The Art of Shaping a Bonsai Tree | Short Film Showcase

Ryan Neil has spent over a decade working to master the Japanese art of bonsai. As he shapes and forms these miniature trees, he describes how closely intertwined humans are with them. Filmmaker Ryan Bush captures Neil’s dedication to the art form and the responsibility he holds while practicing his craft. “If you don’t respect that life and death is a very real part of the creative process of bonsai … you don’t have anything in the end except for a big dead tree."
Visit: theartisanscup.com
A Film By: Ryan J. Bush (ryanjbush.com)
Commissioned By: Bonsai Mirai (bonsaimirai.com)
Creative Direction: The DeSpains (thedespains.com)
Opening Title Animation: Caleb Cappock (uphilldownhill.com)
Music By: C418 - Tracks used: “Taswell” and “Intro” - (c418.bandcamp.com)
Filmed in Oregon
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The Art of Shaping a Bonsai Tree | Short Film Showcase
• The Art of Shaping a B...
National Geographic
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[@thebohemiancowboy2805]

I just wanted to see some tiny trees but I ended up having an exisential crisis

[@turntable9230]

😂😂😂

[@sangyarani9085]

Same here !! ;)

[@aslannassirpour8983]

this is the funniest comment I've ever read oml

[@georgefrost7958]

so true xD!!

[@FocalHeart]

TheBohemian Cowboy your comment gave me a fit of laughter 😂

[@pootiesart]

“Do you have the right to not respect that? I don’t think so.” Legend.

[@evermovie461]

'we might be here for 80 years ;90 if we are lucky a 100 if we are really out of the ordinary , that tree has been here for a thousands of years , do you have the right to not respect that ?'

[@yurigumatay3152]

green tree “...mm no I don’t think so.” :0

[@evermovie461]

@@yurigumatay3152 ?

[@yurigumatay3152]

green tree I was just continuing the quote xD

[@evermovie461]

hhhhh i wasn't focusing well when i checked the notification

[@jackd3910]

I wasn't expecting something that deep. Damn.

[@f.crossland6488]

that's what he said

[@animon87]

never wanted this video to end. why aren't there more people like you?

[@yurigumatay3152]

Aniket Mondal you could check out his channel @bonsai mirai he has a lot more films and videos like this

[@Wedge53]

Try Bjorn Bjornholm another eastern master.

[@PATDpartygirl]

I have a lot of respect for people that can create beautiful things with nature and at the same time don't feel superior. So much to learn if we find the perfect balance between nature and human life.

[@BonsaiTalk]

WORD. Finally someone who understand us

[@angryherbalgerbil]

Just a heads up to those that think he is "torturing tress" or stomping around tearing up trees faster than IKEA on a power trip at Christmas. As always a little knowledge goes a long way in cutting through misconceived perceptions and people just using their noise holes before their think organs. Bonsai, when cared for properly bonsai trees outlive their average life span by 100's sometimes 1000's of years. Trees in nature extend their roots much further than they need to, this is usually what kills them in the wild, if it weren't for this most trees could regenerate almost ad infinitum. It then takes too much energy to get the nutrients to where they need to be you see as the feeder roots move further and further away due to the tree using up it's surrounding nutrients. Bonsai encourage feeder roots only, so the tree never has to seek further for what it needs. Then there's weight, some oaks collapse under their own weight as they grow too large in the wild. Disease in the wild ends many trees too, as does rot, pets, or drought. Bonsai because they are cared for so much, don't ever encounter, or overcome many of these obstacles thanks to the care provided. All ethical bonsai artists (which is most of them), only ever take trees from the wild if they won't stand much chance of survival where they are. No experienced artist would take a perfectly healthy tree and put it at severe risk of transplanting into a pot without any due cause to do so, and even then it is a gradual process over a number of years, if you take a yamadori (wild tree) straight from the ground, and jam it in a small pot then chances are it will die, an experienced artist knows this and so takes measures over a number of years to ensure the tree survives and moves safely. Other trees are grown in nurseries, or by the artist themselves either from seed, grafts, cuttings, or air layers. I fail to see how people who are generating more greenery in the world, and ensuring it's prolonged longevity should be perceived as negative, when all our natural woodland and forests are being pillaged thanks to those who just take, take, take without ever giving a crap. Or maybe bonsai enthusiasts should just consume billions of cows, chickens, pigs, fish etc, and then burn all the trees, or turn them into IKEA trash, to litter their crap filled modern lifestyle? But these things are fine? Unless you're gunna give up all the trappings of today's modern society and live organically, without money, healthcare, hygiene products, technology etc, then you can't really go wearing any kind of badge as a protector of all that is natural in the world. I know some of the methods portrayed seem drastic, but consider what trees actually go through in their life time. In their natural habitat trees have to put up with; fires, deforestation, lightning strikes, burrowing creatures, scars from rapidly changing climates, branches lost through freezing temperatures, and damage from strong winds to name just a few. Trees would sustain more damage than any artist could put them through were they in a natural setting. Any bonsai artist will be able to tell you more about trees and their importance to our survival than most people could care to give a damn about. They are far more likely to be doing more about conservation than your minor protest here, about something that you probably know next to nothing about. The main reason for many bonsai deaths is ignorance from people who decide to buy one without looking into it first and then sticking it in their house to gawk at until it withers and dies... As always it is ignorance and arrogance that are the real threats to the natural world... It would also it appear that it is also the main reason for 99.9% of the negative comments on youtube videos... sigh

