Ryan Neil's massive Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii). This (pick your adjective) tree was not part of the bonsai display area, but rather sat alone in an inner lobby that you passed through on the way out of the display area. There's no way that you can appreciate just how massive it is, and though I didn't think to pace it off at the time, by memory (a risky proposition at best), I'd reckon that it must be about six or seven feet (approx 2 meters) across.
A thanks and a tribute to Ryan Neil and friends for the just completed Artisans Cup.
I don’t know Ryan Neil personally, though I did have a moment with him on Friday evening. But then so did everyone else; he stood at the entrance and welcomed each of us (and there were a lot of us) with a handshake or hug and a few words. A nice touch.
Of course it wasn’t all Ryan. His wife Chelsea and numerous volunteers played a big part (I was taken with how friendly and helpful everyone was, which in part at least, reflects Ryan’s attitude). But still, the amount of inspiration, skill and hard work that he put into a truly remarkable exhibition, was obvious. More below the photo…
Moving in a little closer. You might notice the shadow.
The sheer numbers of people attending was unlike any previous U.S. bonsai event. The exhibition floor was packed from beginning to end (one evening and two full days). So much so that on Sunday afternoon the fire marshal insisted that the flow of people into the exhibition be slowed.
No doubt part of the Cup’s popularity had to do with the downtown museum venue, still, much if not most of the credit has to go to Ryan’s tireless efforts in preparing and carrying out the event (well, even the venue really, securing a first rate urban museum was major coup).
Another reason for the success has to be Ryan’s (and other’s) pre-show publicity. It was professional and at times brilliant (check out this video).
Thank you Ryan and friends for a great weekend and beyond that, a breakthrough U.S. bonsai event.
Closer still. The soil appears to be held by a large bowl of deadwood.
Fifteen year old Ryan (not that long ago either). Photo borrowed from Ryan's Bonsai Mirai.
It was really great to finally meet you Wayne! Yeah, it was a great show with many great trees….too many great trees.
Ken
Looks like a forest tree that I would marvel at and climb by day, and avoid at night to steer clear of ghosts and mountain spirits.
This tree is what I’d call a hot mess, Not nice at all! Sorry…
It is with a great deal of pride the we Oregonians share Ryan and his companions with the rest of the world. Because of the ideal climate in the Northwest and the proximity to quality yamadori Ryan chose to settle here and as a result our state and our hobby have been doubly blessed.