Site created and maintained by Steven Ittel
All-American Guest Artists - 2022
Todd Schlafer
First Branch Bonsai is located in Lakewood,
Colorado and is run by Todd Schlafer. When
Todd began to become obsessed with bonsai, he
sought out one of the best teachers in the
United States which landed him with Ryan Neil
of Bonsai Mirai. Todd began going to Mirai in
2012. He continues to travel to Mirai to work
with Ryan and further his education. Todd’s goal
is to teach and educate students at the highest
level possible without cutting corners. He keeps
everyone at a high standard. He wants to
promote bonsai, to think outside of the box and
to collaborate with others to reach encouraging and stimulating outcomes. His intention is to move each
student’s practice forward and help them discover and become aware of their own unique style.
Hugo Zamora Luna
Hugo Zamora Luna’s first experience in the world
of bonsai was through a basic bonsai course at the
age of 16. Hugo has since been involved in bonsai
for over 24 years. In 2000, he started giving
demonstrations and presentations at the local
congresses in Mexico City. Not long after, he
started working at different places around the
countryside. Hugo has been teaching courses
since 2001 and was the Mexican Bonsai Federation
Didactic and teaching leader for 6 years. Hugo
studied in Tokyo with Japanese Bonsai Master
Kunio Kobayashi, one of the most respected
Masters in the world. He completed his
apprenticeship in 2015. Hugo has continued to
travel back to Japan for several months at a time to
work at the Shunkaen Bonsai Museum and meet
with Mr. Kobayashi on a regular basis. This has
allowed Hugo to continue to practice the art of
bonsai at the highest level.
Will Baddeley’s first tree came from a petrol
station back in 1997. It didn't survive long.
However, in the meantime, he bought a book
by Colin Lewis and was hooked by the idea of
using native trees to make bonsai. He then
went about collecting as many different
species of trees as possible, bought as many
books as he could afford and joined a local
club. In 2001, his club entered him in the New
Talent Competition. Will won the UK heats and
represented his country in Trevarez, France in
2002 and came in third. Will is self-taught if there is such a thing. Observant and committed would be another
way of putting it as he soaks up information like a sponge. Will’s main influences have come from the likes of
Colin Lewis and his passion for native trees and in particular, Ulmus minor. Will was also influenced by Kevin
Willson and his work with wild material and deadwood work with power tools.