The art of Kumiko goes back well over a thousand years in Japan, and is indelibly woven into culture.  For me, it's a matter of three short years, in my cramped basement workshop, and I have been awed and humbled by the precision and patience required.  I can not hope to master it, but I have been steadily progressing and exploring this most wonderful art form, with its many patterns and motifs. Whereas kumiko is more commonly presented unadorned, allowing the beauty and simplicity of the patterns to shine, I have been applying some decidedly non-ancient touches to many of the pieces I produce, principally acrylic resins and colours.  These may be a bit more whimsical in nature, set beside the traditional arrangements you'll see here.

​

This page is being developed, and it is my hope to have the scope of my work represented here soon (with much better photos than these taken in a hurry with an old iPhone...)  For the moment, each item is briefly described if you click on it.

 

Also, I have produced a couple of short videos which explain the origin of my recent exploration of the Shippo pattern and bending yellow cedar to make it, as well as the fundamental differences and challenges in making hexagonal jigumi, or frames, in Part 2.

​

If there is anything that intrigues you, get in touch and we can chat.  I would be happy to make a specific piece of interest for you.