Bonsai Mirai: Asymmetry

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.

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