#38 Seth Nelson

Episode #38 – Seth Nelson is a Nippon Bonsai Association Certified bonsai professional currently located in Birmingham, Alabama USA.  In Episode 38 of the Black Pondo Podcast, Jeremiah Lee and Seth Nelson take a deep dive into the layered world of bonsai—exploring everything from the subtle politics of exhibitions to the transformative power of photography in presenting trees at their highest level. They unpack the many subcategories within bonsai and how shows shape artistic standards, while also discussing the growing role of AI in refining technique, documentation, and creative process. Seth shares insights into his current work with a patron supporting his bonsai career, opening up about the realities of selling trees, building a sustainable practice, and navigating family dynamics alongside professional ambition. The conversation expands into innovation and tradition—examining experimental techniques, alternative materials, and the critical influence of soil mixes on tree health and development. Seth reflects on the meaning of “oyakata” and the cultural differences between bonsai in Japan and the United States, drawing from his apprenticeship experience and the personal growth it demanded. They also explore the emotional connection between artist and tree, and the story behind a massive trident maple with multi generational history currently being offered for sale at the Kokufu 100. This episode is an honest, thoughtful look at craft, culture, mentorship, and the evolving future of bonsai. Chapters (00:00:00) - Black Pondo: Austin Heitzman Bonsai Stand(00:02:48) - Tree Decorating With a Black Background(00:04:03) - Trees need backdrops(00:08:45) - Bonsai Expo 2017: Color and Lighting(00:11:50) - Bonsai: Key Categories and Subcategories(00:19:40) - How To Apply Fungicide To Tender Growth Trees(00:27:40) - Forbid.com on ChatGPT(00:28:51) - Japanese bonsai grower loses weight(00:33:04) - Do You Have To Spray Your Fruits?(00:38:40) - Seth on His Current Situation(00:46:29) - In the Elevator With Oprah(00:46:47) - The story of my patron's bonsai(00:52:47) - This Alabama Bonsai Guy Grows Massive Trees(00:55:42) - How To Work a Full Time Job(00:57:03) - The Art of Gardening(00:59:48) - How to Get Your Wife Her Residency(01:04:02) - Seth Nelson Bonsai: Selling Trees(01:09:58) - Tree Farming in the Future(01:10:19) - How to Put Together a Bonsai Auction(01:19:38) - Bonsai in the US(01:24:01) - Joint A(01:29:59) - Stainless Steel Wire For Trees(01:33:26) - What did the term oyakata mean to you?(01:40:23) - Was Mr. Tanaka Trying to Make You A Good Man?(01:44:38) - The Zen of Bonsai(01:50:44) - The Secret Life of Aichan Apprentices(01:54:54) - Is My Oikata A Real Japanese Person?(02:00:22) - What Is The Best Garden Hose?(02:04:34) - "I hate my nail polish"(02:04:50) - Q&A With Lil' Wayne(02:05:16) - The World's Coolest People(02:05:39) - Soil Mix(02:15:02) - Regarding akadama, for anybody that's really serious about b(02:16:06) - Tree growth in the US vs. Japan(02:18:20) - Do Arakawa Maples Need More Care?(02:21:16) - Does Culture Influeness Bonsai?(02:28:53) - Bonsai and Emotion(02:29:43) - Talking to myself(02:30:09) - Can Copper Wire Dust Be Harmful?(02:31:58) - Bonsai Teaching 101: Copper Wire(02:37:43) - Ichi Stood Next To A Giant Trident Maple(02:40:34) - Kokufu height limit(02:46:11) - In the Woods: Healing the Trunk(02:46:47) - Derek on Chatting About Bonsai