Eric Ridgeway
Bonsai Artist, Software Craftsman,
Magic the Gathering Nerd
It's easiest to know a man best by what he loves -
-
Gnarly trees, that look ancient and tell stories of survival
-
Die grinders, Dremel Tools, Aluminum Wire
-
Akadama, Lava, Pumice Substrates
-
Favorite Deciduous - Korean Hornbeam (Carpinus coreana)
-
Favorite Conifer - Alaskan Yellow Cedar (Chamaecyparis nootkatensis... and we don't care if it's now Callitropsis nootkatensis. It changes whenever someone gets a Ph.D.)
-
Favorite Bonsai Tool - Joshua Roth Garden Pruners #130
-
Scotch Whiskey, Craft Beer, Pie (Definitely not a cake guy, cobbler counts like pie though.)
In 2006, Eric got his first juniper bonsai tree and while lurking on BonsaiTalk (as Ang3lFir3) he met Victrinia and eventually came to Washington in 2007. They married in May of 2009. He joined her in her study at Elandan under Daniel Robinson and became a true 'Student of Dan' in that time, adopting his own irreverent and sometimes non-conformist style of bonsai design. His passion for teaching, humor, and deft hand with a die grinder make him a fun and engaging person to work with.
Eric regards Alaskan Yellow Cedar as his signature species. His ability to make compact foliage as easily as the pendulous foliage they are known for makes for beautiful design opportunities.
​
Eric is a member of the Board of Directors for the American Bonsai Society.
Victrinia Ridgeway
Artist People Person
In 1984... the movie The Karate Kid changed my life. I was 13 years old, and all I wanted to do was be all of the service, honor, and selflessness qualities Mr. Miyagi exemplified in his art and relationships. Eventually, in 2005, I got the courage to try my hand at the art. I found an online bonsai community to help encourage me in my pursuit. (Yes, I still have that first tree... I keep it to keep me humble. It's pretty awful. LOL. Note to everyone... Blue Star Junipers are not great bonsai material.)
Six months into my journey, I would find my way to Elandan Gardens and into the hearts of the Robinson family. "If a girl were brave..." a phrase Daniel said to me early in my studies became my mantra: never hesitate or hold back from what I believed was the right path for the tree in front of me.
Eric and I were married at Elandan Gardens in 2009, and doing bonsai together at a high level has always been a unique and wonderful place where our loves and relationships meet and thrive.
For me, everything about bonsai is rooted in creating community, art, and love.
​
Like Eric, I serve on the Board of Directors of the American Bonsai Society.
