Better late than never!

I noticed I have not been keeping my blog entries, sorry about that. .
I have been working on my website lately. A lot of changes. Fewer links for more accessible and less confusing navigation, more pictures, updated pages everywhere. The most significant change you will notice is that now you can sign up and pay for my private remote interactive demos. I will be doing my first open to the public demo this Saturday, August 1st, 2020. the response has been great. It's keeping me busy, answering all the emails, and ensuring everybody get all the resources mailed. You will also notice that I have added some items to the online store. I can also add something there if you order something and want to pay me that way. I'm thankful that my studio is located here at home. The Island looks a bit empty without the tourism that we are used to having. Sadly, the Maui Crafts Guild, Maui's oldest owner/artist operated art gallery, had to shut down. That's where I have been selling my art for the last few years. At this moment, we do not know when they will reopen. Thankfully, I have been busy doing a lot of remote demos and selling quite a few pieces of art, directly from my studio. Who could have predicted that Maui's biggest industry, tourism was going to shut down for months due to a virus? I sure do hope that things get back to normal soon.
Meanwhile, if your club is looking for a remote demonstrator, send me a message. I have done over a dozen "The Hawaiian Calabash demo" these past few months, with lots more coming. The demo has evolved into a 3 part demo. I start with the history of the Hawaiian calabash. I then show how I turn a low sided, side grain, and round bottom calabash. I then finish applying some pewa patches to a bowl. I hope to see you on my next demo!
Stay safe, make lots of shavings. Aloha from Maui




Woodturning cover Emiliano Achavla

Made the cover of the best Woodturning Magazine in the world! July 2020

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International Woodturning Symposium

AAW 33rd International Symposium, Raleigh, NC.

I had the privilege to be one of the demonstrators at this year AAW International symposium. Being from Hawaii, it was quite the trip, you could not go any farther in the USA. But it was well worth it! I got there the day before, July g10th 2019, and I took the opportunity of some free time to drive around to get to know the city and to take pictures.
The AAW booked me a room at the Downtown Sheraton; a mere 2 minutes walk to the Convention Center where the symposium was being held. 
Because of the time difference on Thursday the 11th, sign up day, was awake at 4:30 AM. Got up and went searching for more photo opportunities. North Carolina has an amazing Parks and Trails system, and they are everywhere. Check my facebook page if you are curious what some of those parks look like, nature oasis within driving distance for millions of people.
After some leisure time, I drove back and registered as a demonstrator with one of the many outstanding volunteers that help make the symposium a reality. 
After that, I went to vendors row to say hello to some old friends, Doug Thompson and his wife Tari owners of Thompson tools and Mike Hunter owner of Hunter tools. Of course, I saw many others. The annual symposium is like a family reunion, and you get to see friends from all over the world once a year. The social aspect of the biggest get together of woodturners in the world is a desirable factor for many that have attended for years. I talked to some that were attending their 24 consecutive symposia!
I had two demos back to back on Friday morning, July 12th. I started with The history of the Hawaiian Calabash and Hawaiian bowl repairs, I was surprised when the room filled, and some were standing up! 
After a short break, I followed with Boxes with hand chased threads. Again I had a full house! I'd be lying if I tell you I wasn't nervous! But once I got started, it was just like being in the shop, showing a friend how to do something. 
I finished the day by going out to dinner with friends, included Alan and Lauren Zenreich. Then back to the Sheraton bar to see who was there. Stuart Batty was there, and we catch up, he's coming back to Hawaii soon!

I had Saturday off, so I went to see some demos, walked the vendor's area, and marveled at the instant gallery. The work there is out of this world, truly inspiring. 
That night I was invited to attend the annual banquet. It was my first one. I truly enjoyed it. I was escorted to a table by none other than Greg Scharamek, President of the AAW. 
Sunday, the last day of the Symposium, I had my demo after the first rotation. Confidence was running high, except that peeking at some of the classes on the way to my room, I noticed very few people watching. Got a little nervous when a nice size crowd of eager turners ready to learn the ancient art of chasing threads filled up most of the room. I was happy to see the entire delegation of turners from Puerto Rico in the room; thank you for your support! I had already broken the ice, sort of speak, so I got to enjoy this last demo much more. 
I want to thank the AAW for such a great career inspiring opportunity. Especially to Andy Cole, my fellow Hawaiian turner and good friend, and Linda Ferber, the cause of all these great things happening in Maui and to me. She is the one that encouraged me to start the AAW Chapter club in Maui. 
If you have not yet attended one these life-changing Symposiums, you owe it to yourself to add it to your bucket list. You won't be disappointed it, I guaranteed it. 
Till next time, Aloha

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