Bonsai Mirai: Asymmetry

There’s getting to know someone for the first time and the unveiling of personal stories and background that come with introductions; call it a familiarization of sorts. And then there are discussions with old friends and familiar faces where you pick up where you left off and continue to evolve the conversation. 

We recently had the opportunity to be a guest on one of our favorite bonsai podcasts, Bonsai Time, hosted by Kevin Faris and Ryan Houston. Kevin goes back a long way with Mirai and has dove deep into bonsai in North America through his experience as well as through his podcast. We knew the conversation would go places other podcasts don’t and Kevin and Houston would ask questions of Ryan perhaps other podcasters might not have the familiarity or comfort level to discuss. The boys at Bonsai Time did not disappoint. From family and life outside of bonsai to the depths of Ryan’s experiences as an apprentice, a professional, and the bonsai community at large the podcast winds seamlessly through the many aspects of living bonsai as a lifestyle and all the bumps along the way. It was thoroughly enjoyable.

If you haven’t listened the Bonsai Time be sure to check them out here. Subscribe and support their mission to continue shining light on all the good people and positive stories that exist inside this weird and wacky endeavor of bonsai in North America. We are excited for you all to have a listen and enjoy!

On a recent trip to the East Coast to retrieve the last of the original Kingsville Boxwoods grown for bonsai in the fields of Shanti Bithi, one of the most iconic bonsai operations in North America, we sat down with Jerome and Durdam Rocherolle. Built from the ground up by Jerome and his wife Carol, Shanti Bithi blended beauty, hardwork, and passion into a spiritual existence that opened the door for generations of people to find bonsai through the Rocherolle family’s heartfelt pursuit. 

Guided by the teachings and mediative practice of spiritual leader Sri Chinmoy, Jerome and his son Durdam share an intimate look at their story and their life lived at Shanti Bithi. Translated as The Path of Peace, the bucolic image of Shanti Bithi graced the back cover of Bonsai Today magazine for over 20 years, gifting practitioners with a glimpse of the beauty the bonsai lifestyle can bring. However, no single image can compare to the beauty of the Rocherolle’s story and how their life lived in service of their trees built a deep connection with the natural world that transcends the complexity of modern life. 

From the world of perfume, to ultra marathons, and all the bonsai in between, our talk with Jerome and Durdam will go down as one of the most influential and impactful conversations we have had on Asymmetry. 

Enjoy!

Subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

There are many podcasts popping up in bonsai but recently Mirai became aware of one in particular whose host brought a different level to the game of bonsai discussion.  The Bonsai Builders Podcast is the brainchild of bonsai addict and passionate practitioner Addison Galambos. Through Addison’s innate curiosity, contemplative wit, and thorough preparation, we found Bonsai Builders to be something new, something different, and something more in depth. Naturally, when Addison approached Mirai to do a deep dive on bonsai culture, aesthetics, judging, and other tasty subject matter, it was tough to turn down. 

Mirai x Bonsai Builders are releasing part 1 of our conversation in collaboration on both platforms. We dig deep into trees mirroring people, culture clashes in design, and how judging can make or break a show. However, to hear part 2 of our conversation, and easily the best part of the discussion, head over to the Bonsai Builders podcast here. Give Bonsai Builders a like and subscribe, listen to the rest of Ryan’s conversation with Addison, and send the Builders some love to help an up-and-coming talent continue to grow. 

Each time we talk about complex subject matter we tease out new themes and evolve our understanding. We are confident this conversation is a major step in the continued journey to uncovering the depth and power of bonsai as an art form. 

Enjoy!

Subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Jonas Dupuich, co-founder of the Pacific Bonsai Expo, joins us for an in-depth conversation about the evolving landscape of bonsai judging in the Western world.

Our discussion began with reflections on recent exhibitions, critiques from the National Show, and updates on the next Pacific Bonsai Expo—but quickly unfolded into a far-reaching exploration of how judging standards are developing and the thoughtful lengths Jonas, Eric, and Andrew are going to refine the process.

The transparency and collaboration behind the PBE’s approach to judging are both refreshing and inspiring. This conversation dives deep, exploring the artistry, philosophy, and evolving structure of bonsai exhibition at the highest level.

For those serious about the craft, it’s a rare opportunity to look behind the curtain of one of North America’s most progressive bonsai events. 

Learn more about Jonas here.

Some conversations are 15 years in the making. Ryan reconnects with Preston Tolbert, whose innovative approach to ceramics first caught his attention after a trip to Japan. As part of the 3rd Wheel Potters collective residency at Mirai, Preston, along with Eli Akins and Rob Wallace, created a remarkable body of work blending tradition, experimentation, and artistry. In this episode, we dive deep into Preston’s journey, his influences, and the creative mind behind the vessels recently released on Mirai Goods. Sit back, relax, and enjoy this long-overdue conversation with a truly remarkable artist.

Explore the collection created during their residency—each piece carries a hint of Mirai and the essence of the Pacific Northwest. Shop now and add a piece of this artistic journey to your bonsai collection: here