World Bonsai Masters visit the National Arboretum Canberra

Released 30/08/2019

Bonsai enthusiasts are gearing up for a once in a lifetime experience to meet and learn from some of the world’s best Bonsai Masters at the National Arboretum Canberra.  

Through World Bonsai Masters, participants will learn traditional and new techniques at workshops, discussions and demonstrations with Kunio Kobayashi from Japan and Ryan Neil from the United States of America.

Kunio Kobayashi is a world-renowned traditional bonsai artist with more than 40 years of experience, he focuses on traditional bonsai methods. This is the second time Master Kobayashi has visited Australia.

Ryan Neil who studied the art of bonsai for six years in Japan, now pushes the traditional boundaries to create a unique American style using native materials. A dynamic and engaging presenter who challenges his workshop participants to interpret bonsai through their own environment.

These world-renowned bonsai masters continue to shape the world of modern bonsai with traditional and contemporary techniques. Over the weekend they will share their philosophy on the art and science of bonsai.

The National Bonsai and Penjing Collection of Australia at the National Arboretum Canberra has over 80 miniature trees on display, in a variety of traditional and modern styles by leading Australian and international artists. The collection features many Australian native trees including banksia and eucalypt species.

More information about World Bonsai Masters is available on the National Arboretum Canberra website at: nationalarboretum.act.gov.au/world-bonsai-masters

Master Kunio Kobayashi

Kunio Kobayashi from Japan is regarded as one of the best bonsai artists in the world. He is a four-time recipient of the prestigious Prime Ministers award and has worked on 16 Kokufu-ten prize winning bonsai. Mr Kobayashi is the founder and owner of Shunkaen Bonsai Museum in Tokyo where he has apprenticed over 200 bonsai artists. Over the course of his 40-year career, this is Kobayashi’s second ever visit to Australia.

Ryan Neil

Ryan Neil apprenticed with esteemed Japanese master Masahiko Kimura for six years. On returning to the USA, Ryan established ‘Bonsai Mirai’, where he combines cutting edge horticulture with unparalleled design aesthetics, focusing on material native to American landscapes. Ryan challenges his students to push the limits of their compositions and capture the nuances of their home environments in miniature.

Quote from Ryan Neil, Bonsai Master:

“The practice of bonsai is growing around the world, but no single country possesses as much promise and enthusiasm as the Australian bonsai community. I’m thrilled and excited to be back in Canberra to take part in Australia’s further growth and evolution in bonsai”.

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