meet the artist

Michio, a mixed Asian American sits smiling surrounded by lilac flowers. They have a pale complex, glasses, and short pink hair. They are wearing a pastel purple knit sweater with mini yarn skein earrings.

Michio Kobayashi

I am a multidisciplinary artist primarily focused in bookbinding as a foundation for showcasing my background in leatherwork, printmaking, watercolor, and fiber and textile arts. My work is largely influenced by my experiences as a disabled, trans, and queer person of the Japanese and Korean diasporas.

Michio, a light skinned mixed Asian American with bright magenta hair, stands behind their table at an art fair wearing an N95 and a handmade dress. On their table are a variety of handmade books and furoshiki.

While much of my inspiration is derived from traditional Japanese folk art, symbolism, and seasonality, my love of nature also informs my studio practices and sustainability efforts.

Although the process of creation often creates waste, I use as much of my scraps as possible in unique products such as my book earrings, projects made with my scrap papers, and handmade papers made with upcycled materials. I am also in the process of creating and using natural dyes and ink into my creations.