Contemporary Publications
Contemporary Hawaii Woodworkers; the Wood, the Art, the Aloha
Contemporary Hawaii Woodworkers; the Wood, the Art, the Aloha
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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.
Although the first edition of Contemporary Hawaii Woodworkers; the Wood, the Art, the Aloha has sold out, there are still some Collectors’ Edition copies to be had. These 300 special books were lovingly shipped to four locations on three islands to be autographed by 35 award-winning woodworkers and both authors. Each is numbered, has a gold seal, and comes complete with a slip case for $199. Purchase yours today–only a few remain.
Reviews
—Ray Leier, del Mano Gallery, CA
—Kevin Wallace, Director, Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts
—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
Featured Woodworkers
Joinery
Tom Calhoun
Marcus Castaing
Shaun Fleming
Mats Fogelvik
Tai Lake
Robert Lippoth
David Reisland
Timothy Allan & Tiffany DeEtte Shafto
Ricardo Vasquez
Jay Warner
Alan Wilkinson
Marian Yasuda
Sculpture
Joel Bright
Frank Chase
Francisco Clemente
Dennis Holzer
Rocky Jensen
Rick Kelleher
Michael Lee
Frank McClure
Perry Policicchio
Greg Pontius
Michael Patrick Smith
Woodturning
Elmer Adams (1934 – 2010)
Don Albrecht (1942-2021)
Robert W. Butts
Dan DeLuz (1934 – 2012)
Sharon Doughtie
J. Kelly Dunn
Cliff Johns
Ron Kent
Pat Kramer
Ralph Michaelis
Al Rabold
Gregg Smith
Jack Straka (-2022)
Sponsors
Mahalo to our sponsors!
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!
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.
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
