I. About Us
POWER OF ART
The Art Gallery of
Venice Italian & Best Friends
About Us
Veukitau Vatikani, born in the enchanting islands of Tonga, began his journey through life surrounded by the rich Polynesian culture that would later become the foundation of his identity. Even as a kid, he had this knack for artistry, always caught up in doodling complex motifs and stuff that were pretty much reflections of his homeland’s vivid scenery.
As Veukitau matured, his family saw the genius in his art and decided he needed to hit up Hawaii for a solid education. In Hawaii, Veukitau didn’t just nail his studies – he dove headfirst into the vibrant tapestry of Polynesian life. In that chapter of his life, he scored a gig at the Polynesian Culture Center, a hub that reveled in amplifying and preserving the multifaceted cultures sprouting from the Pacific Islands. At the center, he’d interact with visitors, offering them a taste of Polynesian culture’s richness and charm – though traditional dances were something he opted not to dive into.
Hendrik Morella - CEO / FOUNDER
UNIVERSITY SCHOOL ART OF CALIFORNIA
When Veukitau met a seasoned wood carver at the cultural hub, his life took an exciting and transformative twist. Enchanted by this alluring artistry, he seized the chance to learn from the master carver himself, immersing deeply into grasping not only the age-old techniques but also understanding how storytelling intertwines with Polynesian wood sculpting.
As the years rolled by, Veukitau’s skills sharpened and so did his love for wood carving – it just grew deeper. He often thought about his work, seeing his skills as a gift from above. He would express, “I feel blessed by God for my talent. I often look at a piece when I am done and say, ‘Who did that? “Man, I can’t believe I made that!” His deep spiritual bond with his craft brings an even more profound dimension to each of his carvings.
Having honed his craft for over 20 years, Veukitau holds wood carving close to heart – a testament of family tradition and the foundation of their enterprise. Wood carving wasn’t merely a skill for him; it was his lifeline to the Polynesian roots that formed the bedrock of his upbringing. In his carvings, he often leaned towards the dolphin – a creature deeply respected in Polynesian tales and embodying both freedom and unity. He confesses, that the dolphin is indeed his favorite carving.
Veukitau Vatikani, through his dedication to the art of wood carving, has not only become a master craftsman but a guardian of Polynesian culture. Veukitau’s wood carvings eloquently depict Polynesian
