CONTEMPORARY HAWAI‘I WOODWORKERS

Step into the world of some of Hawai‘i’s finest woodworkers.
Like the islands they call home, these artists have been somewhat isolated from the rest of the world. Until now. This hardcover, full-color, coffee-table book shares the inspiration, imagination, and creativity of 36 wood artists who draw inspiration from Hawai‘i’s rich culture. You’ll learn about their knowledge of the native woods, their joy of working in wood, and the influence these islands have on their creations.

Contemporary Hawai‘i Woodworkers, a treasure of a book measuring approx. 10” wide by 12” high, features artists who have either received awards in juried or judged Hawai‘i fine craft/woodworking exhibitions and/or have had pieces purchased by the Hawai‘i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts for public display. Through their own words, you’ll learn what inspires them, why they feel drawn to create, and how they are connected to their work.

In addition to showcasing these talented woodworkers, Contemporary Hawai‘i Woodworkers also features:

  • • Chapters introductions that include a brief history about Joinery, Sculpture, and Woodturning—tracing how these art forms developed in the islands.
  • • A chapter about Hawai‘i’s trees that takes you on a journey into the forests and shares photographs and stories of the trees most commonly used by these woodworkers. An additional feature about native species, which could be used by future generations if they are properly reforested and sustainably harvested, has an eye toward the future. It explores the need to focus on conservation and restoration of our native forests.
  • • The final chapter recounts the vision and foresight of the founders of Hawai‘i’s fine craft/woodworking organizations and the exhibitions they provide. These people saw a need and created opportunities for wood artists to share their work with the public. Through these annual exhibitions, you can see more fabulous work by Hawai‘i’s talented woodworkers.

This graphically captivating coffee-table book will connect you with that which is distinctly Hawai‘i—the wood, the art, the Aloha.

Contact the Artists

Below are website links or contact information for each of the contemporary Hawai‘i woodworkers featured in the book. They are in alphabetical order by category (same as the book). For the few without websites, you’ll be directed to their e-mail. Please feel free to share with them your appreciation of their creations!

Joinery


Sculpture


Woodturning

Woodworking & Fine Craft Organizations

Want to see more amazing art?
Learn more about the organizations that developed exhibition opportunities that have such a positive impact on Hawai‘i’s woodworkers. Through their foresight, these pioneers saw a need to organize the woodworking and arts communities and have continued to provide exceptional, museum quality, exhibitions. Click on their links to learn more about them and their upcoming exhibitions where you can see more work by even more of Hawai‘i’s talented woodworkers.

Sponsors

Mahalo to our sponsor!
Without your generous support, this book idea would not have become a reality. To learn more about the people and businesses dedicated to promoting Hawai‘i’s wood artists, click on their links below. Be sure to give them a warm mahalo!

Reviews

“Truly magnificent! Contemporary Hawai‘i Woodworkers is a masterful survey of Hawai‘i artists’ contribution to the contemporary wood art movement. Each page is a stunning testimony to the high level of design and craftsmanship that each of these artists have achieved. I could feel the love and care that went into each piece. The added section on native trees provides a wonderful insight into the richly grained and colorful woods that are unique to the islands and have inspired these artists to do such wonderful pieces. I have traveled across the country and around the world in search of the best in contemporary works in wood. Never have I found such a consistently high level of craftsmanship and thoughtful design in one place. The Aloha spirit is truly alive and well in Hawai‘i.”
—Ray Leier, del Mano Gallery, Los Angeles, Calif.

“Objects crafted by artists from beautiful Hawaiian woods have provided a way to bring home a piece of this paradise—treasured keepsakes that capture both the beauty and the spirit of this unique place. Contemporary Hawai‘i Woodworkers: the Wood, the Art, the Aloha showcases a stunning array of works that has grown out of and expanded these traditions. This treasury of images and insight serves to introduce this exciting work to a new audience, while providing an important reference for seasoned collectors and curators.”
—Kevin Wallace, Director, Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts

“Information about woodworking in the Hawaiian Islands has been scarce. Contemporary Hawai‘i Woodworkers gives a comprehensive overview of personalities and work, as well as some excellent cultural and natural history, in a very approachable package.”
—Andrew Glasgow, Executive Director, American Craft Council

“Finally, there is a book that features the fabulous Hawai‘i woodworkers and their beautiful craft. This book is beautifully organized and provides personal insights about the craftsmen themselves.”
—Michael Tam, CEO, Martin & MacArthur

Resources

Looking for ways to help Hawaii’s forests or for more information about the trees? Visit these links.

Hawai‘i Forestry and Agroforestry Trees Dr. J. B. Friday, University of Hawaii, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, Hawaii Forestry Extention

Flora of the Hawaiian Islands Smithsonian Institute and the National Tropical Botanical Gardens

Koa (Acacia koa) Ecology and Silviculture USDA Forest Service, General Technical Report PSW-GTR-211 by Patrick J. Baker, Paul G. Scowcroft, and John J. Ewel, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station, Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry.

Hawaii Forest Industry Association The Hawaii Forest Industry Association (HFIA) is dedicated to responsible forest management. It offers an annual woodworking exhibition, sponsors the Hawaii’s Wood trademark, and serves as an advocate for Hawaii’s diverse forest industry — from tree planting and harvesting to creating and selling wood products.

Additional Resources

Amy Peck-Photoshop Artist Incredible works of art created using imagery in Photoshop–including Amy’s signature “Glorious Goddess” portraits.

Edens Images Photography by Doug Edens