Bonsai Mirai: Asymmetry

Latest Episodes:

3rd Wheel Potters: Rob Wallace Oct 22, 2025

Show notes

Join us as we sit down with Rob Wallace of Wallace Woods Ceramics, a member of the 3rd Wheel Potters collective alongside Eli Akins and Preston Tolbert. This past summer, the trio completed an artist residency at Mirai, navigating the challenges of Mount Rainier and exploring new ways to merge ceramics with the art of bonsai. In this episode, Rob shares insights from their collaborative journey, the R&D behind his creative process, and the seeds of inspiration blossoming into our fall launch of their ceramic creations. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the experimentation, artistry, and vision that brought this unique collection to life before it launches.

From Summer Survival to Live Streaming Revival Oct 15, 2025

Show notes

This summer at Mirai was one for the books—long, hot days, intense sun, and plenty of lessons in resilience and proactive care. From keeping trees thriving under extreme heat to experimenting with new techniques and species, we’ve seen what it takes to grow, adapt, and evolve in the garden. Now, as we step into fall, the season brings fresh opportunities and inspiration.

And we’re kicking it off in style—get an exclusive first look at the return of streaming on Mirai Live! Join us October 28th at 4 PM PST for a fresh experience packed with artistry, entertainment, and community. Come see what’s next for Mirai and jump back into the journey with us.

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Art, Science, and Bonsai with Brock Arvesen Aug 27, 2025

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We introduce Brock Arvesen, one of the new faces at Mirai. Splitting his time between Mirai and the Pacific Bonsai Museum, Brock brings a perspective shaped by both worlds. In this episode, he joins us for a wide-ranging conversation on art, nature, and bonsai. Together we dive into the aesthetics of the craft as well as the science that grounds it—a thoughtful dialogue bridging creativity and biology you won’t want to miss.

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Design in Collaboration with Thomas Nevar Aug 13, 2025

Show notes

We sat down with artist, designer, and creative director Thomas Nevar—a long-time creative and collaborator with Mirai. Together, we explore the intersection of art and bonsai, unpacking the motivations, inspirations, and ideas that shape their work. From the shared language of design to the pursuit of meaning in creative practice, this conversation offers an intimate look at how collaboration fuels both vision and craft.

Explore Thomas Nevar’s Sculptural Kusamono collection, now available on Mirai Goods.

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Meet Brandon Roberts: Mirai’s New Apprentice Aug 06, 2025

Show notes

Brandon Roberts joins us at the very beginning of his apprenticeship—already having demonstrated exceptional commitment with a six-hour round trip, twice a week, for three months, just to study bonsai at Mirai. In this open and thoughtful conversation, we explore the meaning of apprenticeship: its gravity, its rewards, and the vulnerability of sharing it publicly. Brandon brings a contagious energy that reignites the passion behind the practice, reminding us of the purpose that drives this path. This episode marks week one of what we hope will be a long and meaningful chapter—an origin story, a time capsule, and the start of a pursuit that will echo through the work, the trees, and the small moments in between.

The Art and Elegance of Kusamono with Young Choe Jul 16, 2025

Show notes

We reconnect with the incomparable Young Choe—artist, pioneer, and one of the hardest working creatives in the world of kusamono. Reflecting on our first-ever Kusamono Intensive at Mirai, Young shares insights from the three-day workshop that brought five dedicated students into the world of contextual planting like never before. Together, we explore her visionary approach to kusamono as a refined, accessible art form, one she’s shaping into a creative discipline and even a profession. This conversation dives deep into artistic identity, the rigor of creative pursuit, and the soft power of plants to tell stories. We’re honored to continue collaborating with Young and to witness her ongoing journey as a global leader in this evolving practice.

Explore Young’s Artistry Here.

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Beyond Form: Architecture, Bonsai, and the Creative Mind with Gus Lynch Jun 25, 2025

Show notes

In this long-anticipated conversation, we welcome architect Gus Lynch of the renowned firm Olson Kundig to Asymmetry. What begins as a dialogue about architecture unfolds into something far more expansive—an exploration of creativity, design, and the unexpected intersections between built environments and the living art of bonsai. As a student at Mirai and a professional in one of the world’s most visionary architectural practices, Gus brings a rare perspective shaped by both precision and organic process. This episode marks the beginning of a deeper collaboration and opens the door to more questions than answers—just the way we like it. Thought-provoking, inspiring, and far too brief, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

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The Impact of Change with Dominic Maze Apr 30, 2025

Show notes

We sat down with Dominic Maze, Environmental Regulatory Coordinator for the City of Portland, for a conversation that took us places we never expected. What began as an introduction turned into a deep dive into the evolving environmental challenges we’re all facing. From Portland-specific issues to the broader implications of pests, diseases, and environmental pressures, Dominic sheds light on how these forces are reshaping ecosystems and impacting our daily lives. It’s a thought-provoking discussion that challenges us to see the world through a different lens.

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Celebrating 15 Years of Mirai Apr 10, 2025

Show notes

The 15th anniversary of Mirai marks a milestone in an ongoing journey of growth, creativity, and transformation. What began as a vision has become a dynamic ecosystem—shaped by a dedicated team, an ever-evolving facility, and a community that continues to expand the boundaries of bonsai.

This episode honors the shared effort and collective spirit that have brought Mirai to this point. As the 16th year begins, it’s a moment to celebrate the progress and look forward to what’s still to come.

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Bristlecone Pines: A Deep Dive with Brian Smithers Mar 12, 2025

Show notes

For those who care about ancient trees, this episode is a must-listen. Brian Smithers, research professor at Montana State University, shares deep insights into the Bristlecone Pines—the oldest living singular organism on Earth. Facing increasing environmental pressures, these trees reveal critical lessons about resilience and change.

Brian’s open-minded approach and deep expertise make for an eye-opening conversation, packed with scientific insight and fresh perspectives. Buckle up—this one is dense with knowledge.

Learn more about Brian’s work here:

briansmithers.net

gloriagreatbasin.org

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