Bonsai Mirai: Asymmetry

Nitrogen and Trees with Meghan Midgley

What happens when trees are confronted with rapidly changing conditions in their environment? Do some trees suffer? Do others thrive? What causes this to occur, and can we use this information to create a more sustainable future for our forests and the trees we love? 

These, and other questions, are at the root of Meghan Midgley’s research her and a select group of colleagues are doing at the Morton Arboretum in Illinois. Meghan walks Ryan through her recent research on Nitrogen adaptability and some of the longer standing issues with salinization, and tree tolerances under urban pressures. It’s a fascinating conversation that gave us hope and optimism that solutions do exist, and trees can and will survive. But they made need our help.

If you want to learn more about the Morton Arboretum and the work Meghan is doing, take a look here. 

To make a donation and help be a part of the solution here’s a link to get started. 

Enjoy the listen yall!

A tint of Vermilion with Irene Taylor

Irene Taylor is an award-winning documentary film director known for her intense pursuit of human stories that often push her films and their viewers to the edge of beauty and emotion. Irene’s film Leave No Trace broke open the landmark Oregon court ruling which availed the Boy Scouts’ Perversion Files to victims of abuse creating accountability for decades of misconduct. The film earned the Dupont Award, journalisms’ highest level of achievement. Last year Vermilion Films, Irene’s production company received wide acclaim for I am Celine, which followed global icon Celine Dion’s battle with Stiff Persons Syndrome. I am Celine is the most viewed global documentary in streaming history. Irene’s prolific body of work has garnered Emmy Awards, Academy Nominations, a Peabody Award, and countless others.  

Irene’s artistry and uncompromising commitment to intimacy and authenticity have stunned audiences since her first film Hear and Now, where she follows her deaf parents through their journey without hearing and their desire to understand the world of sound through cochlear implants. This film won the Sundance Audience Award and set the tone for Irene’s prolific body of work that followed. 

Throughout the conversation Irene sheds light on her creative process and the stories that have led to the compelling films she has made. With the hope of gleaning some insight and inspiration from one of the most prolific and powerful film directors in the documentary sphere Ryan was all ears. We are really proud to invite you to sit back and enjoy a journey into the mind of a genius as we present Irene Taylor. Enjoy!

 

Irene Taylor filmography:

2007: Here and Now 

2009: The Final Inch

2011: Saving Pelican 895

2014: One Last Hug: Three Days at Grief Camp

2015: Open Your Eyes

2016: Beware the Slenderman

2017: The Life Story

2018: Between Sound and Silence

2018: The Listening Project

2018: Homeless: The Soundtrack

2019: Moonlight Sonata

2022: Leave no Trace

2023: Trees and Other Entanglements 

2024: I am: Celine Dion

Hornbeam Hysteria with Brandon Roberts and Brock Arvesen

In recent years Hornbeams have grown in appreciation within the bonsai realm. Yet, the more we love them, the fewer we see of them. This, like many topics, has been bouncing around the workshop at Mirai lately. So, on a recent calm afternoon, Brandon, Brock, and Ryan seized the moment to commemorate their thoughts and explore the topic. 

What came from their conversation was a breakdown of Hornbeam evolution and prevalence in the Kokufu. From discussing the merits, the levels, and the aesthetics of the Kokufu’s most interesting Korean Hornbeam through the years to equal parts gossip and bonsai theology, their conversation ranged wide and far. They even squeezed in a fall wrap-up for good measure.  

Follow along in your Kokufu books and take a deep dive into the world of Korean Hornbeams and a summary of the fall happenings at Mirai. Enjoy the listen!

To learn more about growing Hornbeam Mirai Live has you covered. First week is on us.

Bonsai Time with Kevin Faris and Ryan Huston

There’s getting to know someone for the first time and the unveiling of personal stories and background that come with introductions; call it a familiarization of sorts. And then there are discussions with old friends and familiar faces where you pick up where you left off and continue to evolve the conversation. 

We recently had the opportunity to be a guest on one of our favorite bonsai podcasts, Bonsai Time, hosted by Kevin Faris and Ryan Huston. Kevin goes back a long way with Mirai and has dove deep into bonsai in North America through his experience as well as through his podcast. We knew the conversation would go places other podcasts don’t and Kevin and Huston would ask questions of Ryan perhaps other podcasters might not have the familiarity or comfort level to discuss. The boys at Bonsai Time did not disappoint. From family and life outside of bonsai to the depths of Ryan’s experiences as an apprentice, a professional, and the bonsai community at large the podcast winds seamlessly through the many aspects of living bonsai as a lifestyle and all the bumps along the way. It was thoroughly enjoyable.

If you haven’t listened the Bonsai Time be sure to check them out here. Subscribe and support their mission to continue shining light on all the good people and positive stories that exist inside this weird and wacky endeavor of bonsai in North America. We are excited for you all to have a listen and enjoy!

Shanti Bithi: The Path of Peace

On a recent trip to the East Coast to retrieve the last of the original Kingsville Boxwoods grown for bonsai in the fields of Shanti Bithi, one of the most iconic bonsai operations in North America, we sat down with Jerome and Durdam Rocherolle. Built from the ground up by Jerome and his wife Carol, Shanti Bithi blended beauty, hardwork, and passion into a spiritual existence that opened the door for generations of people to find bonsai through the Rocherolle family’s heartfelt pursuit. 

