Island Treasures: Tai Lake Fine Woodworking — Holualoa
By Le‘a Gleason
For the last 35 years, Tai Lake has been creating finely crafted wood pieces here on Hawai‘i Island. Part of what sets him apart from the many excellent woodworkers that work and reside in Hawai‘i is his design ethic.
“My early background in music helps me with the rhythm and balance that is embodied in form. Goethe talked about architecture being frozen music…furniture is just a smaller version of that. A good piece has lines that harmonize and add balance to any environment,” Tai says.
Tai has a background in construction and architecture and was always drawn towards wood and woodworking. His company was originally known for the technical and architectural woodwork that was part of the projects such as staircases, inlaid cabinetry, and special touches, and then made the move to full time furniture building in 1991.
His unique pieces far surpass the general term “furniture.” Instead, they are beautifully articulated wood sculptures with strong design elements and are also functional. There are intricately carved gates, unique dining tables, stunning benches, and so much more.
Tai builds with wood harvested from local trees that needed to be removed, or from sawyers working with long-term forestry management plans. Some of the common woods he builds with are mango, monkeypod, Norfolk pine, ‘ōhi‘a, eucalyptus, and what he calls, “the odd aromatic cedar” ‘opiuma.
On his website, Tai writes, “Castaneda talks about standing, breathlessly, awash in the great possibilities that surround us. I’m ever more grateful that I’ve been able to stay on this path of making ideas real. It is a long standing conversation where the forest, the trees, the needs, skills and tools all play a part.”
His family is also a part of the building process. Wife Mary Jo keeps everyone “covered,” son Noa runs all the timber and machines and is a very talented carver, and son Jonah is with Tai in the shop full time every day. Their daughter, Kristin, is involved in creative arts as a theatrical lighting expert and spends time in the shop in their ever-expanding art metals and jewelry area.
Tai also holds the distinction of having crafted the chair the Dalai Lama sat on during his visit in 2012.
His creations really are something you’ve got to see for yourself. To view Tai Lake’s work, visit his website, Wishard Gallery in Waimea, or Tiffany’s Art Agency at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. For a real treat, book an appointment at his home gallery in Hōlualoa. ❖
Tai Lake Fine Woodworking
808.324.1598
tai@tailake.net
TaiLake.net
