Ryan Neil, the Bonsai Master
The American artist undertook an apprenticeship with a respected figure in bonsai before making his own mark, combining deadwood with plants.
‘Rocky Mountain Juniper, Juniperus scopulorum’ (photography by Chris Hornbecker)
It was under Masahiko Kimura that Ryan Neil trained in this technique for growing miniature plants. His master, considered as a revolutionary figure in contemporary Japanese bonsai work, specialised in Shinpaku junipers and was primarily known for combining his miniature creations with deadwood.
Understanding the creative process of bonsai
Ryan Neil, who developed a passion for bonsai as a teenager, headed to Japan after training with an artisan specialising in bonsai in Denver to start his apprenticeship with Masahiko Kimura. After six years of hard work, Ryan mastered the art and launched his own company, Bonsai Mirai, through which he exhibits his work, the fruit of patience and meticulousness.
Ryan Neil discusses his passion in a short film directed by Ryan J Bush. The viewer sees him hard at work, painstakingly whittling down the trees that he has learnt to manipulate with time. For him, the most important thing is to respect the ‘creative process of the bonsai’ represented by ‘life and death.’ Otherwise, says Ryan Neil, ‘you end up with nothing more than a large dead tree.’
Ryan Neil’s work can be found on his website and on his Instagram account.
‘Rocky Mountain Juniper, Juniperus scopulorum’ (photography by Chris Hornbecker)
‘Pygmy Cypress, Cupressus pigmaea’ (photography by Bonsai Mirai)
‘Pygmy Cypress, Cupressus pigmaea’ (photography by Bonsai Mirai)
‘Engelmann Spruce, Picea engelmannii’ (photography by Bonsai Mirai)
‘Engelmann Spruce, Picea engelmannii’ (photography by Bonsai Mirai)
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