As part of next month’s statewide Hawaii’s Woodshow, the sponsoring Hawaii Forest Industry Association (HFIA) is offering a unique opportunity for wood artists to enhance their skills at a hands-on workshop with internationally acclaimed woodworker Paul Schurch.
As part of next month’s statewide Hawaii’s Woodshow, the sponsoring Hawaii Forest Industry Association (HFIA) is offering a unique opportunity for wood artists to enhance their skills at a hands-on workshop with internationally acclaimed woodworker Paul Schurch.
The HFIA will host the “Marquetry and Design Workshop” with Schurch Sunday and Monday, Sept. 1-2, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at Winkler Woods on Oahu.
Marquetry is the art and craft of applying pieces of veneer to a structure to form decorative patterns, designs or pictures.
“We are thrilled to have Paul conduct these workshops, as well as serve as a juror for this year’s Hawaii’s Woodshow,” said HFIA Executive Director Heather Simmons.
“Paul is a talented artist who has been teaching furniture making, veneer work and marquetry for many years, and we are fortunate that he is passing on the valuable knowledge he has received from many fine teachers and masters of the trades,” said Simmons.
Schurch will also be leading free “Timeless Design for Modern Times” lectures on Oahu and the Big Island. Visit www.woodshow.hawaiiforest.org for times and locations.
There is limited space remaining for the Oahu Sept. 1-2 workshop. Anyone interested in registering may do so online in the resources section of the website, or call Andy Cole at 808-778-7036. Workshop registration is $250 and includes Schurch’s marquetry DVD and book. Attendees will depart with a quality piece they create during the workshop.
“The furniture I create is inspired by my connection to, and observation of, nature. I see my furniture as an amalgam of classically influenced styles and contemporary shapes, playful imagery and exotic materials,” said Schurch. “I am excited by the prospect of reinterpreting timeless concepts in a fresh and unique manner.”
Hawaii’s Woodshow will be staged Sept. 1-15 at the Honolulu Museum of Art School at Linekona.
The exhibition is open to the public from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Admission is free.
Joining Schurch as jurors at the 21st annual Hawaii’s Woodshow will be award-winning studio furniture designer and former Hawaii’s Woodshow coordinator Marian Yasuda and Norman G. Y. Hong, an award-winning member of the American Institute of Architects and CEO at Group 70 International.
The three jurors will have the difficult task of selecting winners in various categories including professional and student divisions from among dozens of entries showcasing the versatility and beauty of Hawaii woods.
The exhibition typically features 80 or more breathtaking heirloom-quality works of furniture, woodturning, sculpture and musical instruments made from acacia koa, mango, kamani, milo, Norfolk pine, macadamia nut, kiawe and other Hawaii-grown woods. Sponsors helping to make Hawaii’s Woodshow possible include Kamehameha Schools, the State Foundation on Culture & the Arts, DLNR Division of Forestry & Wildlife, Hawaii Forest Institute, Woodcraft, Halekulani On the Beach at Waikiki, Maui Custom Woodworkers Inc., Ocean Eagle, Ron and Myra Kent, Hilo Frame Shop, Tusher Architectural Group and Bubbies Ice Cream.
This year there will be a unique display of young-growth koa pieces by Hawaii Island woodworkers. This is part of the Young-Growth Koa Wood Quality Assessment and Demonstration Project, which gathered data and information on the potential value of koa wood before it reaches maturity.
A collaboration between HFIA, USDA Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station and Northern Research Station, and the University of Hawaii, this project addresses questions about the viability of young-growth koa in existing markets.
Hawaii’s Woodshow was created to promote an appreciation for the remarkable variety of Hawaii-grown woods as well as for the talented woodworkers throughout our islands.
Artists are limited to Hawaii-grown wood and are encouraged to use conservative techniques such as veneering to make the most effective use of woods in limited supply.
Certain rare or endangered species are prohibited. For more information visit http://woodshow.hawaiiforest.org.
Established in 1989, HFIA is a nonprofit corporation founded by and for people dedicated to responsible forest management. HFIA promotes healthy and productive forests and a sustainable forest industry.
In addition to Hawaii’s Woodshow, along with affiliate Hawaii Forest Institute, HFIA sponsors projects and programs to promote healthier forests including Hawaii’s Wood Brand, forest restoration projects, and community forests with youth outreach programs.
Visit HFIA www.hawaiiforest.org and the Hawaii Forest Institute at www.hawaiiforestinstitute.org.