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)
TRENDING
-
Colour Photos of Yakuza Tattoos from the Meiji Period
19th-century photographs have captured the usually hidden tattoos that covered the bodies of the members of Japanese organised crime gangs.
-
Kohei Yoshiyuki, the Voyeur of Tokyo's Voyeurs
The reedition of the publication ‘The Park’ takes us on a night walk through the parks of Tokyo, out in full sight.
-
Grieving in the Time of Fukushima
In his short film 'Homesick', Koya Kamura presents the story of a father who wanders through the no-go zone to find his son.
-
Sushi from Nara, Wrapped in a Delicate Persimmon Leaf
Used originally to preserve the freshness of raw fish, this technique has become a staple food from the former imperial capital.
-
Gazta Basque Cheesecake in Shirogane— Outstanding Robust Flavor with a Rich Creamy Feel
The cheesecake from La Viña Bar is the envy of pâtissiers all around the world. You can try it now in Gazta in Tokyo thanks to pâtissier Saori Katsura.
