You did... and they were only $75 dollars if you wanted to...
Which was a steal !
I didn't though, for unless I shipped it, I could of not got it
Home.
So, mine was auctioned off. Curious to know how much it went
For? Last years went for $350 dollars.
Stacy, I was the auctioneer but honestly don't remember exactly what your tree went for. I think around $400. Great work, by the way.
I think each of the top four trees had at least one aspect that could have made it a winner. You (#3), as you said, had one of the more challenging ones to begin with and did by far the best detail wiring and shaping and achieved the most "finished looking" tree. Vic (#2) did some amazing carving work but I think spent so much time on the carving that she could have done better with wiring and branch placement. Ron's tree (#4) was in my opinion the best raw material to start with. I think, like most new artists, he left too much that should have been removed to make a better tree. Ryan, (#5), the winner, demonstrated the best technique for moving and placing the large branches. I can see the influence of another Ryan I know in his work. He clearly was more concerned with creating a great branch structure for the future at the cost of an immediate refined look like yours.
These were really nice old trees that were chosen to present challenges that would allow you guys to demonstrate your stuff. And you all came through. I was able to cruise out to the tent several times through the day and watch. The change from the raw material in the morning to the trees that evening was most impressive!
FYI, these were San Jose junipers that Scott Chadd found at a nursery in Gilroy, CA, and had been in those 5 gallon pots for 35 years! Next challenge... root work.
I'm glad I wasn't the judge! Congratulations on fine work.
LOL
