I first came upon Richard Howell’s beautiful artwork over a decade ago and his love of oceanic culture, and the Hawaiian culture in particular was quite evident. I commissioned him to make a beautiful ‘Umeke ki’i to utilize in my own teachings and sharing of our culture. Richard takes the time to research the subject, plan his work out accordingly and then execute it with great skill and creativity guided by our ancestors. It is a humble honor to know him.
Kai Markell
Native Hawaiian Rights Advocate/Attorney
We have many of Richard’s carvings in our home, many commissioned and others we received as gifts over the years.Richard carved a masterpiece for our office at Chicken of the Sea Inc, commissioned by several members of the executive team. This large bas relief displayed all of the seafood Chicken of the Sea Inc sold And the theme marked the 100th anniversary of COSI’s founding. Rich is a master carver and captures the essence of the animals displayed, whether fish, birds or mammals. He is the best.
My house would be just a house if Richard Howell had not transformed it into a home!
His exquisite artistry of wood is truly extraordinary. Every day I look at the amazing pieces he has carved for me: Sea life and bird life dance and fly along my walls. Ancient Polynesian stories are played out with creative and exacting effect. Richard explained the stories and I delight guests by reimparting the legends behind the carvings. Bowls are shaped as shells, or platters as serving dishes. Ornaments of dolphins and fish hooks add to authenticity of living by the ocean in Hawaii.
Richard is a gem and I am fortunate I found an individual with such incredible skill as well as a calm, delightful and professional demeanor. Richard’s workmanship is truly “out of this world”.