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DEREK A. BENCOMO Woodworking Artist Derek Bencomo was born in Los Angeles, California on October fourth 1962, and was raised on the southern California coast. He spent many days on the beach surfing and bicycling. Derek's interest in wood working did not develop until he started buying restorable antique furniture for his own use. Derek appreciated the fine workmanship and the beauty of the natural grains of the woods. In 1984 the congestion of the city and the crowding of the beaches no longer fitted Derek's low key life style and he and his wife moved to Hawaii and finally settled on the Island of Maui. In Hawaii his exposure to exotic woods and the history and quality of Hawaiian craftsmanship convinced Derek to become a wood worker. Having no wood working experience at the time, Derek had to teach himself, and as a result, developed his unique techniques and style. It took three long years before Derek considered his work to be of gallery quality, but has since that time established himself to be one of the top wood workers in the United States. Derek considers himself to still be learning and developing his skill. He is a self taught wood turner who values the freedom from strict form. It takes stamina for a tree to grow on an island and Derek's sensitive caress across the finished wood reflects his appreciation of the secret beauty of the exotic Maui timbers. He finds great joy in the integrity of each individual piece as he guilds it into a new life as bowls and vessels. It is a delicate transformation, a synthesis of the creative energy of a man and the indigenous energy stored in the trees. Derek's work can be seen year round at select locations throughout the United States. Derek's work can be seen exclusively on Maui at his Lahaina studio. Derek invites visitors to his studio and also demonstrates his wood turning and carving techniques. Derek now teaches his skills of wood turning with others using his unique hands on approach. Derek also enjoys working directly with clients creating one of a kind pieces of art. Derek's work is collected by museums and private collectors in the United States and from around the world. © 2001 Derek Bencomo |