Artistry from a Native Woodturner
Inspired by “Wabi Sabi”, embracing imperfections, Each hand-turned vessel celebrates the natural story of the wood with its complex grain density, color, patterns, knots and inclusions. These unique features are guides that allow me freedom to design on-the-fly completing one-of-kind works of art.
It begins with the ‘Aina”-this living land whose quiet “mana” (strength), beauty, and enduring spirit guide every creation. As a Woodturner, it is at this rooted connection that reflects the calm beauty of the farm into a labor of love art piece. My role is not to impose form, but to discover it to be enjoyed.
Sustainable Art with Purpose
Rooted on the slopes of Mauna Loa, I am a devoted woodturner dedicated to transforming responsibly sourced native-grown hardwoods. My journey is more than just about woodturning; it’s about honoring the aina (land), The “Pono” (harmony) Way and nurturing a sustainable future through thoughtful practices in agro-forestry development.
My Artmanship Journey
Living on rainforest land, my love of art reflects the unique rhythm of this vibrant ecosystem. The desired goal of each vessel is to capture the heart of the wood to resonate with the beholder.
Ride the Bevel
I invite you to explore my collection and discover how my hand-turned pieces can enrich your space. Each vessel was created to be held, it’s a piece of art that carries the legacy of the volcanic soil and the spirit of the Big Island. Connect with me and find a timeless piece that resonates with your soul.
Once a Forager
always a Forager
As a child growing up in Hawaii, I always enjoyed picking fresh fruit off trees. The usual way of reaching the fruits was to climb the tree. Easy pickins’ was always rare. I considered myself lucky if the branch was low enough with fruit on it. Often times I had to jump as high as I could to get a firm grip of the branch to pull it down to reach the prize. One day, I did just that. It was a mango tree. I was successful in jumping high enough to bring the branch to my level but I hung on with to much weight and the branch snapped sending me to the ground on my head. My first experience in getting stitches and I was frantic. Needles, Needles, Needles, Terrifying! The scar healed and also my pride. Today, I still enjoy picking fruit off trees. With age you get alittle wiser in harvesting these delectables. Homesteading on the lower slope of Mauna Loa at 2000′ elevation where Waiawi, (strawberry guava) grows very long slender trunks. Perfect to make fruit pickers with. Waiawi, is considered an invasive species here on the Big Island but back then it was one of my favorite road-side fruit. Today, its still pretty tasty. I always have a Waiawi fruit picker in my truck for easy pickins’ opportunities.
Water is Life
Rain is always welcomed here on the farm. Keeps the plants watered naturally. But when it comes to growing food it has its challenges. We have to make sure the nursery pots and in-ground planting holes are mixed with volcanic cinder to improve drainage while it establishes itself. Most of the existing nutrients gets leached out due to rainfall so adding nutrients back into the soil before planting is a good practice for rewards.
Here in Hawaii, its interesting how certain plants and weeds get classified as invasive making one think its no good at all. But in reality here on the farm, its considered commodities.
These invasive species becomes the greens and browns to make ideal compost supporting growing food organically.
Growing Organics
However one thinks, I believe that the effort of improving health, body and soul is worth giving a try. When I need to tend to the farm, I continuously seeking information on how to grow food better. It feels like an experimental lab trying to figure things out. Its always learning something new. Sometimes you win and sometimes “Back to the drawing board.”
Being a steward of the “Aina” (Land) is a rejuvinating spirit:Â Living, Working, Creating, and Playing right here on the Farm.
Connect with me and find a timeless piece that resonates with your soul.
Born on the Big Island to an immigrant father from the Phillipines and an island-born Mother from Kona. Raised during the sugar plantation days was of humble beginnings in the mill camp neighborhood of Pahala.
The community was small but abundance of friendships and neighborly connections will always remain in my heart. Today, when I visit Pahala, it feels like home. Pretty much the village looks the same and it always bring smiles and chuckles remembering being “kolohe” (naughty) just to stir up some fun.
Hence, the name, “MillCamp Girl”
Born on the Big Island to an immigrant father from the Phillipines and an island-born Mother from Kona. Raised during the sugar plantation days was of humble beginnings in the mill camp neighborhood of Pahala.
The community was small but abundance of friendships and neighborly connections will always remain in my heart. Today, when I visit Pahala, it feels like home. Pretty much the village looks the same and it always bring smiles and chuckles remembering being “kolohe” (naughty) just to stir up some fun.
Hence, the name, “MillCamp Girl”