chicago1980
Omono
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Ryan Neil's work is impressive. I may not be able to afford his trees, or services, but if I could I would.
Bonsai Mirai email
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Expensive webshopfor sure. But you cannot deny his skill and dedication.
I watched the livestream from the beechforest, it was interesting, really well made and it was clear he must have put a lot of preperation time in it to be able to have it so fluent.
And best of all, this was free for all.
I watched the livestream from the beechforest, it was interesting, really well made and it was clear he must have put a lot of preperation time in it to be able to have it so fluent.
And best of all, this was free for all.
jordystokes
Yamadori
I've only really been into bonsai for about a year now, so forgive my ignorance, but why does Ryan Neil cause such strong opinions?
rockm
Spuds Moyogi
Envy, jealousy, are two strong drivers, I think. Envy because he works with extremely high-end trees and pushes a self-driven agenda for bonsai, setting the pace for bonsai in the U.S. Jealousy for the same reason.
His site is what it is-- expensive, period. People tend to resent high prices and attitude.
I used to resent the guy, but stopped mostly. You have to give him credit. Hate him or love him, he's the guy to catch if you're planning to be a leader in "American" or "Western" bonsai. He made the conversation about western bonsai his own with groundbreaking material and events. Wresting the lead away from others tends to piss people off--not many, but some.
If you've been doing bonsai for a while, you know what you're looking at on his website. Some of the stuff is worth what he's asking, some isn't. I can't afford anything there. I've sold comparable stuff (like pots from the same maker --which have been better than what he's got on line) for less than half what he asks.
That being said, however, he has a VERY good eye for trees and pots. He understands the work and esthetics behind both. He also knows how to bring out the absolute best in trees.
Also FWIW, I don't think he sells a lot of trees and from what I hear he doesn't really have to.
jordystokes
Yamadori
Interesting. I had no clue that people felt that way about him. The only exposure I have with him are videos on YouTube and the bonsai mirai website.
He studied under one of the best ever artists in Japan so his talent and ability and training are undeniable. Some of his YouTube videos are the best out there. But I agree his philosophy of developing a strong bonsai culture in the US appears to be incompatible with his business model approach.
rockm
Spuds Moyogi
His impact on bonsai culture in the U.S. has been significant regardless of the sales volume on his web page. I don't think his business model depends on selling trees and pots over the web.
You're right, he has had a big impact. His artisans cup was a big success. I was wrong to discredit any of that simply due to his pricing.
Wilson
Masterpiece
I believe @rockm nailed it, a talented artist/entrepreneur. I personally enjoy his critiques, and other videos. Ultimately we probably need people like him if bonsai will be taken seriously by people who think we are all a bunch of tree huggers. I find you guys in the US have quite a few great personalities in the bonsai scene.
A. Gorilla
Omono
I don't think it takes a discerning eye to see how nice his trees are. Immediate punch followed by razor sharpness upon closer inspection. And lots of them. No faking that.
But then there are people like this who like to be exclusive and expensive for its own sake... http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/12/us/12dogs.html
Both buyer and seller.
But then there are people like this who like to be exclusive and expensive for its own sake... http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/12/us/12dogs.html
Both buyer and seller.
chicago1980
Omono
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Ryan very busy and only has time for so much. Too much outside trees likely would cause neglect for Bonsai. Too much marketing might not be good.
Maybe you are correct. He has a niche market , and I hope he does well with in his terms.
fourteener
Omono
I appreciate the strong push to get better. Sometimes I get tired of the nice ways we congratulate each other for being average or below.
I consider his pricing to fall under the category of "it's not for sale, but it can be bought". Someone wants to put 25k in my pocket, you can have the tree. In the end it does establish a greater value for all our trees. When I buy a tree from my "drug dealer", I feel okay paying a bit more for excellent material.
I consider his pricing to fall under the category of "it's not for sale, but it can be bought". Someone wants to put 25k in my pocket, you can have the tree. In the end it does establish a greater value for all our trees. When I buy a tree from my "drug dealer", I feel okay paying a bit more for excellent material.
namnhi
Masterpiece
Have you thought of his pricing on web site as a marketing plot? It elevates him to the top of the bonsai professionals... making owning a piece is something exclusive.
Wilson
Masterpiece
He is coming to Montréal soon, around $300-350 Can. Pesos for a bring your own tree workshop. If I didn't have 2 kids, and all the expenses that come with them, I would go.
mattspinniken
Omono
I totally agree with you here.
Vance Wood
Lord Mugo
Sometimes people with a lot of money don't mind spending that kind of money on frivolous stuff like a soil sifter. To many it is a matter of not wishing to have to do the work. We will see how it plays out. If his talent and methods do not attract support he will not be around long in this configuration. That's the simple truth, if you do not deliver you do not reap the rewards. There is no government mandated law that demands his support. If he does not earn it he does not get it.
namnhi
Masterpiece
What your language buddy. The word "wrong" can get you in trouble. Just saying....
Vance Wood
Lord Mugo
I have said this for years, American bonsai for many years has languished in a state of mediocrity, we have not developed the ubiquitous and mythological American bonsai we have simple settled for real shitty bonsai, mine included. But I have recognized this and am making efforts to change it.
chicago1980
Omono
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If you email Bonsai Mirai a budget, they will email trees in the price range. They also have raw material. I'd drop $$$ to work with Ryan.
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