Art

Item Description

HONU/KOA PANEL

Rare and Wonderful…an Iconic Symbol of Resilience and Wisdom

The Hawaiian green sea turtle, which Hawaiians call “honu,” is a highly revered symbol of protection, ancestral connection, resilience and wisdom. Considered by many to be sacred and a spiritual guardian, its story is told in the Hawaiian creation chant, Kumulipo. No wonder Maui woodworker and artist Radd Haferkamp has created a piece that honors the honu with his work. Radd’s technique, which he calls “shock” art, is his interpretation of the Lichtenberg Figure Effect, a natural occurrence resulting from a lightning strike that leaves a fernlike pattern on the skin or perhaps a large area of grass. Lichtenberg figures usually disappear in 24 – 48 hours but Radd’s are beautifully permanent. To simulate this natural phenomenon, Radd creates a pattern by applying a mix of baking soda and water to the wood and then charges it with 15,000 volts of electricity. The pattern is burned into the wood in gorgeous contrast to the wood itself.

This stylized honu piece is especially noteworthy because it was created using rare Koa wood from the Big Island of Hawaii. This indigenous wood grows only in the Hawaiian islands and is highly prized for its unique graining and beautiful patterning.

Generously donated by the artist, this unique and symbolic work of art measures approximately 23” x 23” and is sure to spark a conversation wherever you display it. 

Gallery estimate: $750

About the Artist

Born in Galveston, Texas in 1979, Radd traveled all over the United States before making his home on Maui in 2002. He started working with wood at the age of 15 when he apprenticed under his father, a carpenter and woodworker. Many of Radd’s works adorn unique homes on Maui, and he is well known for the architectural elements he introduces in entryways and kitchens.

Radd has been producing fine wood pieces since 2004 and has been perfecting his “shock” art for the past few years. Shock art is Radd’s interpretation of the Litchenberg Figures. By removing the transformer from a microwave oven and adapting it use the 15,000 volts of electricity to create his pieces, he is currently mastering the ability to shape this wild art into recognizable forms such as honu and other creatures of Hawai’i.

In addition to his artwork, Radd is recognized for his custom cabinetry, furniture and other fine woodwork. He is happy to create custom pieces by commission. To learn more about Radd, his work and to view a short video on the Lichtenberg Figure Effect, visit www.raddwoodworks.com

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