Two lights per tree – that was the sum of the lighting at the Artisans Cup. The effect was dramatic.
My first view of the exhibit
To better convey the shape of the tables and backdrops, here’s a shot that’s slightly over-exposed.
Yew flanked by hemlock, Eastern cedar and Rocky Mountain juniper
Many of the trees with deadwood looked particularly good in the low light as the jin and shari contrasted with the background.
California juniper by John Kirby
Dense, healthy foliage also looked great against the dark background. I noticed this in particular on a number of the pines and mountain hemlock on display.
White pine by Konnor Jenson
Mountain hemlock by Anthony Fajarillo (read the tree’s story)
Here’s another shot with the background lightened up a bit.
Southwestern white pine by Greg Brenden
And for contrast, here’s another tree in low light.
Ponderosa pine by Scott Elser
Could the exhibit have benefitted from more light? Good question. More light could bring out more detail in the trees but at the expense of decreasing the wow factor. Part of me wanted to get a better look at the trees, but another part of me was grateful for the spotlights. I’ve seen plenty of well-lit shows – it was a treat to see the hand-crafted lighting design presented at the Artisans Cup. And I can’t help but think that the lighting will be even better next time.
Upon leaving the exhibit, visitors passed one of the more dramatic pieces in the room – an Engelmann spruce planted on a large piece of deadwood. The shadows on the wall were intriguing – the tree made quite a send-off to an impressive exhibit.
Engelmann spruce
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bonsai eejit says
Reblogged this on Bonsai Eejit.
Paul says
“large piece of deadwood”. I have seen many trees planted in other then ceramic bonsai pots. Is this a trend and are they accepted by judges.
brendenstudio says
Great post Jonas! I agree…the staging of this show added another element to savor…
Jonas Dupuich says
Hi Paul – good question, I’d be curious to hear what others think. I’ve long seen alternatives to ceramic pots and it seems there are a few more every year. How judges receive them would depend on the judging criteria and the judges in question.
paul3636 says
I had a pot made from 1″ sq. wood, 3 high plus feet. It was stained the same color as the trunk. I was told if it was enter it in the competition one of the judges would not consider it. That was one of the reasons I asked the question.
brendenstudio says
The spruce in question was not among the judged trees