Ocean Harmony: Recent Work by Derek Bencomo
May 3 - August 22, 2002

Maui artist Derek Bencomo was born in 1962 in Los Angeles, California, and spent the majority his free time on the beach surfing and bicycling. His love for surfing and the water brought Bencomo and his wife to the island of Maui in 1984. Once in the Islands, he admired the quality of Hawaiian wood craftsmanship and became captivated by the tropical woods. When Bencomo was introduced to the work of HawaiÎi wood turning artists Jack Straka and Ron Kent, he was inspired to purchase his first lathe. Bencomo is a self-taught woodworker and considers himself still in the process of learning and developing his skill.

The title of this exhibition, Ocean Harmony, reflects Bencomoâs relationship with his environment and his involvement with the ocean. The exhibition presents over 25 works formed from nearly twenty species of wood, including koa, milo, sandalwood, monkey pod, pink ivory, pheasant, kamani, kukui nut and ebony. Included in this exhibition are works from three of Bencomoâs ongoing series: Come to Me Dancing, Still Dancing and Ocean Harmony.

Through his work, he conveys his experiences in and on the water; each vessel seems to flow and undulate as if it were a wave. When Bencomo begins a new piece, he has an idea of the shape, yet the nature of the grain determines the final form. He particularly enjoys this synthesis of the artistâs creativity with the natural characteristics and beauty inherent in wood.