M. Frary
Bonsai Godzilla
I want Vance Woods quasi raft mugo so bad I'll go kill someone for it. Well maybe not kill but maim for sure.
I know this sounds funny, but... I like what I have.
I learned some years back, that unless I have tons of money, an agent scouring the globe, or a garden of utopia to collect from, that the only way I would be able to compete with those who do, would be that if I figured out a way to put the awesome into the tree... don't think I am there yet, but on my way. So, my bucket list would be, to be able to transform a not so amazing piece of material into one that was, and be able to compete side by side with trees that are. For me at least, then it would be all about what I as an artist have done, which means alot to me.
Not trying to knock anyone, just explaining the values and goals, that I personally hold for myself.
I know this sounds funny, but... I like what I have.
I learned some years back, that unless I have tons of money, an agent scouring the globe, or a garden of utopia to collect from, that the only way I would be able to compete with those who do, would be that if I figured out a way to put the awesome into the tree... don't think I am there yet, but on my way. So, my bucket list would be, to be able to transform a not so amazing piece of material into one that was, and be able to compete side by side with trees that are. For me at least, then it would be all about what I as an artist have done, which means alot to me.
Not trying to knock anyone, just explaining the values and goals, that I personally hold for myself.
I understand... and I know it wasn't about competition. I like working on what ever is put in front of me. The more complicated and harder to figure out a path forward the better. For me it is like a puzzle.That all sounds great! Artistic! And goal oriented. However isn't there once species of tree that you don't have, that you would like to work your artistic magic on ? I think that is what the idea of this thread is. It wasn't about a competition. It was more about creating a tree that would make you fulfilled.
It would be time for many things but definitely not retire. If one can turn a piece of junk into a tree that is equal to or greater than some of the top notch trees, well then it is time to retire.
Wasn't trying to take the thread in a different direction, nor trying to criticize anyone. Everyone appreciates different things and I know that Adair was only having fun by putting up a thread to get people talking in a hypothetical. Like a Christmas list of what one would like Santa to bring! For, me I just love the. Creating side. So, my bucket list would just be to become better at creating!It would be time for many things but definitely not retire
I can see that art comes before the trees for you. Sounds fair enough. I'm more partial to some trees then others though
I like spruce, pines. Not that much into juniper
The bar for my bonsai goals is set pretty low right now, I've never considered the possibility of entering shows or having masterpieces in my collection. Maybe in time that will change.
I'd like to have studied with a teacher and created 10 nice trees before my time is up.. And although they won't be masterpieces and are works in progress I think I currently have at least one of my "must have species". And the reason for the species I have or still want are directly the result of the members of this website. I have limited exposure to the bonsai world outside of this website, but is has proven to be all the inspiration I need to try and make better trees.
So here's the list:
JBP- I have one in progress I think will be nice one day. BVF's book and trees are a direct inspiration to me for this species. If you have JBP and don't yet have his book, you should get it. He's ALWAYS been helpful and willing to share his wealth of knowledge. If I can serve my JBP well, it will eventually be a nice tree.
Trident- I don't have one worth mentioning yet and would like a larger one that is further along progress wise. I have two small in progress and a large one I chopped down this year. I have been inspired by Smoke's tridents. My first trident I posted here a few years back I thought was a nice tree, he told me why it wasn't(and he's right). I started looking at his works, his processes and then tried to do it. I even started seeds this year after reading his posts on seeds and the screen method. A nice one on my bench one day is a must.
JWP- Judy and October's trees are what turned me on to this species. I have one that I consider nice, not world class, but I love it. My only desire for another would be if I can find one on it's own roots that I love, hard to find, pricey and I'm not sure I'd want something that isn't far along development wise.
J. Maple- Have you seen Mach5's maples??? You should search his threads if you haven't. They are nothing short of incredible and Mach himself is equally awesome in person. His works made me want a gorgeous maple in my collection and he's been so helpful in providing input, knowledge and an artistic opinion as I try to find my way. I have a kashima in progress that is on the right path, thanks to him.
Ume- Not as plentiful on the forums as others, but still some nice examples here. Fred Truck's contorted white is another favorite of mine. I first read about in international bonsai, then saw it posted here. I was sold and ordered some Ume from brent that I'm growing out. Maybe one day i'll have something nice from them. Until then I will oogle at Fred's and the pictures in Kokufu books.
JRP- Dav4 did it to me. I want one some day. His is perfection and I can never grow tired of seeing it.
Shimpaku- Vance, BVF, Dav4, all have shimpakus worth mentioning. This is a species I don't really have one of that I consider to have that certain possibility of becoming a really nice tree. But every time I see their beautiful examples I'm reminded of the empty spot on my bench. One day I'll add a nice specimen to work on.
So that's it for the most part. My desires have been shaped very much as a result of this forum. There are trees from many other members that are inspiring to me as well, so thanks to all of you. I hope the knowledgeable folks that share their teachings truly understand the inspiration they provide to people like me, much like they are inspired by the great professionals they study with and/or admire.
My wishlist includes touring Japan, visiting the bonsai famous nurseries, and attending a Kokufu Bonsai Exhibition. Now, if I can find a way to import some trees back while I'm on the tour.