Bonsai Mirai: Asymmetry

Looking forward to 2022

In this episode Ryan sits down with long-time resident bonsai practitioner and newly minted Project Manager for Mirai, Ira Sisson, to talk through what is to come in 2022.  

Kathy Shaner

Kathy Shaner was the first non-Japanese citizen to have completed a full bonsai apprenticeship under a master in Japan. As a woman, she defied the conventional structure of society in completing a rigorous apprenticeship under a bonsai master. 

Her good reputation paved the way for all modern, Japanese educated bonsai practitioners from around the world. She has educated successive generations of people, created spirited collections, and instills a higher level of knowledge everywhere she goes.

This week, hear our conversation with Kathy at the 2021 U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition, where she shares her bonsai story, and generously enlightens us in the way that only Kathy can.

Ted Matson

Ted Matson is curator of bonsai collections at The Huntington in Los Angeles, CA, and one of the most influential bonsai teachers and demonstrators in North America.

In this episode of Asymmetry, Ted walks us through his own bonsai journey and role in the evolution of the southern California bonsai scene that modernized bonsai in North America in the 80s and 90s. 

Learn more about The Huntington at huntington.org/bonsai-collection

David Knittle

In this episode of Asymmetry we talk with David Knittle about his profound and iconic bonsai stands.  Follow along and listen to his journey in woodworking and learn about his beautiful mastery of his craft.  

Rodney Clemons: Kingsville Boxwoods

In this episode of Asymmetry, a significant reference in the culture of North American Bonsai, Rodney Clemons has had a professional career for over 30 years that has provided him a tremendous amount of experience, insight, influence and unique knowledge not only about the bonsai community and its history but also specifically the nuances that pertain to the wonderful species cultivated in North America, primarily speaking about the Kingsville Boxwood.  After his stream on Mirai Live, titled Boxwood Primer, we got to sit down with Rodney and dissect all things bonsai related.  His life, his garden and what has led on his journey to where he is at and how he has gone about the process of refining and really pursuing the highest level of information about a species not commonly practiced or understood to this degree. 

Tim Kovar

In this episode of Asymmetry, professional tree climber and instructor, Tim Kovar, connects with Ryan Neil over their shared passion for the living organism of the tree. With a climbing school called the Tree Climbing Planet, Tim educates the community on how to responsibly climb trees, and how to connect and acknowledge these massive co-habitants of earth. After having climbed the old-growth redwoods together earlier this year, they delve into Tim’s background and perspective that nourishes their mutual passion for trees.

To learn more about conscientious tree climbing, check out Tim’s website treeclimbingplanet.com

2021 Covered Wagon

In this episode of Asymmetry, tales from the Covered Wagon’s 2021 odyssey are revealed by dream team Ira Sisson and Ryan Clumpner, in conversation with Ryan Neil. In true Covered Wagon spirit, Ira and Ryan share their impressions of the diverse cultures that make up the United States in a way that only a cross-country road trip can impart, including an unexpectedly hilarious encounter during a midnight hotel arrival halfway across the country.

 

James Agent Soil Science

In this episode of Asymmetry, Ryan Neil has a remarkably hopeful conversation with savant agronomist James Agent of Eden Blue Gold Solutions about the future of soil science, cultivation, and sustainability in agriculture. With an aim to reduce the human footprint in all aspects of horticulture – from farming to bonsai, James provides profound insight into mineral nutrition and the grander scale of agronomy to feed the world.

To learn more about Eden Blue Gold Solutions, check out their website: edenbluegold.com

Sergio Cuan: Deciduous Cultivation

In this episode of Asymmetry, bonsai professional extraordinaire Sergio Cuan rejoins us remotely for the second round of recording as we delve into his breakdown of seasonal deciduous cultivation. Based out of the Northeastern United States, Sergio's passion for maples, elms, hornbeams, and beech help us to expand our understanding of growth management and refinement through pruning, pinching, and defoliation. 

 

To see Sergio Cuan's work, check out his website m5bonsaiworks.com

Ron Lang: The Final Collection

In this long-awaited episode of Asymmetry, Ryan returns from battle with the recent heatwave to rejoice in the company of legendary bonsai ceramicist Ron Lang. The unmatched, monumental body of work Ron Lang and his partner have created over the course of time is an inspiration to upcoming artists, and it is with profound respect we congratulate him on his retirement and final collection. Lang's extraordinary artistic influence and delightful persona will endure timelessly in the realm of professional bonsai ceramics. 

 

To learn more about Ron Lang and his profound body of work, check out langbonsai.com or shop our collection of Lang's work at goods.bonsaimirai.com