Here is a tree that belongs to Boon. In the intensive classes you get to do more advanced work on Boon’s trees, if he thinks you are ready. This is going to be one of those courage-bends. Below you see a nice-enough tree, but Boon wanted a severe bend to bring the foliage a lot lower.
Rory and John C are two experienced intensive students, so they got the prep-job on the tree before they all cooperated in the bending. 
Below, when the sawdust must fly, give the job to a student. Sawdust is a good look for John.
The bending was done with tools that Boon had brought back from Japan. The Japanese call the tools below “Jackie”.
Below is the finished bend. It will take about 2-3 years for the tree to add enough wood for the bend to hold. In the fall, an intensive student will get the job of wiring this tree.
3 responses so far ↓
John Callaway // June 8, 2009 at 5:27 am |
It’s a dirty job, but someone has to do it. Hey, maybe we could call Mike Rowe!
Peter Tea // June 8, 2009 at 2:54 pm |
When you guys prepared the tree for bending, did you do any hollowing out of the trunk or was it just a pure bend?
John Callaway // June 9, 2009 at 7:10 am |
Yup, I got that job. Hence the sawdust. I’m still hacking that stuff up. Next time I’m asking for a mask.