Bonsai Mirai: Asymmetry

If you listened to the Bonsai Builders Podcast: How do you Apply Design Principles to Bonsai with Ryan Neil then you’re well aware that Ryan and the crew fully hijacked Addison’s initial attempt at that podcast. As per usual, self-awareness and restraint are not always strong points for the Mirai team, so Ryan and the crew had to backtrack and take a second stab for the sake of Addison and his goals with Bonsai Builders. However, the conversation that was had during the hijacking was also a worthy discussion of bonsai as a lifestyle and bonsai as it is practiced Miraistyle. Do forgive the long-winded answers and know there were no Addison’s harmed in the recording of this episode. If you haven’t heard Bonsai Builders, please check out Addison and his project at the link above. But for now, sit back, relax, and enjoy the discussion about Bonsai Camp at Mirai and the lifestyle bonsai affords Ryan and his team. Cheers!

What is the future of a tree? Are we a part of that tree’s future? Does the destiny of a bonsai artist manifest or is it predetermined? Josh Vanderplate is exploring these and many other questions in his research. Ryan and Josh sat down to discuss some of these seemingly innocuous questions and in the process teased out some very profound connections to bonsai, life, and human purpose. What seemed like a quiet Sunday chat left much to be discussed and more to be contemplated. Buckle up for a deep dive into the soul of the bonsai pursuit. Enjoy!

Long-term student and friend of Mirai, Sam Tan, was in the garden for a week of collaborative study. Anytime Sam is around there is guaranteed thought provoking discussion. But when you combine Sam’s curiosity and analytical mind with the quirky crew at Mirai, the discussion turned into something entirely different. In this episode of Asymmetry Ryan, Brock, Brandon, and Addison, join Sam in a discussion of the bonsai practice, bonsai history, and a brainstorm session on how we continue elevating the level of bonsai in North America. It’s filled with the usual amount of good vibes and off beat comments, while also diving deep into the ongoing saga of exploring a bonsai identity that references and respects history while charting a new course forward. Enjoy!

As bonsai professionals we are often isolated in our own echo chamber and islands of thought working away on projects and the challenge of making a living at this obscure art form. That’s not to complain, the silent introspection of a personal practice and self-expression is one of the reasons pursuing a career in bonsai is so appealing. However, opportunities to collaborate and share in the experiences of living the bonsai life are far and few between. When a misstep on the most recent Behind the Branch episode lead Hugh Grant to step in and set the record straight it opened the door to a more in-depth discussion about bonsai as a lifestyle, the art and science that is inspiring us both, and the aspects of the bonsai profession only someone pushing the boundaries could identify with. What transpired was a very soulful discussion between two friends in opposite parts of the world bound by our common passion and mutual respect. To say it was a pleasure to sit down with Hugh for a few hours would be to underserve the delight of getting some focused time to speak with one of the people I respect most in the bonsai world. Sit back and enjoy a winding journey through modern life as a bonsai professional, and a little side quest into the world of Podocarpus just for good measure. Enjoy!

There’s never a dull moment at Mirai. But one of the most beautiful aspects of the hustle and bustle in the garden is getting to spend time with traveling bonsai vagabonds crossing the country to keep the movement of bonsai activity going. This summer has been particularly busy with guests, students, and friends from old and new. One fateful weekend recently the stars aligned for Steve Varland of the Backcountry Boys and David Cutchin of Wyrdwood Bonsai to both be visiting and dropping off trees at the same time. Mirai has a very deep and long-standing connection with both gentlemen, but the magic truly happens when you get kindred spirits together and further connect the roots of our bonsai culture through shared experiences in the wild, over meals, and spending time working trees together at Mirai. Ryan managed to pack up the crew and take them on a yamadori scouting trip into the wilds of Oregon for the day. Just prior to everyone going their separate ways he was also able to pump them full of caffeine and squeeze out a truly memorable podcast. Enjoy!