The Art of Bonsai Project

Richard,
I didn't think that anybody can beat Carl in his most dramatic description of this tree, but it seems that in many respects you did it. Wow.
What about this experiment: I will show the photo to my 2 year-old son and see how he reacts to it. If he hides behind the couch after seing it, the artist succeeded in depicting the dark side. If he says 'Nice tree', then (Houston,) we've got a problem.

Attila,
Thanks for your comments.
If your son sees a cute deer-face in the tree though, then that is great - he is only two years old after all. Art opinion, being subjective, means that we can all have our own interpretation of what is in front of us, and I would almost hope that a two year old would not be in a position to see what I see.

This tree truly scares me. It is out there and I don't want to be the one to meet it. For me at least, it is amazingly successful in its concept and message. I would love to hear the artist's opinion of what this work is trying to convey, given the differing interpretations.
Regards,
Richard.

I don't really know if it's wise to return to this controversial thread, after it has been peacefully laid to rest. Still, Nick Lenz' tree suddenly reminded me of something I read, namely a few lines concerning the history of penjing. See
There it is stated that penjing was an amusement indulged in by the Chinese aristocrats of days long gone, and that to create something scary or grotesque (paraphrase) provided a good conversation piece for visiting friends.

Nick's tree certainly proved an excellent conversation piece.

And don't mistake me: I liked it right from the start, so Thanks, Carl.
Incidentally, why is this Website called "The Art of Bonsai Project"? Shouldn't it rather be The Art of Bonsai and Penjing Project? It seems to me that the word "bonsai" is made to cover too many things. Seriously!
Lisa