About Me

Hi, I’m Michael — born in Switzerland in 1979, and fascinated by things that combine precision, patience, and soul.

What began as a technical curiosity with metal engraving turned into a journey I never expected. About a year ago, I bought my first MOPA fiber laser. I didn’t know much at the time — just that I was drawn to the idea of marking metal with light. Zippo lighters became my playground. Affordable, solid, and endlessly customizable, they were the perfect objects to experiment with as I learned how to control the machine.

But somewhere along the way, something changed. I stumbled upon the world of fine lighters — masterpieces by S.T. Dupont, Dunhill, and Cartier. I was captivated not only by their function, but by their elegance and craftsmanship. Then, I received a broken Dupont lighter with chipped lacquer. It should have been just another test object — but instead, it became the spark that led me to discover Urushi.

Urushi — traditional Japanese lacquer — is not just a material. It’s a philosophy. A practice of patience, humility, and deep respect for nature. To explore this art, I needed objects to work on. That’s how I found fountain pen kits. Simple at first, but the more I worked with them, the more I understood their beauty. Much like the lighters, these writing instruments became more than tools — they became carriers of intention.

And so, a new path opened. I now spend my time somewhere between tradition and technology, between Japanese lacquer and European brass, between laser beams and brushstrokes. I'm not doing this commercially. There's no grand plan. Just a quiet joy in making things — one piece at a time — and a wish to share the journey as it unfolds.

This website is my journal. A place to collect thoughts, show work-in-progress, and maybe connect with others who find beauty in the balance between craft and curiosity.