Ryan Clumpner

You never know where a cup of coffee and a conversation amongst two friends can go. On a recent Saturday morning, following the final class session of the summer, Ryan Neil and longtime friend and Mirai student Ryan Clumpner sat down for a cup of coffee before R.C. returned home to San Diego. As they sat discussing a recent body of ceramic work R.C. brought to Mirai for feedback, the subject of third nature came up as a recent talking point in the modern art world. Unaware of the term and its meaning, but intrigued by a brief look at its definition, Ryan asked R.C. if the two could do an impromptu podcast on the subject and the obvious waterfall of cerebral thoughts it stimulated. What followed was a short, but intense capture of the type of behind the scenes conversation that consistently take place at Mirai amongst the talented people bringing critical thought and dialogue to the narrative of bonsai in this creative incubator. Most conversations go unrecorded, but Ryan jumped on this one and we thought we would share it with the community. Enjoy!