Stephen Hynson

Stephen Hynson, Sand Hill Woodworking

Steve With a worldwide clientele, Maui master craftsman Stephen Hynson, principal owner of Sand Hill Woodworking, has provided a design/build service for custom furniture and cabinetry for over 30 years. As a studio furniture artist Stephen Hynson offers personal attention, an eye for fine design, and a focus on detail. All work produced is handmade to a client’s specification, from initial idea and design to wood types and finish. The use of rare and select Hawaiian koa in combination with traditional joinery and inlays is displayed in much of his work. Because Stephen is passionate about what he does and takes enormous pride in his work, clients are assured of unique, heirloom quality custom furniture pieces that fit their homes and offices.

Self taught, Stephen first set up shop in Hawaii, and was a founding member of the Maui Crafts Guild. He moved to Boston a few years later, participating there in the beginning of the studio furniture revival of the 1980’s. He later relocated to Portland, Oregon. During this time he continued to show his work in local Maui galleries. Stephen returned to Hawaii in 2005 and broke ground on a building in Haiku. With timbers harvested from Polipoli Springs State Park he has constructed a traditional timber frame building. Work continues on the embellishment of this structure and tending to the land as Stephen reconnects with his Hawaiian roots.

Over the years Stephen’s work has appeared in various juried shows and exhibits in Portland, Hawaii, New York, Boston and Ohio. His work has also appeared in a variety of publications including Yankee Magazine, American Woodworker, and American Craft - A Buyers Book. Stephen is currently a member of the Maui Woodworker’s Guild and Hawai’i Craftsmen.

Recently informing Stephen’s artistic journey was a Vision Quest in the Canyonlands of Colorado in 1999. As a direct result of this experience Stephen obtained a Master of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute and has commenced a psychotherapy practice with an emphasis in depth psychology and the creative muse. Conversations with his own creative muse and another two week journey in to the Canyonlands in 2004 continue to inform the design and construction of his custom furniture. Stephen also has degrees and professional experience in anthropology, archaeology and environmental planning.

Today this personal and professional exploration in my woodworking has taken me to a form simple yet harmonic in its line, understated yet coherent in its composition, pleasing yet playful in its choice of materials, allowing for the mystery of it all, revealed and to be revealed.