And now, another superb example of Maui master artisan Tom Calhoun's splendid workmanship, including joinery and "Old World" marquetry.

This unusual table is all about the marriage of exotic woods with creative design. The little used Makore wood almost glows with an inner beauty. Add to this the "quilted" figuring, which is the hallmark of this quite rare wood. It is accented with fine Japanese Tamo Ash marquetry in the form of the river and waterfall design. The base is black-dyed Japenese Koto veneer. Tom calls this his "Deco Waterfall" coffee table..

Born in Waialua, Oahu, Tom Calhoun grew up as the middle child in a family of four brothers and one sister. As the children were typical teenagers of the 60's, family discussions covered a wide range of topics, and created an arena of curiosity and challange of old ideas. Tom learned to question, and, even more importantly, to seek out answers for himself.

Tom's search for truth in life carries over to his daily work in wood. Finding the proper balance between design and the inherent beauty of the wood itself required a lot of creative effort. The process starts with the physical labor of felling and then milling trees into usable lumber. Then comes the design element. Tom is known to produce pages of sketches in the process of refining an initial inspiration.

"My woodworking is personally satisfying because it's a craft that keeps me physically, mentally, and emotionally active", says Tom.

Although primarily self-taught, Calhoun credits his high school art teacher for early inspiration. Noted ceramicist Sydney Yee's encouragement and guidance provided an impetus towards experimentation and self-expression. Today, this reveals itself in Tom Calhoun's passion for ingenious joinery and intricate inlay.

The use of limited and diminishing resources of indigenous Hawaiian woods require a conscious effort to remain pono (which roughly translates to 'correct behavior'). This realization has led to an active involvement in protecting and encouraging the survival of indigenous plants and trees, thereby allowing the Hawaiian cuilture to also continue. Tom is an active volunteer member of "Living Indigenous Forest Ecosystems", a local non-profit organization.

Tom's work has appeared in juried exhibits of Art Maui, Hawai‘i Craftsman, Young Presidents Organization, and Lama Ho‘ike’s Ho‘okahua show. The Hawai‘i Forest Industry Association’s “Woods of Hawai‘i” show bestowed Tom with “First Place Furniture” in 1993, 1997, and 2002; “Best of Show” in 1996, and “First Place Open” in 2002.

Tom Calhoun's unique, museum-quality woodworking art can be found in private collections throughout Hawaii, Asia and the US mainland.