cygraphics@aol.com, FB Chris Young Frog Island Tikis, Instagram Chris Young 5091.

I'm on my way to my 9th Tiki Caliente.

I'm on my way to my 9th Tiki Caliente.
One more float done for the journey to Palm Springs next week.

After burning I went back in with a Dremel to expose the bare wood in the deep portions.

After burning I went back in with a Dremel to expose the bare wood in the deep portions.
A small brush and three different colors of blue.

Some individual shots.

Some individual shots.


A drummer dude.

These last two have been my best.

These last two have been my best.
I bet they both sell.

I did a bit more finishing on this panel.

I did a bit more finishing on this panel.
I only found out three weeks ago that I was going to Tiki Caliente as I was on a waiting list.

I did "Webster" about three years ago.

I did "Webster" about three years ago.
Made from purple heart wood, this one has been a hard sell. I had retired him from vending because of the heavy weight and lack of interest but I am bringing him to Caliente next week. I figure he is a good October tiki.

Things are changing and getting more fall like on Frog Island.

Things are changing and getting more fall like on Frog Island.

Also worked this large and heavy slit gong looking ash log.

Also worked this large and heavy slit gong looking ash log.

The back is kind of serpent looking.

The back is kind of serpent looking.

It is a take on an ancient drum from the Micronesian area.

It is a take on an ancient drum from the Micronesian area.
They could communicate from island to island by pounding on them with sticks. This ash piece is hard enough that it actually sounds good and really resonates sound.

A long way to go, but I'll finish it this year.

A long way to go, but I'll finish it this year.

Monday, December 23, 2013

To see a giant venue like the Crystal Ballroom with less than 100 people in attendance was quite a shock but that is what happened at the excellent Big Sandy and his Fly-Rite Boys show last week. It was the Winter Rockabilly event and also featured a great DJ Murphy spinning music between sets, the equally entertaining Rainieros from Washington, and Johnny 7 and the Black Crabs, also from Washington. Those in attendance were full of energy and dancin' the two step all over the huge, moving floor. I had a great time, hopefully the bands were guaranteed a certain amount of money.

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Thanks so much to Jinn for purchasing "Orville"!

Friday, November 22, 2013

The Rotture is an upstairs, cavernous dive on the east side that I like to attend for music. It has a huge bar inside as well as an outdoor patio featuring a glimpse of the industrial section in which the building is located and a view of the Willamette river and downtown Portland. Nobunny, the headliner was fantastic, consisting of four rather evil, non vegetarian, rabbit-looking musicians. Great audience participation added to the nightmarish, carnival-like high energy atmosphere. Starting the show was a combo with a drummer and a go-go dressed, blond wig wearing female bass player. Neither could play nor sing particularly well, but they possessed something special that made this show very amusing and entertaining. Their name is Needles(her) and Pizza(him). The song about those old pink ring contraceptive thingies titled "Frank Might Feel It" was funny indeed. The middle band The Bugs were also good with the drummer and guitarist switching instruments and vocals every few songs.

Sunday, November 17, 2013

My son in law suggested going to the Obits show on Saturday at Mississippi Studios and I really enjoyed it. Opening was a most excellent local band Paradise, followed by another solid sounding Survival Knife.

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Many thanks to Shannon for stopping by the gallery and purchasing "Bernie". good luck hiding him from your husband till his birthday.

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Thanks to the Sadies for a super show at the Doug Fir last night, always a pleasure to see and hear this Canadian based foursome. Also liked Mark Pickerel and the Praying Hands. I was told to put in a good word to the 2014 Pick-a-Thon management-The Sadies want to play there again!

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

I left the Hawthorne Theatre a sweaty mess last night thanks to Thee Oh Sees band from San Francisco. They must be one of the better live bands going right now and never disappoint. They are back to a foursome from the five they had last time but provided an hour and a half of non stop adrenaline. Opening was another good band from Austin Texas, OBN 111 featuring a psychotic, Iggy Pop like singer,two guitars, a bass and drums. The second band was a crazy fast threesome featuring two guitars and a frenetic, primitive drummer that pounded out the sound. Hailing from Minneapolis, The Blind Shake was a perfect match for this show and I will look for them to come back to Portland again.

