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Malama Torches |
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Creating Malama Torches
Leilehua Yuen, and her husband, Manu Josiah, are now making the elegant lu`au torches Leilehua's father, Don Yuen, designed when she was a child. Don designed the Malama Torch as an alternative to the classic cone-shaped tiki torch. Since 1968, Malama Torches have been lighting the gardens of the fine resorts and gracious homes of our island state. Today they may be seen illuminating upscale resorts around the world. Each of these torches is an individual work of art, a functional sculpture hand crafted on the Island of Hawai`i. The tropical flowers which adorn them are representative of flowers seen throughout the state. In addition to the classic Pua (flower) and Bird of Paradise, the gas torches also are made with other designs, such as Wa`a (canoe), `Ohe (bamboo), Aka (shadow), and Ka Ua Kani Lehua (Hilo Rain) Leilehua says, "Crafting these lights makes me feel really close to the creative forces of this island. The torches are made from stainless steel, and I use a torch to make them, but it's really more like painting than anything else. But your brush is a flame." |
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Leilehua & Manu |
"Controlling that flame, using something with the potential to be so
destructive to create, makes me feel closer to the forces which create our
island . . . "
"The dichotomy of cold metal and hot gasses working together to create delicate things of beauty . . . the artistic tension of such lace-like supple-looking fabrications being crafted of steel . . . is inspiring." "I had not planned to take up a career in metal sculpture. I always thought of that as something my Dad did. But now, Dad wants to retire, and this feels right. . . For Manu and me to have this chance to continue the family business is a wonderful opportunity, especially since Dad is willing to teach us. " "We just hope that we live up to the high standard Dad has set for
functional metal sculpture." |
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Leilehua and Manu also create matching house lighting to carry the theme from outdoors to indoors. Entryway sconces, chandeliers, fountain sculptures for water features all can be custom fabricated to create a harmonious segue from indoor to outdoor, and to enhance the Polynesian lifestyle. Click here to see more Malama Torch designs. |
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Malama Torches
North America sales and marketing:
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Custom work also accepted.
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