Lights, camera – bonsai!

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