Jan 10, 2017 Slanted and enchanted lights at Descanso Gardens
Everyone knows that public gardens are peaceful places frequented by seniors and parents of young kids. So I have to admit that when it came to visitingEnchanted: Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens, I was more excited about spending time with my family than the actual experience. Pretty lights, big deal!
But the experience turned out to be immersive, interactive, and very cool. The dark, misty lights recalled the Chinese Ghost Story movies and the more colorful ones were kind of like the final Hüsker Dü album cover. Although there were no cryptoids or punk rock–just families and ambient electronic noise–we were able to walk right through the installations.
We visited on a night between rainstorms, so there was a physical sensation of water wicking on to you off branches and leaves as well as mud sticking to your shoes while walking through the different environments.
Certain parts included joysticks, buttons, and dials on lowered control panels that allowed kids to influence the wild lights and sounds. Visitors of all ages got a kick out of all that–stoners perhaps even more.
There were also parts that bordered on rave fantasies with lit-up flowers and glowing discs that changed colors when you stood on them, although I preferred the more natural and less fantastic stuff. That’s fine; it doesn’t have to be about me all the time.
It’s pretty amazing what light and sound can do. Perhaps most amazingly it made me want to go back and see what the garden looks like in daylight. Is that powerful or what?
Although the event will be over by the time you read this, the video below will give you a better idea of what to expect next year. Look for online coupons and deals and remember to dress warm!
Read more about Enchanted: Forest of Light at descansogardens.org and follow Imprint on this page as well as Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, too!