Kai was born in Santa Monica, California, of mixed parentage- German mother and Alaskan Indian father. Childhood was spent in Los Angeles and Honolulu; adult years in Honolulu, New York and Chicago before settling in San Francisco in 1973.

His professional background spans modeling, cosmetology and clothing design, including elaborate headdresses for nightclub entertainers. Many years as a hair stylist and makeup artist associated him with exclusive salons in Chicago and San Francisco as well as connections to California's movie industry. Over the years he has perhaps derived the most satisfaction and enjoyment from the creative aspects of costume and headdress design. Artistic inspiration came from such celebrity influences as Bob Mackie, Cher, Erte, and the metaphysical paintings of Susan Seddon Boulet.

The professional venture into mask making was seriously started in the year 2000 and Kai was quickly recognized as one of California's most imaginative mask makers. The KaiMask has proven to be the perfect fusion of his wild imagination and past professions, fulfilling in him a longstanding desire to create objects of enduring beauty.

His party masks are exclusive wearable art to masqueraders searching for the unique and unusual. These dramatic disguises are currently in retail stores in the Bay Area and New Orleans. Commissioned orders for masks made to your specifications are also welcomed. Contact Kai and make your dreams come true.

In 2004, the KaiMask venture took on another direction as "sculptural art". Kai started showcasing masks in shadow boxes and acrylic cases for home and office display. The beautiful framed party masks represent dramatic wall art to compliment any decor. His elegant and larger full-face masks mounted on mannequin heads in acrylic cases allow 360 degree viewing and create stunning table and desk top displays.