Lonny Tomono

Lonny Tomono, born in 1954 in Hilo, Hawai‘i, is a sculptor whose work blends Japanese craftsmanship with a contemporary sense of reflection. After studying art in Hawai‘i and California, he apprenticed with a fifth-generation temple builder in Kyoto, mastering traditional wood joinery. Now based in Keaau on the Big Island, Tomono creates sculptures and furniture that explore personal introspection and quiet beauty. His process is intuitive—often beginning without a fixed plan, letting the materials lead. His work has been exhibited in Hawai‘i, California, New York, and Italy, and reflects a deep respect for simplicity, skill, and the mystery of making.