Follow the Trunk Line
The reason I bought this small Itogawa juniper is because it had some good features. The two main areas are the trunk - thickish compared to the side branches, and the second is that the leaves are small. Some junipers have slightly larger leaves which make it more challenging to create a shohin bonsai. The larger scale like leaves are best suited for a bigger bonsai. It is all about proportion.
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| So this is the tree. It served up a few challenges. |
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| When faced with something like this, always follow the trunk line. Scan it starting from the base and continue its line until you can imagine the apex. Remember, you will be using wire so moving the trunk around (within reason) should also be in your mind. As you do this also consider a side branch that could possibly be the new apex and the remaining upper section of the trunk could be turned into a jin (dead wood). Continue visualizing the trunk line and picture where those other branches will be placed. You don't need to have everything perfectly planned out. I don't anyway! Your most important consideration should be the trunk. |
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| Once you work out the structure of the trunk you can begin from the bottom and re position all the other branches. I plan to repot this guy in spring in a nice pot. Take care out there! |
