Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 21, Number 2, 1 Pepeluali 2004 — Wright ʻElemakule Bowman 1907-2003 [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Wright ʻElemakule Bowman 1907-2003

At 96, Bowman, whose Hawaiian name means "elderly man," worked in his Nu'uanu valley home workshop

nearly to the end. Known for his keen eye and problem-solving gift, he produced fine works of art and functional pieces including 'ō'ō sticks, detailed eanoe models, koa rockers, cabinets, tables - you name it. He mentored his son, the late Wrighto Bowman, who led the building of Hawai'iloa, carved from a massive log from Alaska. The senior Bowman also eontributed to the building of the first voyaging eanoe of modern times, Hōkūle'a, creating the 'iako that connect the two hulls. For 23 years, Bowman taught See BOWMAN on page 8

BOWMAN from page 5 woodworking at Kamehameha Schools. Students of his went on to become fine wood crafters. Ka'ili Chun, Bowman's apprentice, remembers Bowman's willingness to help anyone who asked. "If someone asked for his help or advice, he would do it with no expectations of anything in return. He helped people solve problems by taking the time to think them through. He didn't see them as problems whieh are more negative, but rather, ehallenges, more positive." Chun will continue Bowman's legacy and has purchased the Nu'uanu home and workshop where she studied and worked hard for seven years. "He was very generous and caring, and opened the door into this world I had no knowledge of. It was a lot of hard work, but I still have mueh to learn. While I'm continuing his legacy and working in his workshop, over time, things will change." Bowman was Born in Hilo in 1907 and graduated from the Kamehameha School for Boys in 1928. He leaves a legacy of fine craftsmanship, ingenuity, integrity and aloha that, like the koa he knew so well, will endure time. ■