About Maile Bone Carver
An exclusive interview with the artist himself...
SW: What inspired you to get into this craft?
MBC: "I grew up poor and we only lived off my Dads plantation and it wasn't much to support our family my uncle is the master carver in our family which was pass down from generation to generation iv watch him all my life and i wanted to be just like him when i was old enough my uncle teach me everything he new and what really inspired me the most was the art work from carving because it was telling or saying a lot about our Polynesian culture, my culture is very important to me and my family and it inspired me in so many way in my life."
SW: How long did it take you to master the art?
MBC: "By the time I graduated from high school my uncle said that I'm on my own and that Iv master the carving already and that I should be sharing my art of passion and to help to support my family."
SW: How long have you been doing bone carving?
MBC: "Since I was about 10 years old just around that time line."
SW: Where does an artist typically get his supplies?
"All product are all made and supplied from Kauai, Hawaii and partly gift from Alaska."
SW: About how long does an average piece take to complete?
MBC: "it all depend on the piece that i make and with all the detail together the smaller the piece more it is it more difficulty especially with detail. it can be hours or days and some could take months."
SW: Do the symbols have meaning?
MBC: "Yes, each symbols do have different meaning to life has i design and detail each pieces."
SW: We've heard turtles are your wife's favorites, one of mine too, but do you have a favorite, and if so which one?
MBC: "hahaha! Yes, Shark is my favorite because ever since i was young i have been scared of swimming in the ocean because im so afraid of shark so i decided to wear it so i wont be afraid of shark. but i love every piece i make but so far shark is the best and my favorite."
SW: Do you sign your work?
MBC: "Yes, I do sign my work if you want me to or if ask to."
SW: If you sell a certain design, do you make another if someone wants it after the fact?
MBC: "Yes, I can if they ask and if there is a design they want me to make that is different from my art I am happy to make it for who ever. im more open minded with my work and love to share my work with who ever appreciate my work. "
Mahalo Nui
Copyright 2012 Shelia Weiss
SW: What inspired you to get into this craft?
MBC: "I grew up poor and we only lived off my Dads plantation and it wasn't much to support our family my uncle is the master carver in our family which was pass down from generation to generation iv watch him all my life and i wanted to be just like him when i was old enough my uncle teach me everything he new and what really inspired me the most was the art work from carving because it was telling or saying a lot about our Polynesian culture, my culture is very important to me and my family and it inspired me in so many way in my life."
SW: How long did it take you to master the art?
MBC: "By the time I graduated from high school my uncle said that I'm on my own and that Iv master the carving already and that I should be sharing my art of passion and to help to support my family."
SW: How long have you been doing bone carving?
MBC: "Since I was about 10 years old just around that time line."
SW: Where does an artist typically get his supplies?
"All product are all made and supplied from Kauai, Hawaii and partly gift from Alaska."
SW: About how long does an average piece take to complete?
MBC: "it all depend on the piece that i make and with all the detail together the smaller the piece more it is it more difficulty especially with detail. it can be hours or days and some could take months."
SW: Do the symbols have meaning?
MBC: "Yes, each symbols do have different meaning to life has i design and detail each pieces."
SW: We've heard turtles are your wife's favorites, one of mine too, but do you have a favorite, and if so which one?
MBC: "hahaha! Yes, Shark is my favorite because ever since i was young i have been scared of swimming in the ocean because im so afraid of shark so i decided to wear it so i wont be afraid of shark. but i love every piece i make but so far shark is the best and my favorite."
SW: Do you sign your work?
MBC: "Yes, I do sign my work if you want me to or if ask to."
SW: If you sell a certain design, do you make another if someone wants it after the fact?
MBC: "Yes, I can if they ask and if there is a design they want me to make that is different from my art I am happy to make it for who ever. im more open minded with my work and love to share my work with who ever appreciate my work. "
Mahalo Nui
Copyright 2012 Shelia Weiss