Michael’s work celebrates the design elements of kumiko, decorative Japanese woodworking, reinterpreting them in a different medium. By keeping true to some of the constraints of the woodworking forms, he
pays respect to the long history of the tradition. Simultaneously, by exploring the possibilities of color, scale, texture, and layering allowed by cut paper, this series explores its own creative space.

He’d like for his work to increase awareness of kumiko for an American audience, and delight viewers with its simple, yet intricate designs.