The Art of Bonsai Project

This thread is for the discussion of Jerry Meislik's gallery.
http://artofbonsai.org/galleries/meislik.php

I just want to comment on the taller p. flexilis, which struck my fancy.
http://artofbonsai.org/images/meislik/LimberGiz.jpg
I like this tree a lot, primarily because I like this tree (gut-logic).
I have oftern heard people state that a trunk which begins with a long straight section and then bends at a later point does not make an attractive literati. This tree shows otherwise, as does my personal observation of trees out in the natural world.
On a separate note, I'll just mention that Jerry's book & website have been very helpful to me. Thanks, Jerry!
pootsie, aka Chris Conomy

Chris,
I agree that the top of the Limber with the curve does not work ideally with the straight jin. My thought was to use a little carving on the straight jin area to give it a slight sinuousness, is that a word?. Another idea would be to shorten the jin, using the old adage about minifying the ugly area if you can't remove it entirely.
Thoughts?
Jerry Meislik
www.bonsaihunk.us
Whitefish Montana USA
USDA zone 4-5

Carl,
Excellent job. I will do that next spring.
Jerry

PS the mica pot has to go as well!
Jerry

Jerry,
A remake of the jin, similar to Carl's vision, would immensely improve the pine, in my opinion.
I also enjoy looking at your Ficus microcarpa, with its bulging "muscles". To me, that's the greatest attaction of a Ficus bonsai: its muscles.
Thanks for giving us an insight into your gallery.
Attila

Jerry
If I may, I'll play the "devils advocate" here. I don't have a problem with the long jin, for this reason. For me, the jin is whats left of the original trunk that died, and the live is a branch that took over and became the tree. The long jin tells the story of this tree. IMHO.

Mike

Mike, appreciate your comments. Do you prefer the original or shortened version?
Attila, I too love muscling on Ficus or any other tree. One of the really, really marvelous features.
Jerry

Jerry, I think that both versions have artistic merit. Whichever one pleases you the most is the way to go.
Mike

Attila,
For me the gut reaction is almost always the right one. Then I try to intellectualize the why of the reaction.
Appreciate your comments.
Jerry

Jerry, just a thought... Would this tree look a little better on a slab, or in a long, shallow oval tray? I'm concerned at the apparent imbalance of the composition, where the roots seem to force the tree to the left of the current pot.

It may change the complexion of the tree entirely, obviating the need for reduction of the jin, until you can determine what you want to do with it.
As to any argument that the deadwood is excessive, take a look at the deadwood on the classic shimpaku junipers. It's merely a matter of balance, as I see it.