Born in Hawaii, Clyde Nakashima lived for over thirty years at the foot of Diamond Head Crater, near the white sands of Waikiki Beach. In his youth, the beach was one of his favored places for fun and games. He spent time in the water with his brother and friends, swimming, boogie boarding, body surfing or just relaxing.
Like the distinguished artists of the past, his artistic abilities were recognized at an early age. By age 13, many of his works were exhibited in public libraries and government buildings. At 14, he began studio training at the University of Hawaii. The Honolulu Academy of Arts and the Bishop Museum were favorite places to study fine art by the masters of the past and the metaphysical nature of the Polynesian culture. In addition, Clyde was delighted to discover that his grandfather was a highly skilled carpenter by trade, and a fine wood carver to boot. As such, Clyde’s love of wood carving was a natural fit.
The Fraser River and its surrounding valleys near his Port Coquitlam home provide Clyde with an abundance of old wood. No live tree is ever cut for his sculptures. Only selected pieces of naturally fallen or driftwood becomes a work of art. Treasures are found in muddy sun bleached wood like diamonds in the rough.
While he is inspired by fauna from around the world, Clyde’s recent work is rich in the West Coast tradition. Whales, otters and bears are figure prominently in his work, and each piece speaks volumes about Clyde’s strong spiritual connection to the world.