[@angryherbalgerbil]

+angryherbalgerbil One more thing I need to add to this is that every tree that's planted in amenity areas of your community, everything planted in every garden be it tree, shrub, plant, or every individual blade of cultivated grass is cut, shaped, pruned, transplanted in one form or another to suit what we feel looks aesthetically pleasing. That is simply the balance he discusses that man can strike when he works in balance with nature, bonsai is just that balance taken to it's finest form. Would anyone argue that the tree in their yard or trees in a local park look in bad health? Hopefully I've said enough here that might help redress some of the ridiculous misinformation being spewed out by the less informed on this thread. Apologies for sounding patronising, or antagonistic. It just really gets my goat when people slag something off without doing their due diligence. Have a nice day! :)

[@marka112]

Quirkus Sperro I hope your life is as bright as your perspective! More people like you please!

[@ElectricityTaster]

But humans don't like to see a tree that should be a giant stunted into a tiny little bush. These humans probably see themselves in the bonsai. They want greatness, not logevity.

[@ElectricityTaster]

I like peanuts.

[@ArchangelTyrael]

Quirkus Sperro actually in nature trees become thousands of years old too they just get cut down by humanity fir profit before they can. There are enough forests where trees grow naturally and do just fine without any 'help' from mankind. It differs form the species how long they live but forcing trees in quite drastic ways and keeping them small and sure maybe free of diseases still isn't right. Not natural in the first place and secondly you are preventing the trees from creating sufficient offspring. Trees are tough and can resist plages, fires, etc. sure some die but that means the fittest and strongest species survive who then reproduce.

[@KaraMiaSantaLucia]

Through the art of Bonsai, I have grown a fond appreciation for trees. Bonsai teaches you to see the beauty of nature on another level.

[@khay9833]

All I know is I want to be a young Palawan to this Guru. The way he cares for, respects, and cherishes his creations is truly admirable and has made me want to learn more and grow in the art. My grandfather always told me, "You can be better than your best," and being a Master in Bonsai is something I dream of achieving.

[@zebulundocallas]

"You'll never look at trees the same again." Goes outside and every tree looks like bonsai material.

[@user-xf2rm7pp4z]

zebulun docallas that happened to me when I started watching a lot of bonsai tree vids

[@MrSmartComment]

Enters enlightened sensei mode: Trees should not look like bonsai. Bonsai should look like trees.

[@remsan03]

I came for the trees but ended up falling in love with the bonsai master. Gosh, he's beautiful!

[@KLFD530]

Plants are amazing, they are the reason we exist... the oxygen, food, medicines, shelter, beauty... Plants will forever be my favorite life form. Plants deserve our deepest respect and admiration.

[@BonsaiTalk]

WORD. Finally someone who understand

[@goosecouple]

bonsai artists respect trees more than anyone else does.

[@BonsaiTalk]

TRUTH. WORD

[@theremine3867]

Why do you say that?

[@Aerosolist]

It was exactly this video which brought me into Bonsai, 8 years ago. Now i have 140 trees and it became a big part of my life, it helped me so often to get through hard times. Thanks again for this video!

