Limber Pine No. 22

Pinus flexilis

Height 42" Width 64" 

Inspired by the gale force winds that define the aesthetic of ancient pines on Windy Ridge in the Rockies, this limber pine was the subject of the Mirai in the Wild: The Rockies documentary. Collected by Steve Varland of the Backcountry Boys, this unique specimen has the defining characteristics of age that connect it to the ancient ecosystem on Windy Ridge with features that carry the story of the elements and environment in the aesthetic of the tree. Using full sized pines as a guidepost for styling decisions, Ryan was able to tease out several aspects of wind-informed design to maximize the impression of nature in miniature in rugged conditions. Mounted on two connected Jan Culek slabs, the composition is a testament to what is possible when remote areas of rugged beauty are more literally captured in the bonsai practice.