Brian Hollowell: Bonsai Master

Sometimes all it takes is a single plant to turn someone into a horticultural enthusiast. Brian Hollowell from Suffolk, Virginia, found himself in that position about a decade ago when he unlocked his love of bonsai. 

He went on to become one of the founders and President of the Tidewater Bonsai Club, but Brian’s love for the trees started small. 

A trip to see his in-laws led Brian and his wife to come across a van selling bonsai trees on the side of the road. 

“We stopped and bought a garden juniper - you know, a simple, little tree. And it has quickly developed into a massive, massive hobby.”

At first, Brian started very simply by imitating bonsai methods that he saw done by others “in magazines and on the internet.” As he became more comfortable with it, he started branching out into finding inspiration in the world around him instead. 

“I try to emulate the natural environment as much as possible...Whether it’s the native oaks or whether it’s the native pine trees. So I like to use that as inspiration for my art.” 

He also learned that the best method was not necessarily to force his own ideas of what he wants to see, but rather to let the tree itself guide him. 

“It’s really important to listen to what the tree has to say and what it’s offering. And not to overpower the tree or make decisions that the tree doesn’t want us to make.” 

Not only is bonsai something that brings Brian a community of people who share the same interest, but it is also an escape from the fast-moving world around him. 

“For me, it’s my peace. It’s my sanity. It’s my chance to focus on something and really just take my mind off of everything else.”

This film is by Josh Wingard

Produced by Kendahl Huber