DON MATSUMURA

Don Matsumura is a sculptor and artist whose work is deeply rooted in Hawaii’s natural landscape and cultural heritage. Born and raised in Waianae on the leeward coast, Don grew up surrounded by nature, learning the value of hard work from his farming mother and mechanic father. His childhood was spent between the mountains and ocean, fostering a lifelong connection to the land and its resources.

After earning a Fine Arts degree in sculpture from the University of Hawaii under the mentorship of Fred Roster, Don embarked on an unexpected 23-year career in a rock quarry. During this time, he honed his skills working with stone, steel, and wood, solving complex problems and conserving resources while continuing to create art on the side. From jewelry to relief carvings and furniture, Don’s passion for craftsmanship remained constant.

In 2013, Don retired to care for his family and pursue his true calling as a sculptor. His work, inspired by the Hawaiians' reverence for stone, aims to connect people to this ancient material through functional and tactile forms like ulumaikas, poi pounders, and bowls. For Don, stone is alive—a medium to honor, cherish, and collaborate with. His art invites viewers to engage deeply, to touch and feel, and to rediscover their connection to the land.

Don’s work resonates with Hawaii’s commercial clients seeking meaningful, locally inspired art that bridges tradition and modernity, bringing both beauty and a sense of place to their spaces.