[1] Neil grew up in Colorado and went to California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, majoring in horticulture and studying Japanese.
[2][3] He apprenticed under Japanese bonsai artist Masahiko Kimura for six years.
The location was chosen because of its temperate, wet climate and the availability of yamadori, trees growing in the wild that are suitable for bonsai.
Also in 2016, Ryan organized "The Artisans Cup," a juried competition of American bonsai held at the Portland Art Museum.
Neil is featured in the 2023 HBO Documentary by Irene Taylor, "Trees and Other Entanglements.