Turning into Art

from Maui Nō Ka ʻOi - May-June 2023 Preview

Pollinator Paradise

By CYNTHIA SWEENEY

Victor Holmes and Sandra Bailey have been creating handturned works of art for more than 20 years out of their studio in Makawao. Inspired by the beauty and variety of Hawaiian trees, their story is rooted, one might say, in a love of nature.

It’s not often one finds husband and wife, both artists, and that work in the same medium. Bailey says when she first moved to Maui, she was awed by “all the beautiful wood,” and a desire was sparked to get into woodworking. Then, “When we we decided to get a lathe, it was like a dream come true.”

Holmes was the first to try his hand at turning wood, with Bailey helping by sharpening tools, and soon beginning to apprentice. After learning to turn traditional bowls, vases and calabashes, Bailey and Holmes ventured “off the beaten path,” creating wood sculptures that are sometimes abstract in nature, more art than utilitarian.

“Each piece of wood has its own essence and tells us what it wants to be,” Bailey said.

The duo finds inspiration in nature, on walks with their dogs in the mountains, and in the ocean; Bailey is also an amateur free diver, and Holmes is a surfer.

While each has their own separate style of wood-turning, they also collaborate on many pieces. Bailey will sometimes add color to Holmes’ works with resin inlays and paint, and they also incorporate natural elements like pine cones.

The wood they use for their artwork comes strictly from trees that have already been downed. “I call it tree-cycling,” Bailey said. “It’s wood that probably otherwise would have gone for green waste.” Their studio is also made from recycled material.

Their work is displayed and sold at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, and they also see people by appointment at their studio. They frequently ship pieces around the world to people who visit from places as far away as Saudi Arabia and India.

“When people come here they are looking for something to take home, to remind them of Hawai‘i and their experience,” Bailey said. “It’s especially satisfying when a piece finds its person, when someone really has a connection to your work and enjoys it. That’s why we do what we do, to spread some beauty into the world, and a reminder of Maui.’ ”

Find their work at instagram.com/turningintoart.

DOUBLE R GIFTS

Conveniently located inside the Wharf Cinema Center, you’ll ﬁnd unique gifts to take home from Maui. From handcrafted crochet items, ornaments, and island ﬁgurines – this is your one-stop-shop for kids and adults.

658 Front St, Lāhainā 808-667-6808

Forever H And A Maui

Owner Romela

Agbayani designs and sews these adorable Hawaiian dresses and accessories for 18-inch American Girl dolls, as well as matching dresses and accessories for girls of all ages.

658 Front St, Lāhainā foreverhandamaui.com

IG/FB @foreverhandamaui

808-661-1760

808-276-0960

808-276-3838 features original designs, artwork and photography on products such as caps, watches, leggings, T-shirts and accessories. We use all-natural materials and encourage adventure and exploration of the outdoors.