New Mugo Project

Vance Wood · Oct 17, 2014

I started working on the redux of this Mugo Pine. I started work on the tree in 1999 where the initial reduction took place. Then I allowed a branch that should have not popped up to develop one of our stalwart members said it reminded him of one of the angry bird characters. Consequently I left the tree alone after that for a while. Over the last couple of years I decided to start work on this tree again. I thought it would be a good idea to post a few before and during pictjures. This tree will take a few days.

This shot was taken in 1999. Notice the small branch on the cur odd stub--that should not have happened but it did so I allowed it to stay for a while.

This is the next stage from the other side.

This is the tree as it stands after deciding to take the pictures.

Vance Wood · Oct 17, 2014

Following are some details of the trunk. The trunk at this point is nearly 5" accros.

Vin · Oct 17, 2014

It grew a lot in five years! I can't quite figure out what part of the trunk in the first two photos is now the trunk above the first branch on the most recent photo. What is the plan moving forward?

Vance Wood · Oct 17, 2014

Vin said:
It grew a lot in five years! I can't quite figure out what part of the trunk in the first two photos is now the trunk above the first branch on the most recent photo. What is the plan moving forward?

That's because the tree has been rotated and quite a few major branches have been removed. I have yet to start putting wire on the tree. This is going to be a major redesign.

Vance Wood · Oct 17, 2014

I found a couple of more photo including the Angry Bird Tree.

The tree in the spring of 2000.

Here for the first time in years------The Angry Bird.

wireme · Oct 17, 2014

Cool, I like the weathered flat stub and the way the little jinned branch began engulfing it.

Have you every seen old limber pines in the wild? For some reason the natural jinns are almost always flat ended like that, almost as if they were cut or pruned.

RickMartin · Oct 18, 2014

Very beautiful tree. I sat here last night with a cup of coffee and looked at your tree and was just in awe of what you have done. You are truely a great one with bonsai.

Rick

Vance Wood · Oct 18, 2014

RickMartin said:
Very beautiful tree. I sat here last night with a cup of coffee and looked at your tree and was just in awe of what you have done. You are truely a great one with bonsai.

Rick

To this point it has all been the fruit of hard work. I think I am finally getting it. I realize I would probably be further ahead if I had taken the time and expense to get some training but then; one has to consider how much of a teacher's identity is absorbed by the student.

I really appreciate your approval of my work. If there is a key it would be an unwillingness to settle for how things are and the rejection of the idea that a tree is too old to change even if the tree is horrible, and even if the tree is marginally good. Sometimes we are loath to mess with a tree that is pretty good, even if we can see it can be better or we can see that it's flaws bother us more than its assets give us joy. Such is how it has been with my trees over the last several years.

Trees that would never improve by themselves with age and were doomed to become old second rate bonsai were put under the knife, so to speak, and given a new life and form. For me; this has been an ongoing process. This tree is only the next victim in this scenario of rebirth. That's the nice thing about bonsai. Though some would buy into the argument that a tree which has expired in its styling is worthy only to sell at an auction are giving up the opportunity they will go out and pay good money for: A piece of material that has some age and needs some work. You can't or shouldn't, repaint a painting.

Vance Wood · Oct 18, 2014

wireme said:
Cool, I like the weathered flat stub and the way the little jinned branch began engulfing it.

Have you every seen old limber pines in the wild? For some reason the natural jinns are almost always flat ended like that, almost as if they were cut or pruned.

Yes I have seen old and weathered Limber Pines, White Bark Pines and Bristlecone Pines, they are beautiful and in many respects the muse that drives the work I do. The fact that you equate my work with those trees I take as a real complement, thank you.

There has always been something lacking for me in the traditional styles as defined by the Japanese influenced schools and the more formal and clearly defined shapes. It has taken me years to even understand my own mind and what it is that drives my artistic sensibilities, if that is what they are. In a word most bonsai in my mind lack truth.

Vance Wood · Oct 20, 2014

I was going through some of my old photos on an old device and I came across a 2006 photo of the tree I am working on here.

the tree went into this container in 1999.

This may or may not give you some sort of idea of what the problems are with Mugos. Often you have a multitude of choices most of which are not so good as far as traditional Bonsai styles are concerned. As you can see here the tree had to first be reduced down and put into one of my training planters. It stayed in the planter for about three years where it developed to a point it could be cut back.

I'm pretty sure I have that picture as well somewhere and I will post it if I find it. The point is these trees have to be developed out of the box. There is almost no such thing as a container ready Mugo Pine. This again is one of the major reasons more peopledo not choose them for bonsai projects, too many choices and not too many good ones.

Smoke · Oct 20, 2014

Vance Wood said:
There is almost no such thing as a container ready Mugo Pine. This again is one of the major reasons more people do not choose them for bonsai projects, too many choices and not too many good ones.

Interesting selling point....

Vance Wood · Oct 20, 2014

I'm not really trying to sell the Mugo just provide the truth uncluttered by prejudice or misconception.

Vin · Oct 20, 2014

All I can say is I wish Mugos could survive in Florida. I can see why you're drawn to them.

Smoke · Oct 20, 2014

Vance Wood said:
I'm not really trying to sell the Mugo just provide the truth uncluttered by prejudice or misconception.

Well you sold me, I'm gonna start work on one tomorrow. Small though.....I want a really good challenge.

Joedes3 · Oct 21, 2014

I am sold on mugos. This has become my favorite tree.
Vance posting his pictures and providing guidance and feedback to people has greatly assisted many of us.
Vance, please keep your pictures and guidance coming.
Thanks
Joedes

Vance Wood · Oct 21, 2014

Joedes3 said:
I am sold on mugos. This has become my favorite tree.
Vance posting his pictures and providing guidance and feedback to people has greatly assisted many of us.
Vance, please keep your pictures and guidance coming.
Thanks
Joedes

I will until everybody is finally convinced I'm a fraud and generally speaking a really dumb turd or I run out of material.

DhD47 · Oct 21, 2014

Vance Wood said:
Hi Vance,
I wanted to know what size is the training pot you have this tree in? I think it would be nice to make some of these for those new mugo pines I started.

Thank you and I love the way it is turning out. Really nice to see this photo of what it looked like before.

Dave

Vance Wood · Oct 21, 2014

DhD47 said:
Vance Wood said:

Hi Vance,
I wanted to know what size is the training pot you have this tree in? I think it would be nice to make some of these for those new mugo pines I started.

Thank you and I love the way it is turning out. Really nice to see this photo of what it looked like before.

Dave

Click to expand...

This planter is 12' X 12" by 9"deep. It is what I call my 3 gallon planter.

Vin · Oct 21, 2014

Vance Wood said:
I will until everybody is finally convinced I'm a fraud and generally speaking a really dumb turd or I run out of material.

I don't believe anyone thinks you're a fraud and there seems to be plenty of material out there

Vance Wood · Oct 21, 2014

Here is the finished preliminary new styling for this tree.

New Mugo Project

Lord Mugo

Lord Mugo

Imperial Masterpiece

Lord Mugo

Lord Mugo

Masterpiece

Omono

Lord Mugo

Lord Mugo

Lord Mugo

Ignore-Amus

Lord Mugo

Imperial Masterpiece

Ignore-Amus

Shohin

Lord Mugo

Mame

Lord Mugo

Imperial Masterpiece

Lord Mugo

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