About me

My name is Mark, and I am the founder of Shinka Bonsai — a journey that began in 2020 when my parents gifted me a Chinese elm for Christmas. What started as simple curiosity quickly grew into a deep passion, reshaping my understanding of patience, nature and craftsmanship.

Inspired by the Japanese concept of Shinka, meaning “evolution” or “deep transformation,” I approach bonsai as more than an art form. For me, it is a lifelong practice of refinement, humility and respect for the natural world.

My development accelerated after meeting Luis Aragon, whose encouragement pushed me to pursue more formal training. I immersed myself in online bonsai schools and sought hands‑on guidance from world‑class masters including Nacho Solar, Caz Bonsai, Gabriel Romero, Rafael Torres, Mauro Stemberger and Andreas Bicocca. I am also preparing for an apprenticeship in Japan with Koji Hiramatsu, scheduled for November 2026 — an important next step in deepening my craft at its cultural source.

Travelling to Japan marked a turning point in my journey. Exploring Kyoto and Tokyo, visiting the historic Bonsai Village in Omiya and walking through nurseries, museums, imperial gardens and monasteries allowed me to experience bonsai at its place of origin. Seeing trees shaped over generations revealed bonsai as a reflection of life’s impermanence — an art of patience, discipline and quiet resilience. That experience deepened my appreciation for the philosophy behind the craft and reinforced the values of learning, humility and finding beauty in imperfection.

With 20 years of experience in landscaping, I have always valued plants, but bonsai introduced me to an entirely new way of engaging with them.

Beyond technique, bonsai is a practice of mindfulness and continuous evolution. My goal is to help grow and develop the bonsai community in the UK — sharing my journey to inspire others. Through workshops, demonstrations and storytelling, I hope to cultivate a space where people can connect with nature, creativity and the quiet discipline of bonsai.