Guided by the teachings and mediative practice of spiritual leader Sri Chinmoy, Jerome and his son Durdam share an intimate look at their story and their life lived at Shanti Bithi. Translated as The Path of Peace, the bucolic image of Shanti Bithi graced the back cover of Bonsai Today magazine for over 20 years, gifting practitioners with a glimpse of the beauty the bonsai lifestyle can bring. However, no single image can compare to the beauty of the Rocherolle’s story and how their life lived in service of their trees built a deep connection with the natural world that transcends the complexity of modern life. 

From the world of perfume, to ultra marathons, and all the bonsai in between, our talk with Jerome and Durdam will go down as one of the most influential and impactful conversations we have had on Asymmetry. 

Enjoy!

Subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Bonsai Builders: Mastery and Perfection with Addison Galambos pt. 1

There are many podcasts popping up in bonsai but recently Mirai became aware of one in particular whose host brought a different level to the game of bonsai discussion.  The Bonsai Builders Podcast is the brainchild of bonsai addict and passionate practitioner Addison Galambos. Through Addison’s innate curiosity, contemplative wit, and thorough preparation, we found Bonsai Builders to be something new, something different, and something more in depth. Naturally, when Addison approached Mirai to do a deep dive on bonsai culture, aesthetics, judging, and other tasty subject matter, it was tough to turn down. 

Mirai x Bonsai Builders are releasing part 1 of our conversation in collaboration on both platforms. We dig deep into trees mirroring people, culture clashes in design, and how judging can make or break a show. However, to hear part 2 of our conversation, and easily the best part of the discussion, head over to the Bonsai Builders podcast here. Give Bonsai Builders a like and subscribe, listen to the rest of Ryan’s conversation with Addison, and send the Builders some love to help an up-and-coming talent continue to grow. 

Each time we talk about complex subject matter we tease out new themes and evolve our understanding. We are confident this conversation is a major step in the continued journey to uncovering the depth and power of bonsai as an art form. 

Enjoy!

Subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

A Deep Dive with Jonas Dupuich

Jonas Dupuich, co-founder of the Pacific Bonsai Expo, joins us for an in-depth conversation about the evolving landscape of bonsai judging in the Western world.

Our discussion began with reflections on recent exhibitions, critiques from the National Show, and updates on the next Pacific Bonsai Expo—but quickly unfolded into a far-reaching exploration of how judging standards are developing and the thoughtful lengths Jonas, Eric, and Andrew are going to refine the process.

The transparency and collaboration behind the PBE’s approach to judging are both refreshing and inspiring. This conversation dives deep, exploring the artistry, philosophy, and evolving structure of bonsai exhibition at the highest level.

For those serious about the craft, it’s a rare opportunity to look behind the curtain of one of North America’s most progressive bonsai events. 

Learn more about Jonas here.

3rd Wheel Potters: Preston Tolbert

Some conversations are 15 years in the making. Ryan reconnects with Preston Tolbert, whose innovative approach to ceramics first caught his attention after a trip to Japan. As part of the 3rd Wheel Potters collective residency at Mirai, Preston, along with Eli Akins and Rob Wallace, created a remarkable body of work blending tradition, experimentation, and artistry. In this episode, we dive deep into Preston’s journey, his influences, and the creative mind behind the vessels recently released on Mirai Goods. Sit back, relax, and enjoy this long-overdue conversation with a truly remarkable artist.

Explore the collection created during their residency—each piece carries a hint of Mirai and the essence of the Pacific Northwest. Shop now and add a piece of this artistic journey to your bonsai collection: here

3rd Wheel Potters: Eli Akins

Step inside the world of Eli Akins of Waldo Street Ceramics, a rising name in North American bonsai ceramics, as he reflects on the 3rd Wheel Potters artist residency at Mirai. Alongside Preston Tolbert and Rob Wallace, Eli spent two transformative weeks pushing creative boundaries, experimenting with new ideas, and crafting a stunning body of work. In this episode, we explore the friendships, good vibes, and artistic breakthroughs that emerged, highlighting both conceptual innovations and reimagined classics. Tune in for an inspiring conversation with a remarkable artist shaping the future of bonsai ceramics.

Discover the collection born from their residency here—each piece infused with a touch of Mirai and the spirit of the Pacific Northwest. Browse now and bring a piece of this creative journey into your bonsai collection: here 

3rd Wheel Potters: Rob Wallace

Join us as we sit down with Rob Wallace of Wallace Woods Ceramics, a member of the 3rd Wheel Potters collective alongside Eli Akins and Preston Tolbert. This past summer, the trio completed an artist residency at Mirai, navigating the challenges of Mount Rainier and exploring new ways to merge ceramics with the art of bonsai. In this episode, Rob shares insights from their collaborative journey, the R&D behind his creative process, and the seeds of inspiration blossoming into our fall launch of their ceramic creations. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the experimentation, artistry, and vision that brought this unique collection to life before it launches.