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Episodes
Bonsai Mirai is a company, a place, a practice, an ecosystem of creators. This is our outlet for discussion of all things bonsai and beyond.
Episodes
Jul 3, 2020
Jul 3, 2020
1hr 32 min
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.
Jun 26, 2020
Jun 26, 2020
1hr 39 min
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.
Jun 5, 2020
Jun 5, 2020
2hr 40 min
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.
May 29, 2020
May 29, 2020
1hr 58 min
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.
May 8, 2020
May 8, 2020
1hr 48 min
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.
May 1, 2020
May 1, 2020
1hr 46 min
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.
Apr 3, 2020
Apr 3, 2020
1hr 26 min
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
Mar 30, 2020
Mar 30, 2020
2hr 2 min
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
Mar 27, 2020
Mar 27, 2020
49 min
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
Mar 25, 2020
Mar 25, 2020
46 min
Dive back into the Trophy 2020 in Belgium, but this time, into the world of ceramics: explore the work of Thor Holvila of Sweden. Lime, Troy, and Czech ceramicist Tom Benda converse with Thor about his inspirations, the unique style of his work, and his journey to creating bonsai ceramics. Thor originally apprenticed with a pioneer of raku glazes in Sweden, but in 2008 became interested in bonsai and began making the pots he wanted to see for his trees.
Hosted by Michael Lime Allen and Troy Cardoza
Recorded by Michael Lime Allen