Bonsai Mirai: Asymmetry

The Art of Kimura: Part Three

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 92-133.

The Art of Kimura: Part One

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 35-59.

CoffeeCast with Ira and Darlene

In this episode of Asymmetry, Ryan and Lime sit down with two longtime Mirai students: Ira and Darlene. They're both dedicated bonsai practitioners with an extremely unique approach to the art form, based on their location—Las Vegas, Nevada, one of the toughest climates to cultivate bonsai in. They discuss the nuances of creating bonsai in the desert, their bonsai histories, both individual and shared, and their visions of the evolution of the art of bonsai.

Stephanie Wascha

Stephanie Wascha is an architect, artist, and author living and working in Seattle, Washington. Her passion is connecting people with place; her work ranges from private residences to mixed-use development, from historic preservation to community art projects. In this episode of Asymmetry, Stephanie sits with Ryan and Lime to discuss her background in ceramics, her growing interest in bonsai, her architectural practice, and the line walked between architecture and bonsai–and what we can learn from it. Hosted by Ryan Neil Recorded by Michael Lime Allen www.waschastudios.com Views espoused by Asymmetry guests are not necessarily endorsed by International Bonsai Mirai.

Laura Buchan

Laura Buchan is a modern sculptor based in the breathtakingly beautiful Columbia Gorge. Her work pulls from biological and organic imagery; her main medium is carved wood. In her own words, she enjoys “creating pieces that walk the line between fantastic and realistic.” Ryan and Laura discuss her sculptural process, the organic influences that inform her work, and the overall practice and meaning of being an artist. Hosted by Ryan Neil Recorded by Michael Lime Allen www.laurabuchan.com Views espoused by Asymmetry guests are not necessarily endorsed by Bonsai Mirai.

CoffeeCast with Pierre Seguin

In another CoffeeCast episode, Ryan sits down with one of Mirai’s most driven students: Pierre Seguin of Quebec. They discuss Pierre’s adventures and explorations as an Emmy-winning underwater videographer, wine expert, and of course, a bonsai practitioner. Pierre takes on all his pursuits with the highest levels of dedication; in this episode, dive into how bonsai correlates with all of his other passions. Hosted by Ryan Neil Recorded by Michael Lime Allen Views espoused by Asymmetry guests are not necessarily endorsed by Bonsai Mirai.

CoffeeCast with Todd Schlafer

On our second CoffeeCast, we bring bonsai practitioner and great friend of Mirai Todd Schlafer (First Branch Bonsai) back for another early morning conversation. Ryan and Todd discuss Todd’s journey: his shift from working in the marketing world to becoming a bonsai professional is a truly inspiring story. In this episode, dive into the world of professional bonsai and all it entails, on career, personal, and creative levels. Hosted by Ryan Neil Recorded by Michael Lime Allen Views espoused by Asymmetry guests are not necessarily endorsed by Bonsai Mirai.

Will Baddeley

On the 50th episode of Asymmetry, we go back to our roots: meeting the folks that are influencing the bonsai world and teaching fundamental techniques. Ryan and Lime sit down with UK bonsai practitioner Will Baddeley (Wild Wood Bonsai) to explore his background, his trees, and most importantly, his prodigious carving skills. Hosted by Ryan Neil Recorded by Michael Lime Allen Views espoused by Asymmetry guests are not necessarily endorsed by Bonsai Mirai.

Reflections on the Trophy

After returning from the 20th Noelanders Trophy in Genk, Belgium, Ryan and Troy sit down with Lime to debrief. Walk with them through the halls of the exhibition, reliving the demonstrations, the incredible trees, and the bonsai camaraderie present at one of the world's finest exhibitions of bonsai. Hosted by Ryan Neil Recorded by Michael Lime Allen Views presented by guests of Asymmetry are not necessarily endorsed by International Bonsai Mirai.

Modern Soil Science with Ian Hunter

In this groundbreaking episode, prepare to expand your understanding of soil in the containerized environment. Soil scientist Ian Hunter walks us through the capacity of soil to facilitate microbial growth and the balance between fungi and bacteria, opening the door toward fending off diseases and insects without anything beyond the soil itself. Dig deep into a largely unknown world, and potentially the most important aspect of plant cultivation: the soil system and the flora that exists within it. Hosted by Ryan Neil Recorded by Michael Lime Allen Guest: Ian Hunter - Artisangardens@gmail.com Views presented by guests of Asymmetry are not necessarily endorsed by International Bonsai Mirai.