Bonsai Mirai: Asymmetry

Women in Bonsai

In this episode of Asymmetry, Ryan Neil delves into the subject of women in bonsai with guests Shelly Svoboda, a talented local Oregonian practitioner, and Eve Sczechowski, Bonsai Mirai’s project manager. Join us as we inquire into the discussion of gender disparity within the community that practices bonsai, the origins of Shelly’s bonsai journey, and a breakdown of stigma surrounding the term “female bonsai professional.”

Sergio Cuan

In this episode of Asymmetry, Ryan Neil is joined by Sergio Cuan, an inspiring North American bonsai professional who is known around the world for his beautifully designed deciduous bonsai. Join the discussion about Sergio's personal journey with bonsai, his evolution and thought process, and how he is expanding his design concepts from deciduous to coniferous species to create stunning bonsai specimens.  

David De Groot

On this episode of Asymmetry, Ryan is joined by David De Groot, a bonsai practitioner from Washington whose work has come to the forefront of North American bonsai with the Pacific Rim Bonsai Collection and his unique pieces shared via social media.  Discover the nuances that De Groot has used to blend Bonsai and Penjing aesthetics, his curation of the Pacific Bonsai Museum, and how his work influenced Ryan's own practices years ago.  

Austin Heitzman

Austin Heitzman, friend and frequent Mirai collaborator, is an enormously talented woodworker pushing the boundaries of bonsai display. In this episode, Ryan and Austin discuss Austin's innovative new projects, how these unprecedented pandemic times have evolved and changed their art and businesses, and how the stand's role in bonsai display has shifted over time.

For more of Austin's work, visit www.austinheitzmanfurniture.com.

Brad Cloepfil

Meet Brad Cloepfil: architect and founder of Allied Works, inspiration and mentor to Ryan, incredible artist and innovator. In this episode, Ryan and Brad discuss their perceptions of the future and how it differs in their respective fields, the impact of the current pandemic on their teams and workspaces, and the intricate facets within the art forms they've chosen to build their lives around.

 

For more of Brad Cloepfil's work, see www.alliedworks.com.

Peter Warren

In perhaps our most socially-distanced podcast ever, UK-based bonsai professional Peter Warren (Saruyama Bonsai) joins Ryan virtually for a discussion of their respective times spent in Japan, their current work and inspirations, and how they're spending this time of quarantine. They explore the online future of bonsai, how isolation has changed their bonsai practice, and just reconnect as two friends on either side of the pond.

For more of Peter Warren's work, check out his videos on azaleas and Japanese maples in the Mirai Live library, and visit https://saruyama.co.uk.

Michael Hagedorn: Bonsai Heresy

In this episode of Asymmetry, Ryan chats with fellow Oregon-based bonsai professional Michael Hagedorn of Crataegus Bonsai. They trade apprenticeship stories, talk about their gardens, work, and inspirations, and discuss Michael's new book Bonsai Heresy, available now through Stone Lantern Publishing.

Find Michael Hagedorn at https://crataegus.com and find Bonsai Heresy at https://stonelantern.com/products/bonsai-heresy.

Bob Muller

In this episode, Asymmetry is back in the United States. Dive into the fascinating life and work of Mirai student Bob Muller, and bonsai's evolution in the eastern United States. Bob–a talented musician in addition to his bonsai practice–and Ryan discuss bonsai basics, techniques, and methodologies, the allure of continuing to improve old trees, and life in general.

 

Hosted by Ryan Neil

Recorded by Michael Lime Allen

Trophy 2020: Teunis Jan Klein

This is it. The big one. The episode we've been eagerly waiting to share with you. In our final episode from Belgium's Trophy 2020, Ryan sits for an interview with a titan of European bonsai: Teunis Jan Klein. The group explores Teunis' innovative deciduous approach, his inspirations, and the evolution of bonsai in the European Low Countries.

 

Hosted by Ryan Neil

Recorded by Michael Lime Allen

 

Trophy 2020: Marija Hadjic and Sergio Luciani

In another episode from our travels at Belgium's Trophy 2020–and one where Ryan takes the lead–explore the approach, creativity, and thought process of the duo of Marija Hadjic and Sergio Luciani. These two have created an incredible dynamic of collaboration in their creative and contemplative bonsai presentations; this is a deep conversation about how bonsai is pursued as an art form, and the continued evolution of the European scene.

 

Hosted by Ryan Neil

Recorded by Michael Lime Allen