LSBF 2012 Convention

2012 Guest Artists

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  Kathy Shaner needs no introduction to Texas bonsai enthusiasts. She has done many conventions, workshops, and seminars in Texas and currently helps the Texas State Bonsai Exhibit style and repot their donated trees. Starting her career in bonsai in 1983, Kathy has become internationally known and recognized for her excellence in the art form. After becoming a member of ten bonsai clubs and studying under several of California's most respected instructors, she was granted the opportunity to study in Toyohashi, Japan. There she worked for Yasuo Mitsuya, winner of Minister of Education and Kokufu Awards. He realized that her drive and passion for bonsai went far deeper than most people and she has a great talent. Mr. Mitsuya encouraged Kathy to complete the full 5-year apprenticeship, which she did in 1994. This was a double first for both Japan and Kathy. She was the first non-Japanese citizen and the first woman to be certified by the Nippon Bonsai Kyodo Kumiai, the professional bonsai grower’s branch of the Japan Bonsai Association.

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  Michael Hagedorn’s love of bonsai has taken on several incarnations, ranging from making bonsai pots and containers for ten years as a talented ceramic artist to wiring bonsai for the Kokufu show in Japan. Serious study began under Boon Manakitivipart of California, in his first Intensive program in 2000. In 2003 Michael ventured to Japan to apprentice with Shinji Suzuki, a manic and philosophic experience documented in his book, Post-Dated: The Schooling of an Irreverent Bonsai Monk. On returning in 2006, he settled near Portland, Oregon to pursue his dream of creating, teaching, and writing about bonsai. Of artistic and aesthetic concerns, he seeks sensitivity, delicacy, humility, and easy, unforced grace in bonsai work. He maintains the collections of clients, and creates bonsai for those building collections. Michael also runs the Seasonal program in his studio for bonsai enthusiasts of every level.

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  Ryan Neil was born and raised in Colorado, on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains. Throughout his youth the fantastic array of tortured and stunted trees surrounding his home created a deep appreciation and fascination with nature and the resilient nature of plants. Upon graduating high school, Ryan decided to pursue an education in horticulture at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, California. He already had the intention of pursuing bonsai professionally and apprenticing in Japan, however it wasn't until he was introduced to Ben Oki of Los Angeles that his dream of apprenticing with the world renowned Masahiko Kimura would become a reality. Ryan studied under Kimura for six years. All of his experiences have allowed him to grow and develop as a bonsai professional. Ryan’s objective and interest since his recent return from Japan is to continue to help promote the art of bonsai throughout the United States, and more importantly raise the level of knowledge and skill among us.