My artwork is deeply inspired by Hawaiian culture, and I find great fulfillment in shaping metal into meaningful creations that resonate with others. The process of crafting something that people appreciate brings me immense satisfaction, and working with metal ensures that my pieces will stand the test of time.
THE PLUMERIA BLOSSOM – FASHIONED FROM BRONZE
The original Plumeria Blossom was crafted as a gift for someone special in 2008. Over the years, I’ve refined the design and fabrication process. While at first glance the flowers may look identical, each one is unique due to the handmade nature of the work. Some are larger, some feature different burnishing, and others are specially painted. Each piece can be customized to suit a specific request.
THE WHALE – STAINLESS STEEL ON A WOODEN BASE
One of my favorite creations is The Whale, crafted for the father of a close friend who collects whale-themed art made from various materials. For his birthday, I was asked to create a stainless steel piece. Using images of a humpback whale diving for inspiration, the design seemed to take shape naturally. The final piece stood about 29 inches tall, 10 inches wide, and 1/2 inch thick, with a 9-inch tail fluke. I mounted it on a piece of beautifully sanded and oiled Brazilian wood to highlight its grain. For a first attempt, I was pleased with the result, and the father loved it.
PAC 12 TROPHY
During my time working for metal artist and sculptor Archie Held, I had the opportunity to work on many remarkable projects. One of my favorites was the PAC-12 Football Championship Trophy, which I helped create for three consecutive years. Working with Archie is where I honed my skills with bronze, a material I’ve come to love.
BRONZE & STAINLESS TROPHY
This passion for creating art extends to my love of football, which inspired a trophy to commemorate the North Bay Rattlers’ undefeated 14-0 season in 2012. As a player on the team, it was especially meaningful to contribute to something that represents a sport I’m passionate about.
PACIFIC COAST FOOTBALL LEAGUE ED SEMENSCHIN MEMORIAL TROPHY
In 2017, I had the honor of crafting the Pacific Coast Football League (PCFL) Ed Semenschin Memorial
Trophy. Designed to celebrate the spirit of competition and sportsmanship, this championship trophy holds special significance. The football and stand are both meticulously handcrafted from stainless steel, ensuring durability and a sleek, modern aesthetic.
This unique piece not only serves as a symbol of victory for the PCFL champions but also stands as a tribute to the memory of Ed Semenschin, capturing the resilience, strength, and unity that the league represents. It was a privilege to contribute to this meaningful legacy through my work.
CANOE – BRONZE OUTRIGGER
Another cherished project was the first outrigger canoe I made as a gift for the founders of the Lokahi Outrigger Canoe Club in Petaluma, California. The canoe, entirely handmade from bronze sheet and solid stock, measured 32 inches long and was designed by me. It was rigged in the traditional style, just like a full-size Wa’a. This canoe is the largest I’ve made, but I’ve also created smaller versions measuring 24 inches and 16 inches in length.
BRONZE HAWAIIAN EWA BIRD
The Hawaiian Ewa Bird, crafted from stainless steel, is a striking representation of one of Hawaii’s native birds. Known for its grace and strength, the Ewa bird holds a special place in Hawaiian culture, symbolizing freedom and resilience. This handcrafted piece captures the essence of the bird with sleek lines and polished surfaces, showcasing the beauty of stainless steel while offering a modern take on a traditional symbol.
Each Ewa Bird is custom-made, with slight variations in size and finish, ensuring that every piece is unique. Designed to last, this stainless steel sculpture can serve as both an indoor or outdoor statement, reflecting the timeless connection between nature and artistry.
Perfect for those who appreciate Hawaiian culture and handcrafted art, this piece embodies elegance, strength, and cultural heritage.
BRONZE HAWAIIAN WARRIOR WEAPON
This handcrafted Hawaiian Warrior Weapon combines traditional craftsmanship with modern materials, featuring a bronze body and stainless steel shark teeth. Inspired by ancient Hawaiian weapons, the piece embodies strength, protection, and cultural heritage. The bronze body showcases a rich, earthy tone, while
the stainless steel shark teeth provide sharp, polished details that reflect the power and precision of the warrior spirit.
Each weapon is a unique work of art, blending the resilience of bronze with the durability of stainless steel to create a striking and timeless piece. This fusion of materials makes it not only a powerful symbol of Hawaiian culture but also a visually captivating addition to any collection or display.