Bonsai Mirai: Asymmetry

Tracey Francis, Murrumbung Studio Ceramics

In this episode of Asymmetry, we're going to Australia: Ryan and Lime sit with Tracey Francis, a prolific ceramicist whose work evokes the unique and native climate, flora, and fauna of Australia in her shapes, colors, and textures. The group explores her approach, her influences as a ceramicist, and the nuances of ceramics as it relates to Australian culture, and Australian bonsai. For U.S. customers, Tracey's work is exclusively available through Bonsai Mirai - to shop her work, go to goods.bonsaimirai.com/collections/vendors?q=Tracey%20Francis

 

Hosted by Ryan Neil

Recorded by Michael Lime Allen

Bob Pressler & the Ben Oki Juniper

In this episode of Asymmetry, Ryan sits down with an old friend and pillar of the California Bonsai scene - Bob Pressler of the California Bonsai Society. They dig deep into the roots of California bonsai; Bob moved to California and joined the bonsai scene under the likes of Ben Oki, Harry Hirao, and John Naka. Most importantly, they announce the creation of the Ben Oki Scholarship Foundation, to fuel the education of dedicated bonsai practitioners, funded by the upcoming auction (beginning September 3, 2019) of a stunning juniper collected and created by Ben Oki, most recently styled by Ryan.

To learn more about the Ben Oki Scholarship Foundation, or apply for the scholarship, visit californiabonsaisociety.com.

Hosted by Ryan Neil
Recorded by Michael Lime Allen

Keegan Uhl

In this episode of Asymmetry, the tables are turned: Ryan is interviewed by Keegan Uhl, a Los Angeles-based filmmaker, leather crafter, Mirai Live member, and dedicated bonsai practitioner. Enjoy this new perspective on an interview with Ryan, where a Mirai Live student gets to interview the teacher.

 

Edited by Michael Lime Allen

Advanced Class: Kokofu 64

In this episode of Asymmetry, Ryan and a group of Mirai's advanced students dive into the designs, compositions, stories, and histories of trees in the Kokofu 64 album. They critique and analyze this pivotal exhibition year, bringing their own experiences both in bonsai and in life to their discussion of these incredible trees.

Hosted by Ryan Neil

Recorded by Michael Lime Allen

Soil Science: Compost, Microclimates, and Biodiversity

In this episode of Asymmetry, we take another deep dive into soil science. Soil scientists Casey Ernst and Keisha Wheeler, along with Ian Hunter, discuss the value of compost, and how to use it to create a favorable microclimate in the containerized environment. Casey and Keisha are attempting to create and improve a biodiverse compost - and they could use your help perpetuating biodiversity. Listen to learn more about their groundbreaking projects.

Hosted by Ryan Neil

Recorded by Michael Lime Allen

Casey & Keisha - catalystbioamendments@gmail.com / (775) 220 7305 / www.catalystbioamendments.com

Ian Hunter - curesoilconsulting@gmail.com

 

Views held by Asymmetry guests are not necessarily endorsed by Bonsai Mirai.

Soil Science with Ian Hunter - Part Two

In this episode of Asymmetry, Ryan and Lime circle back for another discussion of soil science with Ian Hunter after a long day of experimentation in the greenhouse. They discuss their findings, plan for the future and realize the vast potential of refining soil biology practices as they related to bonsai; this is truly the next frontier of horticulture.

Hosted by Ryan Neil
Recorded by Michael Lime Allen
Ian Hunter of Cure Soil Consulting - curesoilconsulting@gmail.com

 

Views espoused by Asymmetry podcast guests are not necessarily endorsed by Bonsai Mirai.

Journey to Australia

In this episode of Asymmetry, Ryan debriefs his latest trip to the land down under: Australia. Ryan and Lime discuss the changes in Australia since Ryan's last trip, both to Australia itself and Australian bonsai culture. Of particular interest is the growing use of native Australian species in Australian bonsai; they discuss some nuances of these unique trees, and cover how Australian bonsai is truly maturing and coming into its own. Hosted by Ryan Neil Recorded by Michael Lime Allen

The Art of Kimura: Part Five

On perhaps our most ambitious series of episodes yet, Ryan and Mirai student Will Kerns are diving deep into an incredible book: The Bonsai Art of Kimura. This book, a pivotal piece of literature in the bonsai canon, is chock-full of magical trees created by none other than Mr. Masahiko Kimura. Listen as Ryan and Will go page by page through the book–follow along if you have the text–and discuss the evolution, techniques, and history behind these masterful trees. This episode covers pages 146 through the end of the book.

The Art of Kimura: Part Four

On perhaps our most ambitious series of episodes yet, Ryan and Mirai student Will Kerns are diving deep into an incredible book: The Bonsai Art of Kimura. This book, a pivotal piece of literature in the bonsai canon, is chock-full of magical trees created by none other than Mr. Masahiko Kimura. Listen as Ryan and Will go page by page through the book–follow along if you have the text–and discuss the evolution, techniques, and history behind these masterful trees. This episode covers pages 134-145.

The Art of Kimura: Part Two

On perhaps our most ambitious series of episodes yet, Ryan and Mirai student Will Kerns are diving deep into an incredible book: The Bonsai Art of Kimura. This book, a pivotal piece of literature in the bonsai canon, is chock-full of magical trees created by none other than Mr. Masahiko Kimura. Listen as Ryan and Will go page by page through the book–follow along if you have the text–and discuss the evolution, techniques, and history behind these masterful trees. This episode covers pages 60-91.