The greatest credit for my interest in Polynesian Art and Culture goes to my mother. Hawaii was truly her favorite place on Earth, and she visited often almost once a year.

She would always bring back little tikis, treasured Mauna Loa macadamia nuts, and an assortment of other souveniers. Growing up, there was always a polynesian presence, whether Alfred Apaka, Don Ho, and Emma Veary playing in the background, or the way she decorated the places she lived. Often when I visited her, I would pretend I was on a tropical vacation.

The greastest bond between my mother and I came about when I began carving tiki. I was finally creating art with which she could relate.

In 2004 I was able to accompany my mother on her last trip to Hawaii. It was a magical time that will stay in my heart forever. One year later my mother passed from a long battle with Ovarian Cancer, but even through that we found strength in Huna proverbs.

It is for the memory of my mother and the beauty of the Polynesian Way that I continue to carve tiki.
- Bob