Bonsai Mirai: Asymmetry

Andrew Robson: Fruiting and Flowering

In this episode of Asymmetry, we are rejoined remotely by Andrew Robson, the bonsai professional behind Rakuyo Bonsai, to follow up on a discussion about fruiting and flowering bonsai species. This episode not only touches on deciduous species but also the impact of the devastating Oregon wildfires and our close community members at Telperion Farms who were deeply affected. 

Derek Delisi

In this episode of Asymmetry, Ryan Neil is remotely joined by Derek Delisi, a bonsai practitioner from Montreal, Quebec to discuss philosophy and how it pertains to bonsai. Tune in to this esoteric conversation that highlights the concept of enactivism and other unique philosophical perspectives. 

 

 

The LAB Project: Conclusion

In this episode of Asymmetry, the completion of the LAB project is celebrated over cheerful banter and beers amongst artists Ron Lang, Austin Heitzman, and Ryan Neil with curator Aaron Packard. The Living Art of Bonsai project, also known as the LAB project, is hosted by the Pacific Bonsai Museum. It is a first-of-its-kind of program, based on an artist-in-residency model, providing bonsai artists the opportunity to create works of art outside the limitations of the marketplace. 

For more information on Pacific Bonsai Museum's LAB Project, check out http://pacificbonsaimuseum.org/lab/ 

Gareth Barber: Soil Science

In this episode of Asymmetry, Ryan Neil is joined remotely by aquaculture expert Gareth Barber in New South Wales, Australia for a comprehensive discussion on soil science from a new perspective. Expand your understanding with a digestible vernacular that digs into the science within the bonsai pot. 

 

Todd Schlafer

In this episode of Asymmetry, Ryan sits down with Troy Cardoza and Todd Schlafer, a Colorado bonsai professional, to catch up on their lives and all things bonsai. They examine the increased ability to observe and respond to their tree's needs during these homebound times to offer insight on adjustments in care.

Soil Science with Ian Hunter - Part 3

In this episode of Asymmetry, Ryan Neil is rejoined by soil scientist Ian Hunter to discuss the findings from the soil science experiment hosted at Mirai. They discuss their opposing perspectives about soil biology in the bonsai container and round out the conversations started about soil biology and mineral balancing.

Ian Hunter of Curesoil Consulting - www.curesoil.com 

 

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.