Sacred Trees II: Illuminating the Spiritual Essence of Nature

An Expression of Nature's Oldest Living Organisms through Photography

At the heart of the Sacred Trees II series is the concept of animism, the belief that all natural creations possess a soul or spirit. Through his photographs, Sugiyama aims to illuminate the extraordinary nature of these living organisms, which have withstood the test of time and various natural disasters. The series invites audiences to experience the warmth of nature and the enchanting world of brightly lit illusions.

What sets the Sacred Trees II series apart is the meticulous technique employed by Sugiyama. Creating these photographs requires a complex process known as Light Painting Photography. Sugiyama paints with multiple flashlights simultaneously at night, in complete darkness, to capture the essence of the trees. This technique allows him to create vibrant and ethereal images that showcase the spiritual energy emanating from these ancient beings.

The technical specifications of the Sacred Trees II photographs are 24 inches by 30 inches, ensuring that the intricate details and vibrant colors are displayed in all their glory. Each photograph is a testament to Sugiyama's dedication to capturing the essence of nature and his mastery of the challenging light painting technique.

When interacting with the Sacred Trees II series, audiences are transported to a world where the boundaries between reality and imagination blur. The carefully arranged balance and harmony of colors and objects within each frame captivate viewers, inviting them to create their own stories and meanings behind these mesmerizing images. The power of photography lies in its ability to evoke emotions and inspire, and the Sacred Trees II series does just that.

The project to create the Sacred Trees II series began in May 2003 in California and concluded in July 2019. Throughout this period, Sugiyama faced numerous challenges in achieving the perfect exposure and balance between natural and artificial light. The color of the light captured in the photographs often differed from what Sugiyama perceived with his own eyes, influenced by factors such as the color of the objects and the type of light source. Through relentless experimentation and fine-tuning, Sugiyama overcame these challenges to create a truly unique and captivating body of work.

The Sacred Trees II series, with its profound connection to nature and spirituality, has garnered recognition in the design community. In 2022, it was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Photography and Photo Manipulation Design category. This prestigious accolade is bestowed upon designs that demonstrate exceptional creativity, technical skill, and a commitment to improving the quality of life through art, science, design, and technology.

Capturing the spiritual essence of nature, Yoshimi Sugiyama's Sacred Trees II series is a testament to the enduring power of photography. Through his meticulous technique and unwavering dedication, Sugiyama invites audiences to embark on a journey of wonder and inspiration, where the oldest living organisms on the planet come to life in vibrant hues and ethereal beauty.