Friday, August 23, 2013

I am still processing the four days I spent in San Diego attending Tiki Oasis 13. So much action happening all the time. It was great! Thursday I took the drunk bus from the host hotel to the beautiful Bali Hai bar situated on the water with a fantastic view of downtown San Diego. Very good Mai Tais and I loved the headliner band Creepxotica. Friday I enjoyed Surfer Joe from Italy and Jason Lee and the R.I.P. Tides. I was amazed at all the positive comments I received while working Saturday and I would have been rich if only I could charge five dollars for every picture taken. Musically I enjoyed Acapulco Radio from Germany, B Stars from San Francisco, and Southern Culture on the Skids from the midwest. Sunday the local people were allowed in and it was fun to talk to folks who were not so much into tiki as the Saturday crowd. Big Sandy and his Fly-Rite Boys closed the event with an excellent set featuring Ashley Kingman, one of the best guitarists I have ever heard. I got to hang with some of my artist heroes including Marcus Thorn from Australia, Norm Daniels, Crazy Al, Ken Ruzic, Thor, and Big Toe. Thanks so much to the local couple that pooled all their cash together to purchase "Jared" and to Suze for buying "Eaton" I look forward to doing it again next year.

Sunday, July 21, 2013

I had a great time at the Gresham Artwalk this year and want to thank all involved. This is the show that got me comfortable enough to try other events. The tremendous cross section of people attending this particular show makes it a lot of fun for me. Thanks to all that purchased t shirts and especially to Terry and Cheryl for giving "Surfin' Bird" a new Oregon beach home!

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

I attended the best show of my year last night at the Doug Fir featuring a Long Beach CA band named the Tijuana Panthers. This three piece garage, surf, punk band gave me a much needed shot of adrenaline with non stop guitar, bass and drum music and impressed the heck out of me. All three guys did some vocals which keeps each song fresh and they developed a real rapport with the crowd. They are on an unreal schedule starting yesterday in Portland, today in Vancouver BC, tomorrow in Seattle and I believe in Reno the next. Opening the show was another good band from Orange County GRMLN. I am looking forward to doing the Gresham Artwalk this Saturday and it's only 29 days to Tiki Oasis in San Diego.

Sunday, July 14, 2013

Thanks to Greg and Debra and all responsible for making the Tiki Kon event here in Portland such a great time. Some of the heavy hitters in tiki art like Bosko, Big Toe, and Keith Tucker were here and I am glad to report that they were all cool and very approachable. I love asking questions about the process of creating and all were forthcoming and helpful. The Ding Dong Devils were also excellent and I enjoyed the fire dancers entertaining between bands. I thank the many that purchased Frog Island Tiki T shirts and special thanks to Sherry and Karla!

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

I had a great time at this years' Tiki Caliente event in Palm Springs and want to thank Rory "Wildsville Man" Snyder for the time and effort involved to make a happening like this come together. The bands Kitty Chow and Fisherman, Ding Dong Devils, Thee Swank Bastards, Martini Kings and Sonny Moon, and the Smokin' Menehunes were all exceptional. Special thanks to Paul for deciding to clear some space on his overcrowded walls to make room for "Stu" and to Skootiki for purchasing "Louis". Also to the many that now own a Frog Island Tiki T! Next up is the Tiki Kon here in Portland at the Vancouver Red Lion the second weekend in July, followed the next week by the Gresham Artwalk, and the Tiki Oasis in San Diego the third weekend in August.

Friday, April 12, 2013

Thanks Whitey for taking me to the Blazer Laker game this week! A great show, fantastic seats, and a Laker victory made for a very enjoyable evening. I have signed up this week to do the first annual Hale Pele event in May. Great drinks, live music, and talk of a roasted pig should make for a fun day. The following week I load up the van and head to Palm Springs for the Tiki Caliente extravaganza, which was a blast last year. I will be doing a live carve at the Tiki Kon here in Portland in July, then a very local show here at the Gresham Artwalk the following Saturday. Still waiting to here if they have room for me at Tiki Oasis in San Diego come August. This will be my busiest year yet, but I really like taking my work out and talking to people who are into tiki.

Sunday, March 31, 2013

I am going to sign up for the Hale Pele event here in Portland come May. They are a local tiki bar that makes the best tropical drinks you can imagine and I will be there, selling my wares the week before Caliente in May. Live music, mai tais, and vendors should make for a fun time so drop by if you live in the area. Also heard from Tiki Oasis in San Diego and it seems like I will be invited for this celebration of tiki extravaganza in August. It's a huge event and I am hoping to be a part.

Saturday, March 23, 2013

I left my warm, cozy home last night to drive into Portland for the Chelsea Light Moving show at the Doug Fir and it was well worth the trip. Fronted by ex Sonic Youth guy Thurston Moore, they brought a great sludgy yet fast paced concoction that had me wanting for more. With the biggest, meatiest hands in rock and roll he seems to squash chords out of his guitar like he's squeezing a lemon and it makes for a sound that is hard to duplicate. His backup band is top notch with a female bass player that doubles on violin. I thought the highlight was the song "Groovy and Linda". Opening was a pleasant, personable little threesome from San Francisco called Grass Widow.

