Bonsai Mirai: Asymmetry

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!

The summer at Mirai has been as lively as any season in the past 16 years of the garden and company. Ryan and his team had an incredible session with students, guests from across the country, and a significant amount of positivity pumped into the facility from the community. Needless to say, Mirai is alive and kicking, living at that frantic pace that Ryan thrives on.  In the middle of another hot and demanding day of watering, Ryan, Brock, and Brandon sat down to catch up on the happenings this summer as well as to announce the upcoming events for the fall. From a tree sale over Labor Day, to the Covered Wagon rolling east this fall, and all the fun had in between, this is a regular wrap session with the crew. Sit back and relax as the boys take you through the latest bonsai banter, happenings at Mirai, and everything in between.  To find out more about the Tree Sale sign up for our email list here.  To reserve a spot on the Covered Wagon contact us for info via email at [email protected]. 

Every pocket of the country has someone passionate about bonsai adapting their practice to the particulars and extremes of the environment. It’s one of the great marvels within the art form, the human ingenuity to create and cultivate bonsai despite the harshness of the weather and location. Jon White carries forward the lineage of pioneers in the Boise region of Idaho who have been doing just that for decades; defying the ruggedness of the landscape in pursuit of tiny trees. Through their tight knit pack, the Boise Bonsai Society has carved out a beautiful oasis of positivity, community, and organic creativity sourced from a local hub of natural beauty and inspiration. Few people think of Boise as a bonsai destination, but Jon’s ambitions with High Desert Bonsai have picked up the mantle of previous practitioners as a gathering spot for enthusiasts working with what they have to push bonsai forward and in an authentic direction.  Ryan and Jon sat down recently to talk about the challenges of growing bonsai in the high desert and building a community. From humble beginnings and fruitful mentorship to yamadori treks, field growing, and leading the next generation, Jon made it clear his goal is to raise the level and represent the beauty of an unsung corner of the West in the process. Without further ado, Jon White y’all. Enjoy! You can learn more about Jon and High Desert Bonsai here. If you’re traveling through and looking for a bonsai fix you can contact the Boise Bonsai Society for their event schedule. 

You never know where a cup of coffee and a conversation amongst two friends can go. On a recent Saturday morning, following the final class session of the summer, Ryan Neil and longtime friend and Mirai student Ryan Clumpner sat down for a cup of coffee before R.C. returned home to San Diego. As they sat discussing a recent body of ceramic work R.C. brought to Mirai for feedback, the subject of third nature came up as a recent talking point in the modern art world. Unaware of the term and its meaning, but intrigued by a brief look at its definition, Ryan asked R.C. if the two could do an impromptu podcast on the subject and the obvious waterfall of cerebral thoughts it stimulated. What followed was a short, but intense capture of the type of behind the scenes conversation that consistently take place at Mirai amongst the talented people bringing critical thought and dialogue to the narrative of bonsai in this creative incubator. Most conversations go unrecorded, but Ryan jumped on this one and we thought we would share it with the community. Enjoy!