Our YouTube Channel
Deep Dives into the Art, Science, and Soul of Viewing Stones on the VSANA YouTube Channel with Tom Elias
A commitment to teaching
If you’re inspired by the rich photographic galleries and scholarly insights on VSANA.org, you’ll find even more depth and engagement on Tom Elias’s YouTube channel, home to the popular VSANA Seminars. There, Tom—former Director of the U.S. National Arboretum—pairs his decades of experience with expert guests like geologists and artists to cover topics ranging from the science of patina to the art of carved wooden bases and the Korean tradition of suseok appreciation. His channel stands out for its commitment to teaching the global viewing‑stone enthusiast—from the origins of gongshi and suiseki to the principles of display and evaluation.
A fusion of geology, art, and history
Tom offers a rare combination of scientific precision, cultural fluency, and a lifetime of collecting and publishing—over 100 articles and six books—and leading the North American Viewing Stone Association (VSANA) with his wife, Hiromi Nakaoji. His passion for spreading knowledge is unmatched: each video is thoughtfully prepared to deepen your appreciation of stones as aesthetic objects and cultural artifacts. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or curious newcomer, visiting his YouTube channel is an opportunity to explore the fusion of geology, art, and history through a lens guided by one of the field’s foremost authorities.
Join Tom on YouTube
Subscribe to the VSANA YouTube Channel today and join Tom Elias on a journey through the world’s most captivating viewing stones—where art, geology, and cultural history come to life. Don’t miss new episodes featuring expert insights, stunning visuals, and stories that deepen your appreciation of this timeless practice.
Expanding the Reach of Suiseki Education Through Collaborative Videos
To enrich our own educational efforts, VSANA is pleased to share links to three videos featuring Tom Elias that were produced by others. While these videos are not our own productions, they complement and expand upon the material we have developed. Jason Chan of Eastern Leaf, whose YouTube channel reaches a broad bonsai audience, has posted two informative videos featuring Tom: Viewing Stones (Suiseki) Collection of Tom Elias, which has garnered over 50,000 views, and Basic Tabletop Bonsai and Stone Display Elements with Tom Elias, which has reached even more viewers—underscoring the strong crossover interest between bonsai and suiseki. A third video, Suiseki Master Class by Tom Elias, was produced by Enlightened Sapiens for the South Asian Bonsai Society and brings Tom’s insights to an international audience. These collaborations help amplify VSANA’s mission and bring greater visibility to viewing stones through established platforms.
