Chris H]

Guys.

How many trees did Mr Naka style during his trip?
How long did he spend looking at the tree before he did his sketch?
And how many times since did he reevaluate the tree?
An initial sketch from these demonstrations is a plan to go on with in the foreseable future.

What happens next with any tree is based on whose care it is in.
We have seen Leigh transform a 30 year old juniper recently, the original owner was in the room and the second owner is another of our members, but its in Leighs care now so up to him how he styles it.

In the bark my personal view is that this tree needs a little something to take it to a new level. I hadnt thought of the Shari when I was looking at it.
Its a good plan Steven.

[Steven]

Still haven't decided on the shari up the trunk

I did however give it a bit of a plucking last night.

2011-May-171.jpg

2011-May-171-after.jpg

I'm happier with the shape of the apex this time but some of the pads need a bit more work. I might keep working on it next bonsai night.

Regards,
Steven

[GavinG]

Good balance between trunk and foliage now, good rhythm all the way up.

I've said it before, but what the hell, a shari will only weaken the impact of an already slender trunk. If you want to see what it will look like, stick a strip of white paper up the trunk where you want the shari to go, and watch the trunk disappear before your very eyes!

Shari and jin aren't automatically a Good Thing, but they are irreversible.

As it is, very dynamic.

Just my two bob's worth,

Gavin

[Ash]

Hi Steven, What an interesting history for a tree. It looks like you have really brought out its qualities.I reckon forget the shari- it does not need it. Ash

[NeilW]

Hi Steven, looking at your tree,I would say nearly but not quite, your crown has good shape, this is where your tree should be dictated from i think. Naka shows this if you look closely. Lets look at the long angle of the crown, the wind side if you like,all the pads should follow this angle or just below, the other side can bring the branching down at most angles, but the pads at horizontal this would show your tree in a much different light, hope this helps,this is just my interpretation of his sketch. Then maybe we can see if another branch should be removed on horizontal side. See what you think....cheers.

[Steven]

G'day,

Gave this one a prune last night and have some updated pictures to share.

2012 August (a).jpg

2012 August (b).jpg

I'm looking out for a new pot that will be a better match. Something shallower and more feminine/delicate. When I repot I'll change the angle to be more upright.

Regards,
Steven

[MattA]

I dont know if it would fit but what do you think of this pot?

StevenJNjun.jpg

Matt

[Steven]

Thanks Matt. I appreciate your idea! I think I would prefer a more formal looking pot though.

Regards,
Steven

[Andrew F]

Something like this?

[Andrew F]

A few examples of my suggestion, courtesy of Art of bonsai: