Company you work for and your position title
Owner and Lead Artist at Komorebi Bonsai
Educational background
PhD in Asian Studies (Korea focus) and Museology (UT Austin); M.A. in Geography (KU); B.S. in Geography (BYU)
What inspired you to take your career path?
Being in nature and working with trees has always been a part of my life, since early childhood. Bonsai came into the picture when we were newlyweds; my wife worked in a greenhouse, and I picked up bonsai as a hobby to spend more time with her. The more I delved into the fascinating discipline of bonsai the more interested I became in making it my primary occupation, as well as a method of meditation and artistic expression. A dozen years of study and one apprenticeship later, those dreams started taking shape. Komorebi bonsai is growing quickly, and we couldn’t be happier!
What is the favorite part of your work day?
The early morning hours watering and pruning trees as the sun comes up is the best. But really, there’s no aspect of bonsai that I don’t enjoy. After 15 years, I haven’t found something that takes the fun out of Bonsai.
Volunteer/community/civic engagement
I coach two of my daughters’ OPC soccer teams, volunteer for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in service ministry, youth programs, and teaching capacities, and organized and participate in monthly meetings and annual shows for the Magnolia State Bonsai Club (MSBC).
Anything else you would like people to know about you?
I have an amazing wife Lauren and four fantastic children, 9 and under. The kids love to collect moss, water the trees, and are beginning to learn wiring and styling techniques. Komorebi Bonsai isn’t just about tiny trees; there are so many aspects to tree artistry – I even style specimen landscape trees – and I love talking about it with anyone and everyone.
