The Art of Bonsai Project

This thread is for discussion of Charles Bevan's critique, "The Innovative Saikei."

Charles,
Good topic for posting here. I agree that Jim has done something innovative. I also agree with your suggestions that changing the viewing angle would lead to better perspective and scale throughout the composition.

You probably have a copy of Robert Stevens' new book. He shows two creations that consist of a large horizontal tree trunk with many trees growing vertically from it - sort of a root-connected style. However, as Jim has done, Robert uses the horizontal trunk to represent a mountain ridge or a large stone and does not bury it in the soil as in a true root-connected tree. So yes, I think one can use other material to create an effective composition.
Regards,
Walter

The pagoda was great ^^. Nice to see that is not just different, but is also pleasing. Just wondering, how does it look now that the bottom piece rotted away?

On the "artistic limitations" i guess the bonsai artist, like the proverb, "cannot change the wind, but can adjust the sails", so could we also call it "artistic challenge"?

By the way, I'm new in this forum so I guess I should also greet - hello everyone :)