My origami art wouldn’t be what it is without Rogier Uitenboogaart, a Dutch washi master and a dear friend who has been making my paper for 11 years.

From his Kamikoya studio in Yusuhara, Japan, he creates ultra-thin, sturdywashi with passion and precision – ranging from 18 g/m2 to as light as 9g/m2. Together, we’ve developed a special recipe, strong enough to support my complex “1 paper no cut” designs, from cranes to lotus flowers with dozens of layers.

Rogier is more than a craftsman; he’s a partner and a friend who understands my vision. His traditional approach – no machines, no chemicals, using homegrown kozo and local spring water – gives my paper a unique strength and finesse. He knows exactly what I need: paper thin enough to almost float, yet tough enough not to tear under my folds. Thanks
to his paper, I’ve been able to develop my system into 100,000 possible designs from a single sheet – I’ve already created over 5,000.

Our bond goes beyond work. Rogier is a kindred spirit in my journey as an origami artist, someone who shares my passion for innovation and supports my dreams. His dedication to preserving washi, a dying art form, inspires me every day. Without his craftsmanship and friendship, I could never have refined my system to this extent. Rogier is the quiet force behind that part of my work, and as a friend, a rock in my life. For that, I am eternally grateful.

Visit his website to learn more about his beautiful craft: https://kamikoya-washi.com/english