Ori-hagane, or "folded-steel" in Japanese, is a sculptural system that I have developed, to construct three-dimensional forms from flat stainless-steel sheets without welding. Precisely engineered slits allow components to interlock, transferring structural force from fusion to calibrated tension, compression, and balance. Each work becomes a study in relational strength—where form emerges through interdependence rather than mass.

 

 In practice, I start with a conceptual drawing (1) in different projections of the sculpture. I then make a maquette out of cardboard (2), translate the parts into machine-readable CAD drawings (3), and have parts cut into form using a commercial water-jet cutter (4). Then, I grind down the edges, and test the assembly (5). Finally, I have the parts powder-coated before assembling them into the sculptures shown here (6). In this new medium, I make three-dimensional objects using two dimensional building blocks, and imbibe them with structural stability, movement, lightness (even though they are made of steel), depth and the Japanese concept of Notan or negative space.