Tai Lake

Newest Work In Our Gallery

"Quiet Space Series"

A Pair Of
Hawaiian "Curly-grain" Koa End Tables
23-3/4" L x 17-7/8" W x 23" H
The tops feature an inlay of exquisitely book-matched
rare "curly-grain" Koa within an outer border of figured Koa.

$2,625.00 each or
$5,100.00 for the pair. . . Sorry, Already Sold

The intended effect of the open cross-hatched Koa "shelf" is to suggest a space for a special object while being interesting enough in its own construction to not require anything at all. This continues an application of Tai Lake's "vestigial shelf" series. In this way, a room can feel "finished" without the addition of more "stuff" or if something is required, it can be presented in this special place, adding to the sense of ownership without detracting form the overall presence. It is a quiet space, that invites a bit of thought.

Click on photo for larger view

"Glass Topped Koa Coffee Table"

Koa Table with Tempered Glass Top
46" L x 22" W x 16-1/2" H
3/4" Tempered Glass Top Allows Unimpeded View
Of The Table's Joinery and Design

$3,695.00. . . Sorry, Already Sold
This new table is a fusion of concepts presented in other recent work. The motivation for this piece came via a request for a table that could enhance a smaller space while keeping high visual interest without mass or clutter.

The legs are a refined version of the "Kyoto Temple Table" legs, more delicate in scale, inspired by the stone walls at the Japanese Imperial Palace; the graceful outsweeping curve both visually rewarding and practical in thwarting ninja attack. The highly structured joinery holding these forms together brings one's attention to detail without overpowering it's surroundings, important in a close setting.

Detail View of "vestigial shelf"

The Art of Woodworking

A master-level woodworker makes what he believes in, what he sees in his mind's eye. It is almost magical the way some fine woodworkers are able to translate the idea in their mind into a three-dimensional reality that becomes a true objet d'art. Tail Lake is one of these masters.

The art of woodworking is, ultimately, to match the natural beauty of the wood with function.The master woodworker's purpose is to improve upon the raw material through technique, shaping it from merely a useful object to one that also expresses the artisan's inner vision. In Tai Lake's shop, he uses every technique, every trick in the books to achieve that end. And he continues learning about his craft and inventing more processes within the confines of the physical laws that govern wood movement. The result is that he is able to produce pieces that can be shipped worldwide with the full confidence that they will perform satisfactorally in any climate.

Pieces are finished, inside and out, top and bottom, both as a point of pride, and also to ensure wood stability. Tai normally uses a low sheen catalyzed lacquer which is carefully rubbed out with steel wool and burnished with a high quality furniture wax. This produces an extremely durable finish that allows the beauty of the wood to shine through, and is a delight to touch.

Tai designs and builds fine furniture from local hardwoods. Like most master woodworkers here in Hawaii, Tai believes in protecting and preserving his resources . . . particularly the increasingly rare Hawaiian "curly-grain" Koa. Tai manages a koa forest project in Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii. He is president of the Big Island Woodworkers Guild and lives in Holualoa, on the Big Island of Hawaii. Tai's work has received numerous awards and images of his work have been published nationally.

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