Post #817909 by boutiki on Sun, Feb 8, 2026 10:09 PM

When we were working on the Chicago Exotica event in 2005, we wanted to do a signature event mug. I think Amy & I met Danny for the first time in person at the Hukilau the year prior, and we admired his work greatly. So I reached out to him to see if he might be willing and able. We had a fairly tight timeline and he already had a lot on his plate, but his passion for Tiki compelled him agree to work with us on the project and come participate in the event.

I shared my idea (a Tiki wearing a Lucha Libre mask) and we sent a couple sketches back and forth. In no time he’d created a terrific sculpt for the mug. Anyone who’s worked in ceramics knows the patience required, but despite the narrow window of time, Danny put in the sweat and the hours to get enough mugs made. If memory serves, he shipped some in advance of the weekend, and even brought some with him in his luggage to have them available at the event. The weekend was a whirlwind, but we got to hang out at the original Chicago Trader Vic’s, Hala Khaki, the Chef Shangri-La, and under the big striped tent at Fitzgeralds where we had the Tiki Market and so many great bands played. On line and in person Danny was a great guy. A straight shooter, a genuine tikiphile, and a fantastic artist.

Our time together with Danny was too short, and kids, work, and life prevented us from making it out to CA where we could see Danny again. As one does, we always thought there would still be plenty of time. Of course we followed Danny’s work and achievements with great admiration. We always felt that he was a kindred spirt, someone who loved and cherished the soul of vintage Tiki, and who strove to honor the carvers and creators of the past while creating a unique aesthetic of his own. He will be deeply missed. -Duke

[ Edited by boutiki on 2026-02-08 22:12:03 ]