Francesco Santini » “Very chic” Cupressus Sempervirens

Only who has known Mario knows that “Very chic” is not a self-celebration quote of this tree but a routine phrase (almost a catchphrase!) he used to repeat.

Today Mario is not here anymore, but his memory is very much alive in me. Precisely for this reason I have decided to call this cypress “Very chic”!…in his honor!

This cypress tree, which was his property, became part of my collection last year. A simple tree, but with a lovely feature: the presence of a double trunk.

After a year of cultivation and free growth, I decided to work on it during the competition for instructors in Arcobonsai.

Here is the cypress seen 360°:

Front / Back

Right Side / Left Side

Closeups

Gentle movements but also some small rigidity which I will try to correct tilting it, the creation of some shari and the correct positioning of the branches.

The strong vegetation guarantees an adequate state of health.

And now, let’s rock and roll! For this work I was joined by a very dear friend: Gimmi Maccioni.

He is at his first experience in a work of this kind. I wish him the best of luck …. but I know he will do just a perfect work!!!

The first step is the definition and modification of some existing shari. In addition, new ones are created. After pruning and cleaning of the vegetation we move on to the longer work: wiring.

Some branches are protected : those that have to be twisted or folded a bit more strongly are shielded with rubber. In this period, due to the abundant lymphatic flow, the cupressaceae tend to become very unglued.

There are still a few branches to be wired!

And finally comes the time of styling. This is my favourite part! I begin to move the branches of the small trunk. Once I have positioned it I will focus on the trunk.

Ideas take shape with steady hand movements. Slowly the branches find their position and accordingly the vegetative masses. The black spaces alternate with the pads….. Regardless of the final result at that moment I get lost in styling.

And here we are at the end….tired but happy!

Now I want to thank Gimmi for his commitment but above all for the amount and quality of the work produced. A reliable partner that has allowed me to work smoothly on time.

Making bonsai is already beautiful of its own … if you can share it with a friend is even better.

Thanks Gimmino! 🙂

Just for you to know: we gained second place.

The cypress after styling.

I just love trees with a feminine touch, light and intelligibile. Although it is a first step with this tree, I am very satisfied with the shape it has now, especially the small trunk. Afterwards I will make some changes including the apex of the large trunk to accentuate the direction towards the right. Now we stand by. My attention is focused on proper cultivation and the quick overcoming of wiring stress.

The branches have been arranged in such a way as to leave large gaps to give lightness and create asymmetries and, last but not least, to let air and light pass between the branches.

The inclinations of the branches decrease as you climb. The lower branches are larger and older and therefore take on stronger downward angles. Drawing close to the apex, the branches, being younger, gradually decrease the angle of insertion on the trunk.

Front / Back