Favorite Minion came across some pictures of me attending a Ben Oki workshop from 2013 and asked me if I still had the tree. Of course, I did, and after comparing the drawing that he made for the future tree, I thought it would make an interesting post. If you have been to his style workshop, you know that sometimes you leave a little shocked. He cuts it so far back, you kinda have a WTH moment. Here is a shot of the carnage.
This is what was left:
It has been almost five years now, her is what it looks like now:
Here is Ben's drawing, I think his vision is coming to fruition:
Sadly, Ben doesn't make the rounds anymore, he has retired. As I mentioned above, I was a little shocked at the initial styling, but over the years, Ben's vision has came through. Oh, in case you are wondering, it is a satsuki, variety gumpo.