WHAT STYLE IS THIS ?

When I got this Premna about 8 years ago, I knew it was difficult to turn into nice bonsai which looked like a big tree...



Then I got the idea to make something different...





The progress...



...and here it is now after repotting to enchance the panoramic view...

Clump style, but nice work. Looks very much like a Chinese painting.

This is why I always associate the word "vision" with you, Robert.

As regards the "labelling" -do we need to ascribe a style to it? Can it not remain as Robert Steven Individual style if not indeed Unique?

It works the strength of the trunk and deadwood against the new forest spreading its foliage, but ultimately all connected through the trunk .Nice variation on a raft?

Robert,

First I would like to say how much I admire and enjoy your works of art. I have read your first book and am starting your second. Hopefully some day we will get a chance to meet. Everytime I get a chance to see one of your bonsai I get a feeling of peaceful awe, and I am instaniously transported there and walking among the scene that you have created. For me personally, that is when I know I am looking a really good piece of bonsai art. Others may have a different way of looking at bonsai, but when feel I am there without hesitation in my mind that is when that bonsai has spoken to me directly.

If forced to put a label on this piece, it reminds me more of a penjing style - Landscape.

Steve

Robert,

First I would like to say how much I admire and enjoy your works of art. I have read your first book and am starting your second. Hopefully some day we will get a chance to meet. Everytime I get a chance to see one of your bonsai I get a feeling of peaceful awe, and I am instaniously transported there and walking among the scene that you have created. For me personally, that is when I know I am looking a really good piece of bonsai art. Others may have a different way of looking at bonsai, but when feel I am there without hesitation in my mind that is when that bonsai has spoken to me directly.

If forced to put a label on this piece, it reminds me more of a penjing style - Landscape.

Steve

It reminds me of the mythical Phoenix bird... It's like a regeneration out of dead. Very optimistic it brings out a breath of hope!
I can see that it is now growing over a rock, is this correct?

Hey Robert, to directly answer your question, I'd say a raft style, but as Fiona says, style is not that important as feeling.

It's a very cool concept and design - to me its using the old trunk to simulate a mountain with the shoots being individual trees on it.

I really like the drawing with all the trees straight up. As the actual trees have grown, they have gotten a bit caddywompus (http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=caddywompus) I'd thin them a bit and try to straighten them up.

Premna is fast growing and the trunks of the vertical trees are getting thick, sort of distorting the scale of the original design. Might be time to rechop or get some variability in the trunk sizes.

Cool idea though!!

Rob Kempinski wrote: caddywhompus

Splendid word!

Hey Robert
I love it, and it gives inspiration on a future project of mine.

As far as a style I would call it a "inclined stump/clump forrest"

Mitch

I would call this the forest-on-tree-style.

for me it is a raft style....
style is not important...nice tree

Thank you all for your comments. I don't even think about the style, so whatever...
However, Nellie is correct. My idea is that "trunk" symbolized kind of rocky hill with trees growing on it.

Rob. Yes, the configuration is still rather messy, I still need to rearrange here and there to emphasize the focal point and create more void spaces.

I guess I grew up reading too much science fiction and fantasy literature...

I've always loved strange landscapes and odd trees. My imagination likes to make a story from the impression.

When I first saw this work, when I looked at the older trunk I thought, "Wow, this is like the trunk of a huge giant tree, a 'world tree' that towered above the valley in which it grew". But then something happened, something like a volcanic explosion that nearly destroyed the tree, leaving just the trunk and a few scarred branches of its former glory. Perhaps it slept for ages, waiting for conditions that would allow it to grow again. Perhaps the climate changed, such that when conditions did allow a rebirth, the new growth was different in form. So, altered by necessity, life, nonetheless found a way.

I'd think it reminds me most of a grove on a stump, but I realize that isn't a standard categorization. So my mind goes to more fantastic thoughts. Definitely unique, I like it a lot.

Thanks Sam.
That's so called "evocating" that make art differenr from craft.

Hi Robert
Great vision and great composition. I think it is not necessary to sort style. A sense of composition for me is positive and highly significant.
And what is my major, I know, and I saw a very similar place of wild nature. (Spruce Trees on rock). I like the apparent chaotic arrangement. It's very true.
Gretings Pavel

Since Joining IBC ive found all your threads of high interest, you are an extremely good artist with a keen eye for detail, keep up the good work.

Thanks Pavel, Crafty (hate to call you Tanuki.. )

Robert Steven wrote:Thanks Crafty (hate to call you Tanuki.. )

Why? lol

I think He dislike tanuki.


I saw the sketch of this one in your book Robert...Didn't know it is almost finish now.


regards,
jun

It's not finished yet Jun, still long way to go..
I still need to work on the ramification details to reduce the leaves size, to re-touch the composition for more spaces..and to train more small trees to create better perspective and few cascading trees on the cliff...

Robert Steven wrote:It's not finished yet Jun, still long way to go..
I still need to work on the ramification details to reduce the leaves size, to re-touch the composition for more spaces..and to train more small trees to create better perspective and few cascading trees on the cliff...

Yes, Some of the cascades are not there yet to complete the story...

...that is why I didn't say "NICE tree"! like I always do. hehehe. It doesn't have the harmony yet like your sketch/ vision have. But, like I said it is "almost" finish now considering how fast this specie grows. 2 years maybe?

regards,
jun

jun wrote:

Robert Steven wrote:It's not finished yet Jun, still long way to go..
I still need to work on the ramification details to reduce the leaves size, to re-touch the composition for more spaces..and to train more small trees to create better perspective and few cascading trees on the cliff...

Yes, Some of the cascades are not there yet to complete the story...

...that is why I didn't say "NICE tree"! like I always do. hehehe. It doesn't have the harmony yet like your sketch/ vision have. But, like I said it is "almost" finish now considering how fast this specie grows. 2 years maybe?

regards,
jun

....Hehe...

gado-gado style aka Mix style

A big leave becomes a small leave, so amazing.thank.