At Wailea Contemporary Gallery, Tim Garcia stands out not only as a co-owner but as a sculptor whose mastery in stone, wood, and metal transforms the natural beauty of Maui into dynamic works of art. Working from his Upcountry Maui studio, Tim’s sculptures embody the harmony of nature, capturing the island’s essence through powerful, grounded forms. His art invites viewers to engage physically with his pieces, as much as they do visually, creating a sensory experience that grounds the observer in both place and time.
Since 1999, Tim has devoted himself to refining his craft, drawing inspiration from Maui’s dramatic landscapes. Over the years, his work has evolved into large-scale sculptures that reflect the organic beauty of the land and sea, using materials that carry both personal and cultural significance. His process is deeply intuitive—shaped by his connection to nature and a lifelong engagement with form, movement, and negative space.
A Sculptor’s Journey: From Surfboards to Stone
Tim’s connection to creating art with his hands began in his youth when he started shaping and glassing surfboards. “The joy of working, creating something with my hands, was always there,” he reflects. This early hands-on experience laid the foundation for his later works in stone, wood, and bronze, deepening his understanding of form, texture, and the physicality of materials.
As his practice developed, Tim’s sculptures began to reflect the natural elements that shaped his life. “In my work, I use negative space quite a bit, and usually in an oval form,” he explains. “This is definitely pulled from years in the ocean and the circular motion of waves. The mountains, valleys, and the parallel lines define my works.” This connection to the ocean and Maui’s landscapes is central to Tim’s creative practice, where the fluid forms and negative spaces in his sculptures evoke a sense of movement and balance, much like the ebb and flow of the ocean itself.
The Process: A Physical Dialogue with Materials
Tim’s sculptural process is one of focused patience and hands-on engagement with his materials. It begins with a vision—an idea first explored through sketches on paper, drawn repeatedly until it feels instinctive. “At some point, it gets locked into my DNA,” Tim explains. From there, the search for the right material begins—whether it’s a slab of stone or a block of wood, each carefully chosen to bring the vision to life.
In the early stages, the studio is filled with the sharp PING of hammer striking stone or the hum of saws cutting through wood. It’s a physical release, as Tim removes excess material and begins to reveal the sculpture’s form. At this point, his energy is focused and intense, driving the piece forward.
As the work progresses, the physicality changes. The heavy grinders and chisels are replaced by finer abrasives and brushes, and the loud, sharp sounds of cutting and grinding give way to the quieter, more deliberate sounds of polishing and smoothing. Tim’s energy shifts, too—what began as a vigorous, forceful engagement with the material becomes a more intimate, focused interaction. The rhythm slows, and the process becomes a quiet refinement, where each touch of the tool brings the piece closer to its final form.
This ongoing exchange between artist and material is central to Tim’s approach. The stone or wood responds to each cut and stroke, guiding the form while Tim refines his vision. The final piece is a result of this collaboration—an organic, living sculpture that blends technical skill with the inherent beauty of the material.
Public Art: Sculptures for the Community
Tim’s work extends beyond private collections into public spaces, where his sculptures resonate with a broader audience. His public art is not just about beautifying a space—it’s about creating something that speaks to those who encounter it, encouraging pause and reflection.
Notable installations include the “Shibusa Series” at the Four Seasons Resort Wailea and “Ocean Rhythms” at Wikea Elementary School in New Zealand. For Tim, creating public art is a way to connect people with the landscape and invite a deeper experience of the environment.
Perhaps Tim’s most memorable commission was his work at Kona Village Resort, where he created five 11-foot sculptures from 400-year-old Ohia logs. “The project took me out of my comfort zone,” he admits. “I needed to tell the story of the land these works would grace. I’ve lived in Hawaii for over 40 years, and most of my work isn’t directly tied to Hawaiian culture or its stories. When I do take that path, I feel a deep responsibility to honor the culture and show respect. I believe I got it right with this project."
The Ohia wood used in this project holds deep cultural significance in Hawaii, known for its strength and endurance. It was a fitting material for this special commission, allowing Tim to create sculptures that not only honored the land but also connected the resort space to Hawaii’s natural beauty. The experience of working with such a sacred material underscored Tim’s reverence for the island and its traditions, making this project one of the most profound of his career.
Wailea Contemporary Gallery: A Space for Local Artists
In addition to his own practice, Tim is a proud co-owner of Wailea Contemporary Gallery. His role in the gallery is not only to showcase his work but also to curate and represent other artists whose work he believes contributes to the cultural richness of Maui. The gallery is more than just a space for selling art—it’s a platform for sharing the creative voices of local artists and inspiring visitors to connect with the island’s artistic community.
Through the gallery, Tim aims to elevate the work of Maui’s best contemporary artists, offering them a space to be seen and appreciated, just as his own work has been over the years. He sees the gallery as a place of growth and collaboration, where artists and collectors alike can come together to celebrate the beauty of the island and the power of art.