Bonsai Mirai: Asymmetry

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. 

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

The Triskele Collective includes Tom Benda, Andrew Pearson, and Thor Holvila—a trio of exceptionally talented ceramicists in the bonsai realm. Each member brings unique skills and styles to every collaboration, creating one-of-a-kind works of art that are beautiful and functional. Tune in as we increase your understanding of the bonsai vessel during our ceramic discussion with these three incredibly talented and well-known bonsai ceramicists.   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

We gathered our good friends—Hugh Grant and Randy Knight, to delve deep into our Pacific Bonsai Expo takeaways and experiences. Enjoy a recap of our combined perspectives on a truly remarkable first-of-its-kind event for the western bonsai community and beyond. 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

Through research, outreach, and exploration, founders of the Ancient Forest Society—Anthony Ambrose and Wendy Baxter, discuss their efforts to conserve the world's tallest and largest trees, the giant sequoias and coastal redwoods. Learn more about their organization: https://ancientforestsociety.org/

Proprietor of Apical Solutions—David Knaus enlightens us on the benefits of modifying and enhancing nutrition in the bonsai container to provide the best possible environment for your bonsai trees to thrive.   Learn more about Apical Solutions: http://www.apical-ag.com/

In celebration and preparation for the rapidly approaching Pacific Bonsai Expo, we circle back to talk with a pivotal figure in the public institutions of bonsai in North America–Aarin Packard, curator of the Pacific Bonsai Museum. We catch up on recent endeavors, all things bonsai, exploring his curatorial outlook and sharing our mutual anticipation for the upcoming exhibition. 

We sit down to catch you up on our adventure-filled summer–covering Ryan's trip to Sweden, climbing the giant sequoias and exploring Yosemite National Park, and our recent Mirai in the Wild release. We also dive into the upcoming journey of the Covered Wagon and touch on the politics and science of trees. This end-of-summer recap will give you a sense of what's been happening, where we stand, and what to look forward to next.

Eric Schrader and Jonas Dupuich join us to discuss their co-creation of the upcoming Pacific Bonsai Expo in Oakland, California. A juried exhibition featuring 70 outstanding bonsai displays and a selection of the most reputable vendors in the community. In addition to learning more about the event, we explore their prolific field-growing methodologies, thought processes, and recent bonsai endeavors.  The tickets are on sale now, as well as information on where to stay and how to get there: https://www.pacificbonsaiexpo.com/

Todd Schlafer takes a break from his busy schedule to reconnect with us on all things bonsai. He updates us on his new garden build and his continued evolution as a bonsai professional. We touch on the upcoming Mirai in the Wild project, which Todd was a part of, as well as the loss of a bonsai legend in the community—Jerry Morris, an absolute pioneer of western bonsai. To learn more about Todd's work check out his website: https://www.firstbranchbonsai.com/

Mirai's tropical instructor—David Cutchin, shares insight and perspective on some of the tropical content he's helped us create that we've released over the past few months on Mirai Live. We discuss the groundbreaking demonstration he recently performed, and we remember some of the iconic bonsai pioneers in North America who passed away this year. David is a wonderful human being, a talented artist, and a positive ambassador for bonsai.

Adventure seeker and bonsai provider—Randy Knight, joins us again to catch up on all things life and bonsai. The conversation takes off as we dive into some of his recent and upcoming trips, exploring the topic of yamadori, reminiscing on past adventures, and even touching on the myth and legend of Sasquatch. 

The self-proclaimed punk rocker of bonsai–David Crust, sat down with us to share in a wonderful conversation that touched on life, art, bonsai, and connection. With over 45 years of experience, he has shifted the rules of bonsai and won international acclaim with his unique approach and style. 

In part 2 of our interview with Dan Robinson, we explore his personal history and approach to bonsai compared to traditional methods. Dan, who is the artist and owner of Elandan Gardens in Bremerton, Washington, has significantly influenced the world of bonsai with his unique perspective. Tune into this verbal telling of history to learn more about his fascinating approach to bonsai.

Dan Robinson owns and operates Elandan Gardens in Bremerton, Washington. His seminars and workshops on bonsai carving and sculptural processes present a unique perspective–emphasizing natural forms and rejecting prescribed rules that he feels restrict artistic expression. During a recent trip to his garden, the Mirai team spent one-on-one time with Dan, exploring his unique perspective and horticultural approach to the bonsai art form over his prolonged and illustrious career.

Teaching, growing, and cultivating trees for over 30 years–Steen Christensen walks us through one of the most cutting-edge landscaping projects in reforestation history. He shares personal insight on collecting seeds, preserving the genetics of the North American forests, and his focused attempts at curbing climate change.

Ryan and Ira recount the most recent bonsai shuffle caused by an unexpected (and unprecedented) April snowstorm, and take a trip down memory lane in honor of Mirai's 12th anniversary.

In this episode of Asymmetry, we sit down with Eli Akins—the proprietor of Waldo Street Pottery. Eli has a growing ceramic presence in the North American community. His work has taken on significant levels of evolution, which highlight his dedication to mastering the craft. Join us for a tremendous discussion of ceramics, the interaction and overlapping of music as a medium, and practicing bonsai.    To see more of Eli's work, check out his website www.waldostreetpottery.com/

Jan Culek's lightweight stone slabs have unleashed the imagination at Mirai, bringing compositions to life that would otherwise not be possible. In a recent, long-anticipated visit to Mirai from his native Czech Republic, Jan takes a break from styling in the workshop to have a conversation with Ryan and Ira about his journey into stone, why he doesn't like pots, and what's next in the journey of one of the most innovative bonsai professionals working in Europe today.   For more of Jan Culeks's work, see www.bonsaimirai.com.

In this episode of Asymmetry, we deviate away from our standard bonsai geekery to share in an engaging conversation with Kate Brelje, a doctoral candidate at Temple University. Tune in this week as Kate walks us through her thesis study on plant care and the ethics that surround our relationships with plants.