In this episode of The Black Pondo Podcast, I sit down with Austin Heitzman—bonsai table and furniture maker based in Portland, OR. I consider Austin one of the true national treasures of American bonsai, and in this conversation, we dive deep into the world of bonsai display tables.
We explore how he got started, how his unique style has evolved over time, and where he sees his work heading in the future. Austin shares his insights on pairing stands with trees, his preferences between total creative freedom and guided commissions, and his thoughtful, innovative approach to wood selection.
We also talk about where he finds inspiration, the balance between classic and modern design, and what makes a great patron when commissioning a custom stand. It's a fun and thoughtful conversation for anyone who appreciates the finer details that elevate bonsai display to an art form.
Check out Austin’s incredible work at:
www.austinheitzmanfurniture.com
Instagram: @austinheitzmanfurniture
Chapters
- (00:00:00) - The National Bonsai Show
- (00:03:32) - How Did You Get To the National
- (00:04:24) - Bonsai Lessons in the Fossils
- (00:09:02) - Woodworking and Bonsai: Which Came First?
- (00:15:36) - Brazilian Rosewood Made a Guitar
- (00:19:38) - Do You Bonsai With Brazilian Rosewood?
- (00:23:13) - Walnut, Cherry and More
- (00:25:31) - Does Figure Matter in Bonsai Tables?
- (00:31:09) - Portland artist and carpenter ants
- (00:35:25) - In the Elevator With Woodworkers
- (00:39:14) - Michael Hagedorn on Bonsai
- (00:46:02) - Austin's Bonsai
- (00:50:26) - Bonsai Artist Describes His Style
- (00:52:29) - What Is Traditional Woodwork?
- (00:56:47) - Black Pondo Bonsai Podcast
- (00:59:59) - Would You Make a Traditional Japanese Stand?
- (01:00:41) - PBE Furniture: The Kokufu Stand
- (01:05:08) - Bonsai Studio: Being a Patron
- (01:08:55) - Working With a Single Vision
- (01:11:09) - What is Manzanita Lumber?
- (01:15:50) - Manzanita
- (01:21:33) - Wood Kiln Dry: Manzanita, Red Bud
- (01:28:48) - The Manita in Person
- (01:29:10) - How To Match Up A Bonsai Stand
- (01:34:03) - How To Build a Deciduous Bonsai Stand
- (01:38:19) - Tree Stand Height in the US vs Japan
- (01:45:03) - Isaiah's Tree at the National
- (01:46:59) - Do Darker Tones Work Better For Bonsai Stands
- (01:52:23) - Walnut, Mahogany
- (01:59:44) - Darkwoods for Bonsai
- (02:04:42) - Future of Bonsai
- (02:09:49) - Austin the Playwright Gets a Speech
