"Although much of my work could be considered 'rustic,' I prefer not to think of it that way exclusively. Woodworking is my passion — it is, and always will be, evolving. I am fascinated with traditional craftsmanship, most notably exposed joinery. My chairs often include the use of a through mortise-and-tenon reinforced with a hardwood wedge. This creates both a strong joint and reveals exactly what I have done. These exposed joints, I believe, not only display the structural integrity of a chair, but also add a beautiful and unique accent to any piece of furniture.

     I am inspired to create functional furniture that also includes natural forms. A piece may be made entirely using natural forms, or it may also use dimensional lumber. I do not limit myself, which allows for myriad possibilities. Symmetry and proportion are also very important. The most perfect example is nature itself. The natural landscape, no matter where one is on the planet, is proportionately perfect. The winding and bending of rivers through canyons — the random scattering of rocks over the earth — the adapting of trees for their survival: these are my teachers and templates. It is not possible to duplicate Mother Nature's intricacies. It is my goal however, to allow her to influence my creative flow."

     Mike started Tangled Art in September 1999 after returning from a three-month journey to Alaska. At one point, while driving along the Denali Highway, he stopped to take in the view of Tangle Lakes. The landscape was so captivating, and the desire to devote his life to woodworking so strong, that Mike chose the name at that moment and made a commitment to pursue a dream.
     Mike takes natural shapes and the beauty of trees and creates free-form furniture. Although some of the wood is specially cut from the family's property, most of it is due to a relationship he established with a local arborist. Wood once bound for the landfill is now transformed into functional art. His pieces incorporate accents such as through mortise-and-tenon joinery and a unique style of seat weaving. Using hemp twine with the chair frame as his loom, the process takes almost as long as it does to build the chair itself. Rush seating is also used as a tribute to traditional craftsmanship. Mike sands his work until it is absolutely smooth, followed by three or more coats of varnish. He then polishes each piece until it reaches a beautiful satin luster. His attention to detail is evident in all his work, and every creation is lovingly shaped by the inspiration Mike receives when he first sees the original pieces of wood.

2004 - 2006