Maka, when used in the Hawaiian language, can refer to the eye, the eyes of a net, the tip of a spear, or the stamen of a flower.  This series began when I teamed up with my mentor Carl F. K. Pao in the annual Maka- show every November at the Arts at Marks Garage in Honolulu's Chinatown district.  The show is meant to explore the word maka, expressing its essence through each artists unique use of Polynesian-Pacific motif and form.

Eye forms

In my first year participating in the Maka- show, I took to his approach of abstraction.  Transforming the human eye to its most elemental form I created several ceramic totems that incorporated Hawaiian motifs.

Wire forms

In addition to abstracting the human eye, I created forms that played off another definition for maka, the eyes of a net.  When I was a boy, my grandfather taught me to sew nets.  This is my way of reconnecting and perpetuating that memory.

Wood forms

For the second year of the Maka- show I chose to work in wood, both natural and milled.  Exploring maka as it is defined as the stamen of a flower.