Francisco Clemente, Wood Artist

Francisco Clemente was born in Huelva, Spain in July 1945. His relationship with wood began at his godfather’s furniture shop which he would frequent regularly as a young man. Noticing Francisco’s interest, his godfather accepted him as an apprentice and taught him how to sharpen tools manually using the water stone, bend and shape wood for rocking chairs, and carve legs for tables and chairs, among other things.

Following his adventurous spirit after high school, Francisco left Spain and traveled around Europe. In 1974 he moved to the United States to work under Clyde Siggins, a reputable California custom homebuilder.

Francisco visited Hawaii in 1980 and found a home away from home. He continued making a living as a furniture maker and licensed remodeling contractor. A few years later in an attempt to create bedposts for a special handmade bed, he bought a wood turning lathe which opened new doors through which he could express himself and define his artistic vision. Francisco is now an accomplished wood turning artist who has won awards for his work in many local and national juried exhibitions.