Bonsai Mirai: Asymmetry

The Artisans Cup

In this episode of Asymmetry, travel back in time to 2015: the year that Mirai executed The Artisans Cup, a groundbreaking bonsai exhibition in Portland, Oregon. Troy, Lime, and Ryan sit down in the workshop and take a journey through the Artisans Cup book (link to buy below) and revisit the trees, displays, experiences, and conversations that made the exhibition great. Hosted by Ryan Neil Recorded by Michael Lime Allen The Artisans Cup books available at www.theartisanscup.com

Greg Brenden & the Southwestern White Pine

In this episode of Asymmetry, get to know the incredibly significant Northwest bonsai artist Greg Brenden. Ryan and Greg discuss Greg's journey as a bonsai practitioner, how his practice has evolved over the years, and perhaps their most interesting topic–an incomparable Southwestern White Pine, the only specimen of its kind currently living as a bonsai. Ryan and Greg discuss this remarkable tree, once exhibited at the U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition, the Artisans Cup, and now part of the Mirai collection. Hosted by Ryan Neil Recorded by Michael Lime Allen

Repotting Season

In this episode of Asymmetry, Ryan and Lime explore one of the most exciting times of the year for bonsai practitioners: repotting season. They discuss techniques, repotting as it parallels to life & other disciplines, and of course, get into plenty of stories along the way. Hosted by Ryan Neil Recorded by Michael Lime Allen

Asher Fulero & Josh Casey

On this special episode of Asymmetry, Ryan sits down with two remarkable musicians: Asher Fulero (who's worked for years as a musician with bands like Emancipator and his own projects, and as a producer and composer) and bassist Josh Casey (also a bonsai practitioner). Ryan, Lime, Asher, and Josh dig in deep to open the idea and concept of creativity, how it's represented in music, and how it ties a common thread through all different art forms. They dive into art vs. craft, the production process, and how those ideas cross disciplines. And of course, there are some great stories from the road. Hosted by Ryan Neil Recorded by Michael Lime Allen Opening music from Asher Fulero Band's album Catching Air. For more music from Asher Fulero, check out https://asherfulero.bandcamp.com/

Good Morning with Todd Schlafer

On this episode of Asymmetry, join Ryan, Troy, Lime, and great friend of Mirai Todd Schlafer (https://www.firstbranchbonsai.com/) as they catch up on our earliest-recorded podcast to date–7am. They discuss artificial intelligence, that day's incredible sunrise, and debrief Ryan's trip to Italy. All four of them share their highlights of 2018, and their aspirations for the new year. Hosted by Ryan Neil Recorded by Michael Lime Allen

Pacific Bonsai Museum's LAB Project

This episode of Asymmetry was recorded after the first meeting of the Pacific Bonsai Museum LAB project: the Living Art of Bonsai. This 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. Featured artists Ryan Neil, Ron Lang, and Austin Heitzman each provided a unique piece of work drawing inspiration from a Frank Lloyd Wright home. In this groundbreaking unedited conversation, hear intense discussion about process and control as an artist, an artist’s ingrained default responses to design, and how to face and wrestle with artistic challenges. For more information on Pacific Bonsai Museum's LAB Project, check out http://pacificbonsaimuseum.org/lab/ Recorded & edited by Michael Lime Allen Guests: Aaron Packard, Ryan Neil, Ron Lang, and Austin Heitzman

Julian Voss-Andreae

Julian Voss-Andreae is a modern sculptor of paramount proportions. His work touches on his background in physics and his life growing up in another country–both factors that have tremendously influenced his style and curiosity. From the shape of a bioluminescent protein to quantum physics extrapolated into artistic form, he’s an innovator in the modern art movement. In this episode of Asymmetry, he joined Ryan for a deep dive on sculpture, form, his own work, and how bonsai can occupy a space in modern art. Hosted by Ryan Neil Recorded and edited by Michael Lime Allen

Mirai Happy Hour

In this episode of Asymmetry, meet the new members of the Mirai team–the folks behind the scenes producing the Mirai Live stream, videos, blog posts, and answering your every email. Ryan & the team sit down for a post-work hangout and discuss first jobs, interests both in and outside bonsai, and generally get to know each other better. We promise you'll learn something new about every member of the team. Hosted by Ryan Neil Recorded & edited by Michael Lime Allen

Socks, Ceramics, and Augmented Reality

After two cross-country trips together, and several podcasts in between, Ryan and Lime sit down to catch up. They discuss a vast variety of topics, including but not limited to quality socks, a 360 degree view of a tree through an augmented reality headset, Lime’s venture into bonsai ceramics, and more. Hosted by Ryan Neil Recorded & edited by Michael Lime Allen

Telperion Farms

In this episode of Asymmetry, Ryan sits down with Telperion Farms owner Chris Kirk and his collaborator Gary Woods to dive into the intricacies of field-grown bonsai material. They discuss the nuances of timing, preparing the material before it’s planted in the field, adding movement, pruning while in the field, and generally maximizing the field environment to create the best bonsai material possible. If you have questions about field-grown material or are thinking of cultivating your own bonsai material, this episode is a must-listen. Hosted by Ryan Neil Recorded & edited by Michael Lime Allen