Bonsai In Conversation

Yannick is a Bonsai professional from Belgium , operating under the banner of “Yama Bonsai” where he offers education via courses, private workshops, demonstrations, as well as the sales and maintenance of trees.

Yannick has been practising Bonsai since the age of 10 and has studied under tutelage of  renowned masters such as Kunio Kobayashi and Mario Komsta.

In this episode we talk to Yannick about a new APP he has created which is designed to help both professionals and hobbyists track the photographic progress of their trees, as well as assisting with the scheduling of maintenance routines and tasks.

Greg Tuthill is a Bonsai artist and metal sculptor from Palmerston North in New Zealand, producing aesthetically beautiful and highly functional Bonsai stands out of steel.

Throughout the course of our chat, Greg walks us through his intricate processes which involve the use of 3D computer software, laser cutting, welding and his accelerated technique for creating rusty patina finishes for that wabi sabi feel.

Laurent Darrieux, is the creator of the Burton Style of Bonsai design and author of the recently released publication “Cosmic Bonsai".

In our discussion with Laurent, we discuss the origins of the Burton Style and how his early years of traditional Bonsai education gave him the foundational skills to explore unique and daring aesthetics. We also get an insight into Laurent’s views on cultural appropriation ond it’s impact on how Bonsai is practised around the world.

As with all artists forging new ground, Laurent’s work and opinions evoke polarising feelings, which above anything else, cannot be ignored.

Tony and I felt like we only got to scratch the surface with Laurent and will be endeavouring to have him back for some detailed discussions on the process of executing Burton Style compositions.

Richard Kearney is a progressive Bonsai ceramicist from the North Island of New Zealand.

Richard has developed innovative techniques for producing Bonsai pots using computer programming and 3D printers, which has allowed him to create intricate designs with precision and predictability. 

In this discussion, Richard walks us through his creation process and the challenges and failures he’s faced along the way. We also discuss where he hopes to take these techniques into the future in respect of glazes, firing techniques and the hybrid approach of adding hand made elements.

 Bjorn Bjorholm is a world renowned Bonsai artist from the United States. He first gained notoriety with the world bonsai community with his Vlog  series,  "The Bonsai Art of Japan" which followed his apprenticeship journey at Kouka-en nursery under Mr Fujikawa.

In recent years, Bjorn has become most well known as a travelling Bonsai professional, sharing his skills and contagious energy with artists and enthusiasts from all over the world.

Since relocating back to the USA, Bjorn has setup his own Bonsai nursery in Nashville Tenesse Called Eisei-en, where he offers a full range of services, including education, styling and design, as well as boarding, maintenance and exhibition preparations. 

In this episode Bjorn talks with us about valuing Bonsai, ranging from raw material, all the way through to exhibition pieces. We discuss the nuances of different species and regions around the world, as well as brief interlude about Bonsai ceramics. 

Andy Pearson is a prolific leading ceramic artist from the UK. Andy's unique creations are sold under the banner of 'Stone Monkey Ceramics' and his pieces have featured in many international Bonsai exhibitions, such as; The Trophy, The Bonsai World Expo, Bonsai Europa and the Gafu Ten, where his work was awarded Gold in the unglazed category in 2015.

In our discussion with Andy we covered a variety of topics, including the different stages of his ceramics career, his influences and creative processes and some technical insights into his bisque firing program.

Hugo is a professional Bonsai artist from Mexico who apprenticed under renowned Japanese Master - Mr Kobayashi at the Shunk-en Bonsai Museum in Tokyo.

In this episode, Hugo gives us an insight into his time as an apprentice, his travels with Bonsai and his love of Japanese culture. Hugo was scheduled to be a headline artist at the Bonsai World Convention in Perth, Australia prior to the COVID19 crisis.

Jan Culek is a multi medium Bonsai artist haling from the Czech Republic in Europe. 

Whilst being a very accomplished and skilled sculptor of trees, he is most well known for his extremely natural looking and highly functional stones and slabs that he creates with his partner, Martina.

Jan’s sculptures have opened the door to a new dimension in Bonsai creation, allowing artists around the world to experiment with seemingly infinite possibilities, particularly with multi tree and true to form compositions.

In this episode we explore Jan’s artistic inspirations, his approach to bonsai and stone design, as well as his thoughts and feelings on the artists who are forging new ground with the use of his stone masterpieces.

Randy Knight  is one of the most well known and respected Yamadori collectors in the world and is a key driving force behind the modern Bonsai movement in North America. Working closely with the countries most talented and prolific Bonsai artists, Randy has been instrumental in the paradigm shift toward using Native American species in Bonsai. 

In this episode Randy takes us on an imaginary journey, venturing into the wilderness in the pursuit of the very best Yamadori, he shares many hints and tips on how to maximises the survival rate of collected trees and his close encounters with Wolves, Moose and a Mountain Lion. 

Whenever someone mentions bonsai artists who are inspirational, Pauline Muth's name seems to always top the list and for very good reasons. She has been actively involved in bonsai for over Forty years, and she has studied with some of the greatest masters in bonsai, such as John Naka, over the years.  

Pauline was not simply content with learning bonsai, she wanted to give back to the art as well and it was not long before she was actively involved in many organizations and publications dealing with bonsai and the advancement of the art form. 

Pauline holds and has held many governing positions including: President of the American Bonsai Society, Ambassador for Bonsai Clubs International (BCI), on the Board of Directors of Mid-Atlantic Bonsai Societies, Chair person for ABS Learning Seminars, and she is a contributing author for local newsletters, Bonsai On Line Magazine, ABS Journal, and BCI Bonsai magazines. 

In addition to all of the above responsibilities, Pauline also teaches classes, workshops, and demonstrations in between owning and operating a bonsai teaching studio for over 26 years. She has also been the recipient of several local, regional and international bonsai awards. 

In this episode we explore Pauline’s early years under the tutorage of John Naka, the establishing of her Bonsai studio, and the excitement she has for the young talent that is driving Bonsai in the United States forward.