[@FrankBoston]

I don't feel so silly now for loving my first bonsai the way I do. My friends don't get it, but I just want to learn and grow. Unfortunately, my anxiety keeps me from meeting with strangers who would be able to help me. It's frustrating, still I'm better with bonsai than without. Thx for video.

[@garyt4394]

Hi Frank, Ryan has his own KZbin channel 'Bonsai Mirai' - well worth sitting through Ryan's extensive tutorials and 'how to' videos. Hope this helps you :) PS don't be put off by the fact many videos are upto 2 hours long, just start with the one most relevant to the next season or task. The titles are quite helpful with this. Enjoy.

[@h.3531]

Hey Frank, you are not alone! I suffered from depression and anxiety since a few years back. Gardening and doing bonsai really helped me a lot with my mind :) Don't get discouraged because your friends doesn't understand your interest in plants and nature, in fact most of my friends doesn't know about my hobby on this, only the close ones knew. Through the journey, nursery owners and some other gardening lovers that happen to be customers of a nursery you shop might be another new friend that understands your passion in it.

[@BonsaiTalk]

Frank.. we need people like you. Come.

[@yung_bonsai]

Hi frank! I'm the same way. I've been in love with bonsai for2 years now, and have not gone to a single meeting of my local bonsai society's meeting due to anxiety and depression. I hope that since you left this comment 3 years ago that you've been able to overcome your anxieties and go out and meet other enthusiasts! I also hope you and your plants have been doing well! please keep trying to overcome those fears that keep people like us from doing the things we want to do! I'll keep trying as well. and if not, that's totally okay too! Just please know that there is someone out there rooting for you!

[@EpiDog12]

Net Geo has me rethinking my whole life, damn shit was deep.

[@DerangedDrew]

+EpiDog12 The best time to start bonsai was 10 years ago, the second best time is now dog.

[@darkstarseeker21]

Beautiful. I personally love looking at trees, smelling trees, listening to trees, and being with trees. It's very intriguing to hear how he describes this interaction between the person engaging in the process of bonsai and the tree. Very thought provoking.

[@chimaeria6887]

Lorraine Showen would you consider yourself a tree hugger?

[@BonsaiTalk]

Guess how it feels to be doing this as a living then?

[@naadiraseedat5887]

I wanted to see the art of shaping a bonsai, I discovered a truly inspirational young master who inspired me to shape a beautiful mind and attitude and the artful craft of shaping a bonsai will flow naturally. Brilliant!

[@pancake-th7qy]

Immediately recognized c418.

[@shekeal2810]

Me too

[@akshatsingla8862]

We should take a moment and appreciate the phenomenal direction of this video

[@jonathanromero5289]

This video made me want to start a bonsai tree and unlock the meaning of life

[@H1widA1]

I don't believe in the pursuit of perfection but aside from that, I found this video very inspiring. I love when people are truly immersed in their passion, lifestyle, beliefs and just keep working and finding peace. Great video 😊

[@gato0082]

I agree , I love the trees, since I'm a child , always had a connection 2 them, still do❣️❣️❣️❣️💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💛🌿🌴🌴🌳🌴🌿🌿⛄🌵🌳🌳🌲🌳🌳🍃🌿🌿💮💋💋💋💋💢✨😘

[@miok8262]

Thank you for this short video. It was a pleasure and an honor to have been shown such an extraordinary perspective of not only trees but life itself in a way I never expected.

[@MegaVicMusic]

Wonderful video! A lot of people are ignorant and they dont understand Because they don't know anything about bonsai! Thank you for this truly amazing !

[@BonsaiTalk]

TRUTH. COME. LEARN. GROW. NOW.

[@pianotinkerer]

I don't keep bonsai but I do have two miniature rose bushes in my windowsill, and goodness knows the pruning and care is satisfying. They were rescues and I've had them for a year and a half

[@HomebrandFishfood]

I only came here to watch some trees be shaped now I'm literally questioning everything I know thanks national geographics

[@yurigumatay3152]

the corbin show you could check out the guy in the video his channel is bonsai Mirai in case you are interested

[@shawnmccormick7778]

It happened to me. Bonsai is neccessary these days.

[@peaceplease1996]

I came here to look at a pretty baby tree but leaving a little dead inside with shaken up soul, questioning my decisions in life and what will happen after I die. Why you do this to me?

