Koa, basalt
34" x 10" x 12” (86 x 25 x 30 cm)

A piece of koa - a valuable and rare Hawaiian wood - was given to my father in 1998. After saving it for 20 years, he gave this heirloom to me. The block was sectioned to reveal the smooth interior grain and soft textures, which contrast its rough, raw exterior - highlighting the relationship between the hand of the artist, and the hand of nature. A feeling of lightness was achieved by cutting each piece at an angle, and reassembling them offset: a visual sensation of ascension.