Aloha, my name is Dodge Distad. I come from a family of artists. Sometimes bordering on the abstract, bringing the word to life is incredibly fulfilling to me. With each piece telling its story I don’t do “repeats” of any works but I do enjoy certain things so you can inquire about commission work.

Influence

At the age of five, my grandma entered my drawing in the local newspaper art contest. I placed second in the 12 and under group. It was a prize of $5. I was hooked. As I progressed as an artist, my grandma gave me many lessons as an artist herself. One was that week Artists Hide hands because they are extremely hard. She said to lean into the difficult things to become great. I always think about that from over 40 years ago.

Family

Coming from an artist family is amazing. Whether talking about what colors we will use to render the amazing hillside plain air painting with my mom or trading pictures of our newest works with my sister (an art teacher in Long Beach) I am so proud to share our creation amongst the family. My two daughters are the newest members!

Inspiration

I’ve always been an avid hiker, hunter, and outdoorsman. In 2021 I threw hike the Colorado trail. In the 480 miles, I encountered tons of wildlife that I would love to Renter and Wood. When it comes to my art, I don’t think the subject matter is restricted to Hawaiian themes.

“Dodge has managed to craft a unique impression of the islands as if the grains in the native wood had been compelled to blend and capture the moment. I sometimes catch myself in unexpected contemplation of the elemental scene, leaving me with a calm and contented feeling of home.”

— TAMIE

Creative Process

Something here about the process.

Wood Type, Quality & Shipping

  • I specialize in Hawaiian woods including monkeypod, coal, and mango. I also include Cuban mahogany and other fine woods available to me at the time.

  • The quality of the woods are due to my proximity of the finest mills in Hawai’i, “Waimanalo Lumber and Milling.” The owner, Elmer, has an amazing eye for the best woods and I am very lucky to know him.

  • I provide free delivery of shipping on Oahu. I pay the first $100 toward shipping on off-island purchases. Clients are responsible for the fulfillment of the remaining balance.