Bonsaigers' Conversations

In this episode of Bonsaigers’ Conversations, I sit down with Anthony Fajarillo, an American bonsai artist who joined Bonsaigers’ X 2025 with a striking Engelmann spruce in kabudachi style.

We talk about the story behind his tree, its structure, presence, and the artistic decisions that brought it to life on the virtual stage. But beyond the design, this conversation moves into something deeper and more personal.

Anthony opens up about building his own path, sharing the reality of running a landscaping business and the courage it takes to step away from a stable job to fully pursue your passion. We explore the uncertainty, the risks, and the rewards of choosing a life that aligns with who you truly are.

This episode is about commitment, identity, and the leap into the unknown, about what it means to trust yourself, and to grow not just as an artist, but as a person.

In this episode of Bonsaigers’ Conversations, I sit down with Walter Pall, one of the most influential figures in contemporary bonsai and one of the three judges of Bonsaigers’ X 2025. Filmed live from Andrija Zokic Garden, this conversation captures a unique moment in an inspiring setting surrounded by trees and artistry.

We explore Walter’s experience as a judge in this year’s event, diving into his perspective on the overall level of the competition and what stood out among such a diverse and talented group of artists. With his signature honesty and depth, he reflects on the evolution of bonsai on the international stage and the importance of individuality in artistic expression.

Together, we discuss the artists showcased in the exhibition, highlighting some of the standout works and Walter’s personal favorites. He shares detailed insights into what made these trees exceptional, from composition and naturalness to emotional impact, offering a rare glimpse into the mind of a master.

This episode is about mastery, taste, and vision, an exploration of what defines great bonsai, and how the best trees go beyond technique to tell a story.

In this episode of Bonsaigers’ Conversations, I sit down with Todd Schlafer, an American bonsai artist based in Lakewood, Colorado, and the founder of First Branch Bonsai. After previously participating in the Bonsaigers’ X 2025, Todd returns this year in a new role—as a judge.

We take a deep dive into the event from the other side of the table, exploring what it truly means to evaluate bonsai at an international level. Todd shares his experience stepping into the role of judge, the responsibility it carries, and how his perspective shifted from creator to critic.

Together, we walk through some of the standout trees from the competition, breaking down the details behind his decisions—the subtle design choices, technical execution, and artistic intent that set certain works apart.

This episode is about discernment, about learning to see beyond the surface, and about the evolving dialogue between artist and judge in the world of bonsai.

In this episode of Bonsaigers’ Conversations, I sit down with Sergio Cuan, a U.S.-based bonsai artist and the winner of the Bonsaigers’ X 2025, our annual online exhibition celebrating creativity and craftsmanship in bonsai.

Sergio shares the story behind his award-winning Matsusuba elm, a tree that captivated both judges and audience with its refined structure and quiet strength. We dive into his experience during the event, what it meant to present his work on an international stage, the emotions behind the competition, and the journey that led him to that moment.

But this conversation goes beyond the exhibition itself. We explore what happens after the spotlight fades, as Sergio reflects on the next chapter of his tree’s life, now moving on to a new home and what it feels like to let go of a creation so deeply personal.

This episode is about transition, about the relationship between artist and tree, and about how bonsai continues to evolve not only in form, but in meaning as it passes through different hands and stories

In this episode of Life’s Apprentice, I sit down with South African bonsai artist and public speaker Richard Wright, a finalist of Bonsaigers X, and a man whose life story is as powerful as the trees he creates.

After facing cancer three times, Richard speaks openly about confidence, resilience, and what it truly means to rebuild yourself, again and again. Our conversation moves between continents and philosophies as we explore the differences in bonsai culture between South Africa, Europe, and the United States, and what it feels like to compete on an international stage.

Beyond technique and competition, this episode is about perspective, about how adversity shapes character, how art mirrors life, and how both trees and people grow stronger through constraint.

A conversation about bonsai, yes, but also about endurance, identity, and learning to stand firm through life’s most difficult seasons.