Ryan Neil's updated Website

[yenling83]

Updates and pics are really nice!

http://www.bonsaimirai.com/

 

[yenling83]

He's got a couple trees for sale over the 50k mark. I'm glad to see it. What do you think?

 

[Eric Schrader]

Well, maybe he can sell those, and maybe he can't. There's not doubt that he's got both a great eye and some great skills. I'm truly envious.

 

[monza]

Great improvement to the site. I love his work and the amazing Yamadori, it makes me love collecting more. Maybe one day I'll have a tree as nice… but I won't be spending 50g's on one.

 

[Wee]

I have been watching some of his videos lately....I really like his candied honesty.

Brian

 

[jk_lewis]

I really like his candied honesty.

Awww. That's sweet . . . . . . .

 

[QuintinBonsai]

I wonder who his clientele are? $50k I know he's good at what he does, but jeez...

 

[Wee]

Sorry I meant candid....English isn't my first language.... I speak southern.

Brian

 

[dick benbow]

As a student of the japanese business ethic, I think Ryan's plan is spot on.

You also see it in the hobby of Koi.

And that is to provide the dream (50K) in the case of bonsai and depending 10-20 in koi.
Then be sure to provide the reality of a coupla thousand for the common folks.

Keep in mind in japan, professionals often care for and take to shows, bonsai or koi and then the owners show up to receive the prizes. In america and elsewhere in the world, the culture is such as most folks do things themselves, and do not rely on professionals.

I was a student of his for about a year, when he suddenly without preparation to us, left word he was not traveling to seattle anymore and that instruction had been cancelled. Left an unpleasant taste in my mouth as well as others.

 

[yenling83]

I agree with Dick that Ryan's plan is spot on. I think he's focusing on very high quality across the board and helping to elevate the overall level of quality in American Bonsai. 50k+ is a lot of money! At the same time, it's really not much compared with trees that sell in Japan for a million+. I believe that a gradual rise in cost of quality Bonsai material is the sign of a gradual rise in quality and appreciation with US Bonsai. I also think that if you spend 5+ years as an apprentice in Japan and become a highly skilled Bonsai Professional, then come back here, spread your knowledge, work hard and elevate the quality of US Bonsai then you should be able to make a good living. However, I'm coming from a perspective where I'd like to see some really large and high level shows down the road.

At this point in time you could probably find the same quality of tree at a better price elsewhere if you got in touch with collectors directly. However that would mean your tree would be several years away from the stage in development Ryan's trees are and some have the money and just want the finished product, which is cool with me.

 

[johng]

Very nice improvements

really like the new site...much better!!! Screams quality and first class all the way...I want to rent his cabin for a few nights!

As far as the prices go...that is a completely different market...no hobbyist will ever spend that on a tree...and that is certainly not who Ryan is targeting. People in that market would never spend any time on site like this...at least not posting. He provides training for folks like us so we can create our own works like his.

 

[berobinson82]

I agree with Dick that Ryan's plan is spot on. I think he's focusing on very high quality across the board and helping to elevate the overall level of quality in American Bonsai. 50k+ is a lot of money! At the same time, it's really not much compared with trees that sell in Japan for a million+. I believe that a gradual rise in cost of quality Bonsai material is the sign of a gradual rise in quality and appreciation with US Bonsai. I also think that if you spend 5+ years as an apprentice in Japan and become a highly skilled Bonsai Professional, then come back here, spread your knowledge, work hard and elevate the quality of US Bonsai then you should be able to make a good living. However, I'm coming from a perspective where I'd like to see some really large and high level shows down the road.

At this point in time you could probably find the same quality of tree at a better price elsewhere if you got in touch with collectors directly. However that would mean your tree would be several years away from the stage in development Ryan's trees are and some have the money and just want the finished product, which is cool with me.

Not to mention the history of the second juniper.

Collected by the best yamadori collector in the states, Randy Knight.
Originally styled by WP.
I know nothing of the potter but I'd venture a guess that it's of extremely high quality.
Plus I don't think he got this tree free of charge

Great looking site. Great looking trees.

