#32 Austin Heitzman

About this episode

Lee Bonsai interviews Austin Heitzman about his work as a bonsai table and furniture maker.

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

People in this episode

Host: Lee Bonsai

Guest: Austin Heitzman

Topics covered

• bonsai
• furniture making
• art
• design
• craftsmanship

Keywords

• bonsai display tables
• wood selection
• creative freedom
• design inspiration
• custom stands

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: austinheitzmanfurniture.com, Instagram

Places: Portland, OR

More episodes of The Black Pondo Podcast

• #42 Peter Tea · May 26, 2026 · 2h 51m
• #41 Todd Schlafer - First Branch Bonsai · April 30, 2026 · 1h 24m
• #40 Austin Heitzman · April 24, 2026 · 2h 13m
• #39 Addison Galambos · April 17, 2026 · 2h 34m
• #38 Seth Nelson · February 14, 2026 · 2h 53m
• #37 Peter Tea- Part 2 - Deciduous Bonsai · January 21, 2026 · 1h 26m