[@adamwest3435]

Peace & 1ness same

[@BonsaiTalk]

Ryan Neil of BONSAI MIRAI is just as me. A bonsai enthousiast, a creator, and a youtuber doing bonsai.. You find this interesting? Or didn't you?.. You have no idea what we are about then... Go and check us out... now. And you will learn so much about Bonsai your head will fall off!

[@Kjbrunzo]

@@BonsaiTalk Very pleased to see you replied to this comment. We need more people to know what bonsai is all about and how it can change your view of nature in a positive way. It's almost certainly going to make you care for trees, and nature in general, even more.

[@rowelrakimbanquisio349]

it's simple, it's basically like raising a child. from the day my first child was born, I started taking care one and two and three, a lot now. it's a priceless possession.

[@TallThingy]

i knew the music sounded familiar, i love c418 :) #minecraft

[@thepap000]

Omg so it was that's so cool

[@fortepiano1196]

OK I FOUND IT

[@seas3a]

this was an absolute pleasure to watch

[@BonsaiTalk]

Indeed my friend... This what we do

[@bonsaihigh]

I really love this video. I started my bonsais 2 years a go and all that you said is true. I feel your passion. Keep up the wprk

[@leonhatton2029]

I agree with you 100% trees and people have a very close relationship and other people don't get that then they should be doing Bonsai cuz that's what it's all about if you don't understand the relationship between trees and people don't do bonsai

[@DaddyAboodi]

I just wanted to see some small cool trees but ended up rethinking all my life choices

[@Oceansta]

This video is going to change my life. Forever.

[@thepap000]

I want to be loved the way this guy loves trees

[@miguelperez6345]

A peaceful vibe of kudos to Ryan Neil. Shokun is something I want to do eventually.

[@linnh940]

wauw that was really inspring, i always loved bonsai but i didn't really know the meaning and everything behind it, but now i know more, thankyou. he is a legend

[@lilq4593]

I came here looking how to shape my tree. I left in tears..😳🤧 just the way he stood up for trees. “Do you have a right to not respect that? I don’t think so.” 💀💅🏼🗡

[@lightasair339]

Dude. Dude that's something beautiful right there.

[@GabrialaBrown]

This is so deep I don't know if I can do it. But I want to.

[@shelffeather4473]

I have respect for people who respect trees. Respect to you, Ryan!

[@1978Rolla]

This is a beautiful presentation. A very fruitful video. Thanks for sharing your unique perspective, it helped to shape mine. I just received my first bonsai tree for my 28th birthday and I’m a JAMAICAN 😄. Wish me luck.

[@thepaperstaggering]

One of the best damn videos I've ever seen.

[@yambonsai5717]

Respect. Very wise words. You are on another level. We aspire to it.

[@rijdzuansampoerna]

This is so breath taking

[@JazVanGoof]

I love this guy and his art 😍😍😍

[@jefferyrowland2921]

This video is way beyond anything I imagined. Bravo

[@PoopSmack]

I love the cinematography and the choice of music. Just another great video over all.

[@dougiethoresen]

great achievement Ryan Neil has made bringing bonsai to Europe!

[@BonsaiTalk]

No. Not really.. but he made a impact.

[@wadigx]

Came here to look at small trees , left with a life changing philosophy .

[@BonsaiTalk]

thats bonsai for ye!

[@markminshull2918]

So much wisdom packed into this 7 mins - thanks for sharing and for being so generous with your knowledge online Ryan!

[@sagnikpradhan3594]

That was heart touching TBH

[@t9j6c6j51]

This ain’t just about shaping Bonsais. It’s way deeper.

[@thebioastronaut4674]

That Minecraft music though..

[@lightingwarr02]

The BioAstronaut lol

[@kyranoboyle3378]

The BioAstronaut of course u recognised it because your a Minecraft addict

[@k9zuko327]

😂

[@korvincarry3268]

The BioAstronaut ikr

[@yurigumatay3152]

Lol I just noticed that

[@gedundakpa]

amazing thoughts.. he should write a book about life

[@ksanchezw72501]

That is an incredible job! You have made me think and feel different towards nature. I love the way you think and respect your art. I have fallen in love with Bonsai.

