22 PUNCHMAGAZINE.COM {quickpunch} Who introduced you to the art of bonsai? My father, Ted Taikio Iwaki. He would host backyard parties where his friends would gather, drink beer and talk about these plants. One friend, (author and bonsai master) John Naka, seemed to command the respect of all. I found out much later that these and other backyard parties were the start of the first bonsai movement in Southern California, maybe even the West Coast. What was it like growing up with a backyard bursting with bonsai? While we didn’t have a traditional backyard, this miniature forest made a great place to play army with my friends. And more than once, I was scolded for breaking branches during an assault. Why is bonsai such a unique pastime? You’re nurturing an ever-changing living sculpture. How did you get involved with the Kusamura Bonsai Club in Palo Alto? They originally invited me to do a demonstration and made me an honorary member. To this day, they allow me to show a tree or two in their annual show. I lead five workshop groups and half of my students are Kusamura members. What’s a quote that really resonates with you? “The object is not to make the tree look like a bonsai, but to make the bonsai look like a tree.”—John Naka THE Q & A STEVE IWAKI What are some pointers you give people starting out? Be patient. It’s the process, not the result. What’s your favorite garden to visit? Filoli! I feel lucky to live so close to this historical treasure that has a variety of beautiful gardens and nature trails, but also has legacy bonsai as part of its collection. With the Kusamura Bonsai Club maintaining its collection, Filoli’s trees are doing better than ever. Do you have any favorite hiking trails? I like the Ancient Oaks Trail in the Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve because of its old gnarly oaks. It faces west to the ocean and offers panoramic views of the coastline. Also Purisima Creek Trail south of Half Moon Bay and all the westfacing trails at Mt. Tamalpais. Tell us about some of your favorite trees to work with? With junipers, the foliage is tight and very flexible to allow you (with the help of wire) to train branch pads. Many bonsai collected from wild junipers have incredible deadwood. Redwoods are easily collectible and found in the nearby Santa Cruz mountains. The best ones have large bases tapering up to the height of the final bonsai. Many times, I’ll carve the top to make it look like lightning hit it. What is your most cherished possession? My father’s trees, especially a double-trunk juniper he started 70 years ago. Founder of Iwaki Bonsai and San Mateo resident talks tiny trees, favorite places and how his passion first took root.
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