Bonsai Mirai: Asymmetry

Tom Roberts

In this episode of Asymmetry, Ryan Neil visits bonsai practitioner Tom Roberts at his field growing operation Driftwood Bonsai in Coos Bay, Oregon. After combing through the fields for material selection, this affable conversation between the two takes us down the path of Roberts's background and the origins of his passion for bonsai and field growing. 

To learn more about Tom Roberts and Driftwood Bonsai, check out http://www.driftwoodbonsai.com

 

Tom Benda

In this episode of Asymmetry, Ryan Neil is virtually joined by the exceedingly talented Czech ceramicist Tom Benda. Understanding his process and artistic vision that contributes to the finished ceramic vessel is an asset to the creation of any bonsai composition. Benda’s most recent shipment is one that will inspire awe and fuel your inspiration this repotting season. 

Andrew Robson: Bonsai as Art versus Craft

In this episode of Asymmetry, Ryan Neil is remotely joined once again by bonsai professional Andrew Robson to delve into the discussion of bonsai as an art form versus a craft. This discussion is not a debate, but instead an exercise of thought to stimulate fascinating conversations about the practice of bonsai in the greater context of the artistic world.  

To learn more about Andrew Robson and his work, check out his website at https://www.rakuyobonsai.com

The Next Decade of Mirai

In this unique episode of Asymmetry, Ryan flies solo for a different paced podcast to jumpstart the New Year. Expressing his thoughts and ambitions for Bonsai Mirai, he shares the origin story that has built the brand over the past ten years, and explores his aspirations for this next legendary decade of bonsai.  

Year Wrap with Todd Schlafer

In this episode of Asymmetry, Ryan Neil is remotely joined by good friend and fellow bonsai professional and educator Todd Schlafer for a discussion about the shared experiences and oddities of being bonsai professionals stuck in their own gardens, reflecting on an overall strange year. They reconnect about their facility improvements, garden management, juniper cultivation, and the forever evolving design process of collected native material. 

To see more about Todd's facility, check out his website at https://www.firstbranchbonsai.com

Rodney Clemons

In this episode of Asymmetry, Ryan Neil is remotely joined by Rodney Clemons, a beguiling bonsai professional based in Georgia who humors us with his personability and guides us through his bonsai discovery. This long-awaited conversation sparks a reminder of the massive impact Rodney's approach to bonsai had on Ryan when he first returned from Japan, witnessing the magical garden facility that Rodney ardently built with his wife Charlie over the years. 

Aaron Kupferman

In this episode of Asymmetry, Ryan Neil is remotely joined by the multi-faceted artist Aaron Kupferman who's refined sculptural concrete vessels have just been added as an entirely unique collection to Bonsai Mirai's webstore. Delve into the mind and the process behind these concrete creations to understand the influence of Kupferman's background, process, and how this unusual medium can be used in modern artistic bonsai creation. 

Kupferman's work is available in our webstore at: https://goods.bonsaimirai.com/collections/vendors?q=Aaron%20Kupferman

Meet the Mirai Office

In this episode of Asymmetry, peek behind the scenes of Bonsai Mirai and meet the team of creative, tireless, and passionate people helping every day behind the curtains. Get to know the voices from the office, some old and some new, as we enjoy each other’s company with a happy hour before a Super Tuesday livestream. We cover media, arts, and our origins sitting in the far corners of the Mirai office as the fall sun dips behind the tree line.

Asis Inzunza and Mexican Bonsai

In this episode of Asymmetry, Ryan Neil is remotely joined by Mexican bonsai practitioner Asis Inzunza to have a conversation about the origins of bonsai in Mexico and the cultural influences of Central America on their bonsai aesthetic canon. Delve in as we explore the way in which bonsai practice is nuanced based on the culture wherein it is practiced, and the insight of Asis's personal bonsai discovery journey.

David Cutchin

In this episode of Asymmetry, Ryan Neil is joined by the talented and multi-faceted bonsai professional and sculptural artist David Cutchin from Florida. His 3D framework constructed out of the remnants of ancient trees echoes the depth and stories of each piece of deadwood combined into the composition. Join the verbal journey Cutchin leads us on through his past and perspective, and keep an eye out for his astonishing work that will be in our webstore soon.