Visiting Bonsai Artist

A Day of Learning with Jason Parrish

For the inaugural event in our Visiting Bonsai Artist Series, the Columbus Bonsai Society welcomed Jason Parrish of Kawa No Oka Bonsai in Spencer, Indiana, for a full day devoted to tropical bonsai. From first-time attendees holding pruning shears for the very first time to long-time members refining mature material, Jason created an atmosphere where everyone could learn, ask questions, and leave with new inspiration.

The day was divided into two sessions—a morning Bring Your Own Tree (BYOT) Workshop followed by an afternoon live demonstration—allowing participants to experience both individualized instruction and the creative process behind designing a bonsai from raw material.

Morning Workshop

Bring Your Own Tree (BYOT) Workshop

The morning workshop brought together members of every experience level. Participants arrived with trees in every stage of development.

Jason spent the morning doing an introductory talk about different tropical species, seasonal care, and differing growth habits. Afterwards, he began moving from table to table, discussing each tree individually while explaining the horticultural reasoning behind every recommendation. Rather than simply styling trees for participants, he emphasized understanding each tree's strengths, identifying future possibilities, and creating long-term development plans.

Throughout the workshop, conversations naturally expanded into group discussions, allowing everyone to learn from one another's questions and challenges.

Topics Included

  • Tropical bonsai care

  • Species-specific pruning techniques

  • Structural branch selection

  • Wiring fundamentals

  • Developing taper and movement

  • Long-term styling plans

  • Seasonal maintenance

  • Individual critique and guidance

Live Demonstration

Styling of a Tiger Bark Ficus

The afternoon demonstration shifted the focus from individualized instruction to artistic decision-making.

Using a Tiger Bark Ficus as demonstration material, Jason walked attendees through the complete design process. Rather than simply making cuts, he explained why each branch was selected or removed, how movement and taper influenced future development, and how today's work fit into a multi-year vision for the tree.

Attendees were encouraged to ask questions throughout the demonstration, creating an engaging conversation about design principles, horticulture, and long-term refinement.

The demonstration served as a reminder that bonsai is as much about understanding the tree as it is about shaping it.

Growing the Bonsai Community

 Perhaps the most rewarding part of the day wasn't a particular styling decision—it was watching relationships develop around the tables.

Throughout the event, members shared ideas, compared trees, and encouraged newcomers who were experiencing their first bonsai workshop. Conversations continued long after individual trees had been finished, demonstrating the welcoming community that has made the Columbus Bonsai Society such a valuable resource for bonsai enthusiasts throughout Central Ohio.

Whether attendees arrived with decades of experience or no experience at all, everyone left having learned something new.

Special Thanks

The Columbus Bonsai Society would like to extend our sincere appreciation to Jason Parrish of Kawa No Oka Bonsai in Spencer, Indiana, for sharing his knowledge, enthusiasm, and approachable teaching style throughout the day. His willingness to answer questions, work one-on-one with participants, and explain not only how to style bonsai but why each decision matters made the event valuable for bonsai artists of every skill level.

We also gratefully acknowledge the Greater Columbus Arts Council, whose generous grant in support of the Visiting Bonsai Artist Series makes educational opportunities like this possible. Their commitment to supporting arts programming within Central Ohio allows our club to bring nationally respected artists to Columbus while continuing to grow appreciation for bonsai throughout our community.