Bonsai Mirai: Asymmetry

Art and Business Convergence with Joe Robinson

Joe Robinson—the owner of East Creek Art, joins us to delve into our recent collaboration on firing the Triskele Collective ceramics in their Anagama wood-burning kiln. We reflect on our shared experiences cultivating and nurturing creative communities and the intriguing connection between trees, ceramics, art, and teaching.

 

Learn more about East Creek Art: https://www.eastcreekart.org/

 

 

Creativity and Craftsmanship with Austin Heitzman

We catch up with Austin Heitzman—a master craftsman and woodworker whose recent body of work we've had the luxury of experiencing and distributing at Mirai. With a deep understanding of his medium, Austin creates unique pieces and contextual woodworking representations that push the art form's boundaries. 

Shop his new bonsai stand collection on Mirai Goods.

Celebrating 13 Years of Mirai

We celebrate Mirai's 13th anniversary—by reflecting on our growth and the expansion of bonsai in North America and the Western world. It's been an incredible journey thus far, full of flops, follies, successes, and celebrations, and the voyage only continues; we are just warming up!

Winter Garden Recap 2023

We take a moment to catch up on Mirai's busy winter season as we ascend into the spring of 2023—recapping the highlights of our bonsai repotting season and sharing new insight into recent nutritional discoveries that have helped advance our knowledge of the bonsai model and further influenced our tree care practices.

Ceramic Creation with Jan Rentenaar

Jan Rentenaar—a local ceramicist and art legend, joins us to celebrate the release of her latest collection of ceramics in collaboration with Mirai. We chat about her introduction to art, her ceramic process, and what motivates her as an artist. 

Check out her new ceramic collection, available now on Mirai Goods: https://goods.bonsaimirai.com/collections/vendors?q=Jan%20Rentenaar

Iseli Nursery with Joe Harris: Part 2

In the second part of our discussion with bonsai practitioner and nursery professional—Joe Harris, we continue our conversation on his transition from a bonsai apprenticeship into his nursery industry career. We dive into his work with high-level maple cultivation, how he's applied bonsai knowledge to large tree formation design, and his position at Iseli Nursery, one of the most famous specialty nurseries in the Willamette Valley. 

Learn more about Iseli Nursery: https://www.iselinursery.com/

Bonsai Apprenticeship with Joe Harris: Part 1

We traveled down to Iseli Nursery to chat with Joe Harris—one of the original North American bonsai practitioners who apprenticed under Mr. Hashimoto at Kanuma Nature and Bonsai Park in Japan during the mid-1980s. We engage in an enlightening discussion on our shared apprenticeship experiences and educational lineage—touching on stories and memories from his time studying bonsai in Japan. 

Sequoias, Seeds, and Conservation with Steen Christensen

We are once again joined by co-founder of The Jonsteen Company—Steen Christensen, as we continue our deep dive into his insight on collecting seeds and preserving the genetics of the North American forests. His specialization on Giant Sequoias and his work in the Redwoods takes us on quite the journey as we catch up and explore all of the vast knowledge this individual has to offer. 

 

Learn more about The Jonsteen Company: https://www.jonsteen.com/

 

 

2022: A Year in Review

Deep dive with us into a 2022 recap as we unravel the layers of Mirai throughout this past year. Celebrating the highlights and carefully working through the low points while simultaneously recognizing that as bonsai professionals, we have an innate ability to endure whatever life throws our way and remain grateful for the journey ahead. 

Fungi and Bacteria with Karen O’Hanlon

Founder of Probio Carbon—Dr. Karen O'Hanlon joins us from Ireland to share her rigorous knowledge about fungi, bacteria, nutrition, and bonsai biology. Her new product Danú was developed in 2021 specifically for the bonsai community and has helped to increase plant health and cultivation for bonsai and beyond.

 

Learn more about Probio Carbon: https://www.probiocarbon.ie/

 

The olive trees of Puglia need our help! Discover how you join us in our conservation efforts: 

https://bonsaimirai.com/blog/mirai-wild-puglian-olives-fundraiser