Bald Cypress Bonsai - The Saint Kateri Tree - 2 of 3 First Styling

Here, I discuss the 2015 initial styling decisions. The tree has recovered from the dig and has put out enough branches for me to choose from several ideas. I explain why I'm making the choices I made and what I hope to see from it in the future.

When these scenes were shot, I had yet to come up with a name for the tree. In the third video of the series, I will go into detail as to why I chose to use this tree to honor St. Kateri Tekakwitha. I hope that by doing so, that I am doing well to honor her and her life.

American Bonsai is more than bonsai. American Bonsai is taking what we have been taught by the Japanese and applying it to our own native trees and styles. The "Flat Top" style of bonsai was developed by fellow New Orleanian, Vaughn Banting. He wanted to capture the look and spirit of a mature bald cypress. His design was well thought out and represented the growth of the trees we see everywhere in the South. He taught the style to me and I want to honor him and expand upon his concept. The "Flat Top" style represents a bald cypress of advanced age. A tree that can no longer support vertical growth. It has gone from growing a conical top, to growing a pad that reaches up from the crowded swamp to open out into a solar collector. This style comes from trees that live to be hundreds and hundreds of years old. They are survivors and worthy of representation in the bonsai world.

Other videos in this series:
Part 1: Bald Cypress Bonsai - The Saint Kateri Tree - Swamp Dig / Potting
   • Bald Cypress Bonsai - The Saint Kateri Tre...  

Part 3: Bald Cypress Bonsai - The Saint Kateri Tree - Heavy Styling
   • Bald Cypress Bonsai - The Saint Kateri Tre...