[@BonsaiTalk]

WORD. Finally someone who understand us

[@wakilinjogu1727]

1000 years of existence

[@TheSunIsMyDestroyer]

came for some quick knowledge, left as Confucius

[@yurigumatay3152]

NIGHT2PWN this is just a film, if you want information I recommend watching their channel bonsai mirai

[@blockydrums846]

my heart is on fire

[@blockydrums846]

each tree on earth has it's own voice once you start to listen deeply

[@skycloud41]

Exceptional video. From the narration to the visuals.

[@corinr5732]

I don't think I'll ever be into anything as much as this guy is into bonsai trees

[@douglascastro5150]

Very clean.

[@209sub0]

That was a great video. Pushing my thoughts to new hieghts

[@BonsaiTalk]

Thats really cool..

[@Lilacdaze77]

Holy crap! A young good looking guy with this amt of respect he has for plants? Its every tree huggers fantansy! Where can I find this guy? I wanna marry him!

[@yahyagannour8486]

Asotdaze He's probably engaged to a Bonsai tree or multiple one's

[@HellGod67]

joelabo His next step in the mastery will be making a human bonsai.

[@awt1989]

nice guys are everywhere.. usually in the friendzone where the girls put them!

[@kimeradon]

Did we see the same video? This was basically 50 shades of Bonzai! :o Tree-hugger? More like tree-sado.

[@BonsaiTalk]

So... BIRCHES BE TIPPIN?

[@livewithlorenzo7841]

He kinda made me sad and also guilty.... I like it ! We all gotta start seeing beauty beyond the surface of anything especially everything. I’m gonna go try to do this but also maintain my hope of healing the world. Don’t see the change be the change 💜

[@ASIL_SILLU]

I like bonsai trees👍👍👍

[@BBD1]

Really really good video :)

[@wisedylan]

Such a wonderful short.

[@Hi-to-ri]

2:30 that shot was very serial killer-ish :))

[@nfvy8111]

Amazing!

[@goluappu]

awesome work

[@pillarsofcreationuk]

Fantastic film.

[@lesterles919]

I'm obsessed in bonsai or in plants unique characteristics

[@J_Seneca]

I love this video

[@liamsmith8607]

Who else wants one of these and watch it in the middle of the night while listening to lofi music

[@livg.7656]

Beautiful

[@aniketsinghkirar6714]

Great videography, really good footage

[@MrMadMinecraft]

Perfect Minecraft music for this vid haha :)

[@bashfulapple5223]

Tiny trees, cool

[@BonsaiTalk]

It's a way of life... i would never change it.

[@imosdefinite]

this was so beautiful. thank you

[@tusconcactus7119]

each tree has its own voice you have to wait patiently for that to appear

[@ME_Toons]

Im going to try this

[@BdDream]

Thank you very much. Carry on .

[@dominiklo9010]

great video, really like it ;)

[@Simon-fg8ec]

This is emotional

[@tristinchristenson6349]

That was incredible.

[@BonsaiTalk]

Yup. Thats why we love it so much

[@Myleanne14]

Loved that

[@haroldpalma4353]

......dang.... this made me think about so much things that I never even thought of.....

[@BonsaiTalk]

That is what Bonsai do to you..

[@felixhearnden8456]

Well this was a bloody good video thank you

[@ModeSarka]

This is an amazing video I enjoyed so much! Mixing art with philosophy and bonsai. Keep it up!

[@charlesperez9976]

Respect. I am less than student. I learn,sadly,without a Sensei,like a leaf,drifting on the ocean.

[@kristinahoang123]

My soul is shook. I don't know if I'm inspired or petrified.

[@BonsaiTalk]

It looks worse than it is... We make trees beautiful, and we show them to others so they can learn to respect nature. I think thats fantastic.

[@yurigumatay3152]

It may seem like torture but believe me doing bonsai has shown me more about me trees and made me respect them even more than I ever did before.

[@chomochuong3mien872]

Thank you

[@Athrunwong]

i always has respect for old people that loves nature, crafting bonzai, respect the elements. this dude here is earning respect of ours because he respect the trees.

[@BonsaiTalk]

TRUTH. YES.

[@beeinthamix]

Simply loved it... :)

[@lamvuondep]

I love bonsai 😍

[@skarqen]

The music is done by the same guy who has done the music for early minecraft. C418. Imagine that

[@okeefethompson5963]

Okay, he’s an interesting person.