Interesting reaction to the Kyokko. For me, the present design is too tall (37”), and the next section below the apex is growing out to replace the present apex. The stiff, angular shape is slightly unsettling, but right now I enjoy that because it compliments the quirkiness of a corker. It leaves no doubt that it’s a corkbark pine, even prior to the development of the big wings.
The lowest right branch is a big part of what draws me to the tree, and it adds a lot of character; which may not be as apparent in 2D photos. In fact, I could almost be convinced to remove everything above it and design the tree from that single branch. It’s not small: 17” long, 16” deep, 10” tall, and more than 2” in diameter at the trunk.
It would be nice to have a small pad closer to the trunk, but the bark on it is starting to show up nicely, so if I get it, fine, and if not…we get to see bark.
At some point, I will have to address the lowest left and back branches, which are presently styled as one pad, but they emerge at the same level on the trunk. They could both go and not be missed, but not until they’ve helped thicken the trunk more. Then, maybe the first right branch will make more sense…or everything changes, B’nut was right, and it goes too…