The art of Tom Nakagawa

Born in Paia, Maui, and raised in a pineapple plantation village in Haiku; "Galanto" was an early nickname for myself, Thomas M. Nakagawa, indicating the "Sir Galahad" in my character. A third generation Japanese American, I live with the old world values and yet see the current trends. A pocket knife was always a part of my pocket junk and  I worked on bias relief wood carving while serving in the United States Navy, whittling away the time on long ocean voyages. There is still a pocket knife hanging out in my pocket.

I work with "deadfall"; wood that has died from storm damage or natural demise. Using natural curves, twists, and colors of wood, I release the Mauli (spirit) of the La’au (wood) and it sometimes takes months of visualizing the form to create a piece.

Canes serve as a practical craft, and also an artistic achievement in the completed wood. Take the time to feel the natural hand hold I have carved into the handle and also admire the vibrant and sometimes iridescent color and tones of the cane.

These canes are one of a kind and many of the ones pictured here are sold. Please let us know which are your favorites and we can check the sales floor for availability. We will send photos upon request. Custom orders are welcome.

Tom Nakagawa - Slideshow

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