I’ve been asked why I do this. Guess I’m just fascinated with primitive art – woodcarvings in particular. There is something magical about them and what they represent.  Ancient Gods and mysterious legends. And there is such beauty in the wood – grain, color, shapes defined by shadows and the raw energy of the scarred surfaces the tools make.

I’ve spent countless hours cutting and splitting firewood in my backyard. I jokingly said one day I would make a sculpture from a twisted root or interesting log. Then it dawned on me… Why not just do it? After a bit of experimentation, it became a passion. Before I knew it, I was in the garage surrounded by these tiki guys. And the TikiGarage just sort of “happened”.

I’ve studied many woodcarving styles and gravitated toward the traditional Hawaiian tikis – menacing yet playful. I also draw inspiration from the tree carvings of Papua New Guinea and the totems of the Pacific Northwest. And watching Japanese monster movies as a kid.

My intent is to make an emotional connection with the viewer. To that end, I carve with a playful energy and put as much expression into these characters as I can. They take on their own personalities and become my “friends”. It’s a pleasure to introduce you to them.

– Charlie