Swamp cypress carving...?

[fredman]

Back story....I received this tree about 10 years ago. Had it in the ground for some time to...hoping for proper taper and nebari. It didn't really turn out that way...it grew into a large pole. I lifted it, chopped the trunk and started building a flat top. I did some initial carving...but didn't have the right tools to complete the job.
I repotted it twice in about 4 seasons.
I kinda fell out of love with it some years ago...and almost got rid of it a few times.
Today however I borrowed a hand chain saw and got stuck into it. I removed 90% of the wood with it and then finished with a little terrier carving tool.
I'm not the best carver...and to top it off, not blessed as a overly visionary person.
I tend to get stuck in...then stand back and access the damage I did...
Anyway...I carved it, but not sure if it suits the tree. I'm contemplating hollowing it out more...I think it needs to be deeper.
Hell i'm even thinking of carving it down to ground level.....?
I would really appreciate your input, ideas and suggestions....as i'm a bit stuck.
Here it is before


This is some after shots

And from a distance..to give some perspective


This is what I mean by (maybe) extending the carve down to ground level...open it up and make it one big hollow....?




Thank you.

 

[Bonsai Nut]

I would not extend the carving into the soil, because that would mean you would lose that big buttress at the base of the tree.

I think your challenge has to do with the two symmetrical branches at the top - with no clear apex. The top of the tree looks like a "Y" or slingshot. You probably want to keep the branch on the left as the apex, and let it run free for a bit to get thicker and develop more secondary branching, while constraining growth on the branch on the right.

 

[fredman]

I would not extend the carving into the soil, because that would mean you would lose that big buttress at the base of the tree.

I think your challenge has to do with the two symmetrical branches at the top - with no clear apex. The top of the tree looks like a "Y" or slingshot. You probably want to keep the branch on the left as the apex, and let it run free for a bit to get thicker and develop more secondary branching, while constraining growth on the branch on the right.

My apologies Bossman...
I kinda forgot to respond to you.
I fully agree not to carve to the bottom. It'll look nasty actually.
My plan for this is to do a flat top...I love those.
Something like this...but not as petite. Kinda like the wild afro I had (after I had my long hair permed) in the 70s...!

 

[SailDesign]

My apologies Bossman...
I kinda forgot to respond to you.
I fully agree not to carve to the bottom. It'll look nasty actually.
My plan for this is to do a flat top...I love those.
Something like this...but not as petite. Kinda like the wild afro I had (after I had my long hair permed) in the 70s...!

View attachment 606662

Thanks, REALLY thanks for that photo. I rescued this poor wee thing from the garden centre, and had no idea what to do with it. Until I saw this.

Now at least I can sketch and dream while it fills in a bit.