Andy has been an admirer of wood, and things made from wood throughout his life. There is something about the natural and organic nature of wood that fascinates him. Every tree is unique, and no two pieces of wood are the same. Like fingerprints from heaven, are the grain lines on a piece of wood. Amazing!
In the year 2000 Andy had the opportunity to learn woodturning when he took a basic bowl turning class. He went home with a lathe in his trunk and a passion for turning that lives on to this day. He joined the Honolulu Woodturner’s club, an affiliate of the American Association of Woodturners, where he has held many titles over the years. His most recent endeavor was that of founder and director of the Honolulu Symposium, a statewide gathering of turning enthusiasts.
While many turners look for a flawless piece of wood to work with, Andy finds great satisfaction in turning flawed and blemished pieces of wood into works of art. Bug holes, decay, and natural inclusions are not viewed as defects, but rather as unique character highlights, the wonders of nature at their best!
Avocado
Andy explores many directions in wood turning, but specializes in the organic beauty of natural edge bowls. His trademark works are natural edge nested bowl sets. Though the process to extricate multiple bowls from one log is challenging, the results, when successful, can be astounding!
All of the wood Andy uses for creating bowls comes from Oahu grown trees that were brought down by either a property owner or strong gust of wind. He rescues the wood for a higher purpose before it can be transported to a land fill.
Andy has lived on the island of Oahu since the 1980’s and works in a hillside studio where he is inspired by a spectacular ocean view overlooking the island’s south shore and beyond.
Macadamia
andycolewood@gmail.com