 

[Poink88]

...
I was a student of his for about a year, when he suddenly without preparation to us, left word he was not traveling to seattle anymore and that instruction had been cancelled. Left an unpleasant taste in my mouth as well as others.

I think this is where he need some polishing.

I still recall the big national show (2 years ago?) they were putting together...then it fizzled out. Problem is, no one bothered to inform the people who planned to attend, sell, exhibit, etc. Most learned about the cancellation through rumors and gossip. Then Michael H. made a very informal announcement much later (through his blog I think). This is not how you elevate bonsai to a new level...

 

[Poink88]

The new site is so much better and packed full of drool worthy trees. Something to inspire us all but beyond my reach.

I would love to visit Mirai given the opportunity and hopefully see some of those trees.

 

[GrimLore]

really like the new site...much better!!! Screams quality and first class all the way...I want to rent his cabin for a few nights!

As far as the prices go...that is a completely different market...no hobbyist will ever spend that on a tree...and that is certainly not who Ryan is targeting. People in that market would never spend any time on site like this...at least not posting. He provides training for folks like us so we can create our own works like his.

He is a hell of a nice person and I always hope the best for him. The stock he has posted is nice but as you pointed out does not encourage other then the most adept to purchase. If presented different such as this is my work and then put trees with that potential for sale he would do far better in sales. What I have come to understand though is that him and many others commission people(even pay Walter Pall) to find trees for demonstration and such. This could really set back people that do not understand the so called "Masters" point. In all cases it is GREAT to promote the hobby but at the same time I would suggest "some" do not discourage people in the way of good old USD... At some point they all have to bring it down to a "working" mans level... Just my .02USD

Grimmy

 

[reddog]

Jason Gamby

Not to mention the history of the second juniper.

Collected by the best yamadori collector in the states, Randy Knight.
Originally styled by WP.
I know nothing of the potter but I'd venture a guess that it's of extremely high quality.
Plus I don't think he got this tree free of charge

Great looking site. Great looking trees.

I believe the second juniper was styled by Jason Gamby under the supervision of WP.
http://jasonsbonsai.blogspot.com/2008/07/walter-palls-visit.html

 

[KennedyMarx]

I think this is where he need some polishing.

I still recall the big national show (2 years ago?) they were putting together...then it fizzled out. Problem is, no one bothered to inform the people who planned to attend, sell, exhibit, etc. Most learned about the cancellation through rumors and gossip. Then Michael H. made a very informal announcement much later (through his blog I think). This is not how you elevate bonsai to a new level...

The Artisans Cup has been postponed until September 2015. I vaguely remember reading that they didn't think they had enough time to prepare for the show with such nearing deadline, so it was postponed. I could have that wrong though.

 

[Poink88]

The Artisans Cup has been postponed until September 2015. I vaguely remember reading that they didn't think they had enough time to prepare for the show with such nearing deadline, so it was postponed. I could have that wrong though.

No problem if it has to postponed...how it was handled (or lack of) was the problem.

Imagine people nationwide (including vendors) booked airline tickets, hotel reservations, etc...and not hear about the cancellation/postponement until a few days of the event and mostly hear it through rumor. Not good.

 

[crust]

I may be out of touch, but his rates are pretty spendy for me. I suspect he will be booked and busy though because I think he is the most knowledgeable, lucid and articulate bonzo professional out there. I find his way of thinking one I can relate too and understand. I appreciate his approach to his work and teaching.

 

[reddog]

No problem if it has to postponed...how it was handled (or lack of) was the problem.

Imagine people nationwide (including vendors) booked airline tickets, hotel reservations, etc...and not hear about the cancellation/postponement until a few days of the event and mostly hear it through rumor. Not good.

I believe there were many vendors and attendees who were not happy with the lack of communication regarding the cancellation of the Artisans Cup last year. His website says it is on for 2015 but I would sure be gun shy making any plans to attend. "...fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me...".

Chelsea (his wife) has brought organization to neil's schedule. Hopefully, she is in charge of the Artisan's Cup and not ryan neil.