Bonsaigers' Conversations

In this episode of Bonsaigers’ Conversations, I’m joined by Peter Chan, founder of Herons Bonsai, the largest bonsai nursery in the UK, and the creator behind the internationally renowned YouTube channel Herons Bonsai. Peter shares his remarkable journey into the world of bonsai, the philosophy and artistry behind the practice, and the lessons he has learned from building one of the most respected...

In this episode of Bonsaier’s Conversations , I sit down with Aarin Packard , curator of the Pacific Bonsai Museum in Washington, USA—one of the most important bonsai institutions in North America, known for its world-class collection and thought-provoking exhibitions. We explore Aarin’s journey as an artist and how his creative background continues to shape his curatorial vision. From rethinking...

In this episode of Bonsaigers Conversations , we sit down with Jake Hobson—founder of Niwaki, entrepreneur, author, and a leading voice in Japanese garden culture outside Japan. Jake’s path is far from conventional. From his early experiences living in Japan to building Niwaki into a globally recognized brand, his work has been a major source of inspiration for our own approach to bonsai, tools, a...

In this episode of Bonsaigers Conversations , we sit down with geologist, storyteller, and author Dr. Anjana Khatwa, whose work bridges science, nature, and spirituality. Author of Whispers of Rock , Anjana shares her journey into geology and how landscapes can hold deeper stories of time, identity, and belonging. Together, we explore the connection between science and spirituality, and how these...

In this episode of Bonsaigers Conversations , we sit down with Russian bonsai artist Andrei “DAO” Darusenkov, whose work sits at the intersection of art, architecture, and spirituality. A longtime collaborator with Bonsaigers, Andrei has been a key figure in the Bonsaigers’ X exhibition — winning it twice before returning as a judge in 2024. His approach to bonsai goes beyond technique, rooted in...

In this episode of Bonsaigers' Conversations, we sit down with the couple behind Brightside Bonsai, ceramic artists based in Atlanta, Georgia who have built a shared life around creating bonsai pottery together. Their work blends craftsmanship, intention, and a deep connection not only to the trees their pots will hold, but to each other. They open up about what it means to pursue art as a cou...

In this episode of Bonsaigers Conversations , we sit down with Quebec-based artist Steve Ulrich, whose work is deeply shaped by the raw beauty of his natural surroundings. Each tree he creates carries the spirit of the wild landscapes he explores. Steve shares stories from his long collecting trips in the mountains, where patience, endurance, and intuition guide the search for material. For him, t...

In this episode of Bonsaigers Conversations, we sit down with Jennifer Price, a traveling bonsai artist with a truly unique path. Originally from Chicago, Jennifer has studied under some of the most respected bonsai masters in the world, including Ryan Neil, Walter Pall, and currently Michael Hagedorn. Before dedicating her life to bonsai, Jennifer was a professional dancer, a journey that demande...

In this episode of Bonsaigers' Conversations , I sit down with Master Matsusue from the renowned Suishoen Garden, alongside his apprentice Joprge Sendra, for a deep and inspiring discussion on the true philosophy of bonsai. We explore how bonsai is far more than an art form, it’s a living tradition rooted in patience, respect, and time. Master Matsusue shares insights into how trees are often...

In this episode of Bonsaigers’ Conversations, I sit down with Darren George, the creator behind the popular YouTube channel Gro Bonsai. This was a conversation I had been looking forward to for a long time. Darren is someone I’ve followed for years—going back to his videos again and again for inspiration, learning, and simply because I’ve always been drawn to his unique style and way of approachin...

In this episode of Bonsaigers’ Conversations , I sit down with Jelle Ferwerda, a Dutch artist widely known for his YouTube channel Growing Bonsai by Jelle, where he shares techniques, ideas, and inspiration with a community of over 70,000 subscribers. We talk about his journey as an artist, how his passion for bonsai developed and the experiences that shaped his path. Jelle opens up about the deci...

In this episode of Bonsaigers’ Conversations , I sit down with Laurent Darrieux, the artist behind the so-called “cosmic style,” a bold and unconventional approach that challenges the traditional canons of bonsai. Known for pushing boundaries, Laurent opens up about the criticism his work has received and why he believes bonsai, as an art form, must continue to evolve rather than remain fixed in t...

In this episode of Bonsaigers’ Conversations , I sit down with Jonas Lint, a Danish artist and longtime friend whose journey we’ve had the privilege to witness up close over the years. From visiting his garden multiple times to seeing his work evolve, this conversation feels especially meaningful. This year marked an important milestone for Jonas, as he took part in his first major exhibition at t...

In this episode of Bonsaigers’ Conversations , I sit down with Maroš Bel'an, a Slovak artist and friend whose work is deeply influenced by his mentorship under Walter Pall. We dive into the philosophy of the naturalistic style—an approach that moves away from rigid rules and instead embraces the raw, unrefined beauty of trees as they exist in nature. Maroš shares his experiences collecting mat...

In this episode of Bonsaigers’ Conversations , I sit down with Matt Williams, an artist and paleontologist whose work is deeply rooted in both science and a profound appreciation for trees. We explore his journey into bonsai in United Kingdom, and how his background in paleontology shapes the way he observes time, growth, and natural structure. Matt shares his passion for trees and the unique pers...

In this episode of Bonsaigers’ Conversations , I sit down with Dennis Rodinger, an artist from Germany whose approach to bonsai extends far beyond the tree itself and into the full ecosystem that surrounds it. We dive deep into the technical side of building a bonsai garden from the ground up, discussing layout, infrastructure, and the practical decisions that shape a functional and inspiring work...

In this episode of Bonsaigers’ Conversations , I sit down with Loren Buxton, an American bonsai artist who participated in Bonsaigers’ X 2025 with an outstanding Thuja bonsai that captured attention for its character and natural presence. We explore the story behind his tree and the environment that shapes his work, from collecting material in the rugged landscapes of the Rocky Mountains to refini...

In this episode of Bonsaigers’ Conversations , I sit down with Ivo Santos, a dedicated artist whose journey bridges European practice and traditional Japanese apprenticeship. We dive into a thoughtful conversation about bonsai as both craft and way of life, exploring Ivo’s experiences working through the winter season in Portugal, a time that tests patience, discipline, and long-term vision. He sh...

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 a...

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 int...

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...

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 hi...

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 continent...