Post #21059 by Sabu The Coconut Boy on Mon, Jan 27, 2003 4:53 PM

On my way to church Sunday morning, I stopped by my friend Danny's (also known here as ChikiTiki) apartment/studio, because frankly, there's nothing that gets me in the mood to worship Jesus Christ like a visit to my favorite pagan-idol carver.

His latest work is really superb. I took some pictures with my digital camera to share with you all. First, there's this very Retro-looking Tiki Table Lamp:


Danny did all of this by hand - the carved palmwood tiki, the tabletop, the wiring for the lamp - even the lampshade. The retro cone-shaped legs are actually hand-wrapped in split rattan. It's really a beautiful piece.

But check this out: The tabletop is hinged. You flip up the front end...


And, voila! It's a sewing basket! I grew up with a seamstress for a mother, so I know a sewing basket when I see one.

I asked Danny where he came up with the brilliant idea to carve a Tiki Sewing Basket and he said, get this, "I thought it would be a good place to hide your hootch".

But it was the way he said it - with such a sensitivity and delicacy, that I could just sense the hidden tailor inside him struggling to get out. I can picture Chikitiki sitting by the television at night, pulling his knitting needles and yarn out of his Tiki Sewing Table and working on a Tapa-patterned afghan. It just makes sense. I mean, that's what I would do, wouldn't you?

Ok. I suppose you could also hide your hootch in it, along with the TV guide and the remote.

Here's another good-sized tiki that he just finished carving:

The photo may look blurry, but actually the tiki is shaking in extreme agitation at being so close to a Born-again Christian.

Here's a view of the back of the same tiki, showing a second face:

I forgot to ask Danny if these pieces are for sale, or if he's displaying them in a store, or taking them to a show. Maybe he could add to this thread and let us know his plans for them.

Sabu

[ Edited by: Sabu The Coconut Boy on 2003-01-27 16:59 ]