The 'ROOKIE' Potter...

Natural talent, Roy Minarai (USA), has only very recently entered the world of bonsai pottery.

- Bonsai Focus Studio

Can you tell us, Roy, how you got into bonsai pottery?

What got me interested in bonsai to begin with was by visiting two places as a kid — the Morikami Museum and Gardens and the Mounts Botanical Garden. There I saw bonsai trees for the very first time and fell in love. I always thought that at some time in the future I would own some. A few years ago I bought my first trees and began to discover pots. Not many people were making the style of pots that I was drawn to, so I decided to give it a try. The rest is history.

Who was your teacher?

I didn't have a teacher other than a few YouTube videos and a couple who offered encouragement to try and gave me space at a table. Since that first pot I've had much online advice from many potters, especially conversations with Andrew Pearson, who has been a huge help.

What is the most important thing you learned?

That there are no shortcuts to creating a good container. The hours and hours I have spent testing glazes are not in any way glamorous, but the end result always makes it worth it.

Why ceramic? What's so fascinating about it?

I think it's because you can start with a soft lump of clay, some raw elements and metals and, when you are done, you have created something that not only will last, but will captivate the imagination and emotion of people for generations. To create something that is treasured from something so mundane — there's great pleasure in that!

What is your philosophy on bonsai ceramics?