The Art of Bonsai Project

Thanks, Vance. I think I was more interested in simply acquiring an unusual cascade specimen, than I was in bringing out the best in the tree. The error of my ways was obvious to me, but I was being pigheaded for the sake of personal vanity.
Humility can be an expensive gift to acquire.

Perhaps, but you moved on. There is an old expression: If it ain't broke don't fix it, but there is another equally valid old expression: You can't fix it if you don't know its broke. I have found with bonsai in my experience, that when I think I have it going in the right direction it is just barely started and no where near where I think it is. In short you have to have the courage to look at yourself, and that's not always easy to do. But once you do you can begin to grow again.

I guess the same argument could be made for many species, Vance.
I'm not sure that is valid in all cases, however we already style trees differently in forest or group plantings, to take into account the differences in growth patterns that trees force upon their neighbours.

I don't disagree, I think you are right. My point is not to lock yourself into one way of thinking. Entertain possibilities and see what happens. If you can imagine something that you think will be beautiful then do it.