Sunday, March 3, 2013

Thanks to the Reverend Horton Heat for making me feel like a cool dude and putting me on the guest list at the Wonder Ballroom Saturday! Guttermouth opened with a strong and energetic fun-fest, followed by one of my favorite Rev shows. The addition of Jello Biafra for a few songs really added to the scene and my man Hoss on stage for a song wearing a Frog Island Tiki t shirt made my chest bulge out with pride. I stumbled out with the happy, sweaty crowd sometime after midnight thinking that after all these years they are hard to beat in the live show arena.

Friday, February 22, 2013

I sure do like the Mississippi Studios venue and a local band that I have wanted to see for some time was playing there last night. Nucular Aminals plays a grungy, psychedelic, dreamy sort of sound, and I really liked the way they destroyed music's conventional structure and timing. Very entertaining. The surprise for me was the opening band For The Lash, a nice foursome with a great primitive drummer, heavy bass, psych guitar and an excellent singer. Sandwiched in between was Stay Calm, a cotton candy, beats-oriented threesome that complained too much about monitors and lighting.

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Two of my favorite musicians, Mike P. and Trevor D. were in town yesterday so it was with great anticipation that I went to see Tomahawk at the Wonder Ballroom. It pains me to give them a bad review but I gots to call 'em as I sees 'em. Uninspiring, expensive, routine, with the only spontaneity coming when the singer's mike went dead for a few seconds, it seemed this show was the exact show they will do tomorrow and exact show they did the night before. They played as individuals rather than as a team and add to that the obnoxious 20 minute continuous loop of the tomahawk chop chant they played before coming on that made for a rather disappointing evening. Trevor is still the best bass player I have ever seen though, and I did like the opening band Retox.

Monday, January 28, 2013

We tried to get into Hale Pele, a new local tiki bar, on opening day but after 20 minutes and no movement in the line we decided to try again. Another 3 pm New Years Eve attempt revealed a 5pm opening time so it was with great pleasure that me and my wife gained entry on her birthday this past week. The drinks and appetizers were fantastic with an atmosphere to match. We were even treated to a rare, sudden indoor thunder shower, and would advise anyone in the area to visit this eclectic bit o' Portland. Thanks Kerri for purchasing "Toma", as you know he is one of my favorites and will be missed!

Sunday, January 20, 2013

I heard from Rory " WildsvilleMan" Snyder this week, the pith helmeted cool-cat organizer of Tiki Caliente and I'm invited back this year so Palm Springs here I come. The show is in May. Also heard back from Tiki Oasis in San Diego and I am on the waiting list so I'm positive about the chances of doing that one too. Just got word that I'm in at the Gresham Artwalk, a local show that I have done the past four years. It is the third Saturday in July.

Sunday, January 13, 2013

Thanks to Hover Craft records for the Thursday music at the Doug Fir. Eight bands for five dollars is hard to beat and I had a smile on my face the whole time. I ranked them Guantanamo Baywatch first, Clorox Girls two and Boom! three. I also turned in requests to show at Tiki Caliente in May, Gresham Artwalk in July, and Tiki Oasis in August this week. In addition I will add a couple of books I've read by cool tiki people. "Blue Vegas Stories" is a pulpy and gritty collection of short stories by P. Moss, the owner of Frankie's Tiki Room and the Double Down Saloon. I liked every one of them but "The Chinaman" was my favorite. Also read part one of a trilogy "The Parrot Talks in Chocolate" by Everett Peacock that is upbeat and placed me warmly back on the beautiful island of Maui.

"Moises"

"Moises"
Walnut.

Basswood. Sold

"Headly"

"Headly"
Cedar

"Elevator Going Up"

"Elevator Going Up"
Milled cedar.

"Rhythm Fish"

"Rhythm Fish"
Milled Doug Fir.

"Cannibal Drums"

"Cannibal Drums"
Cedar. Sold

"Head Hunter"

"Head Hunter"
Milled cedar.

"Randy"

"Randy"
Cedar

"Sawyer"

"Sawyer"
paddle.

Milled cedar

"Curly"

"Curly"
Poplar

"Chief"

"Chief"
Milled cedar

Milled cedar.

Untitled.

Untitled.
Basswood.

Untitled

Untitled
Milled cedar and timber bamboo. Sold.

"Sunny"

"Sunny"
Cedar

Untitled.

Untitled.
Unknown wood but maybe ash.

"Bedpost"

"Bedpost"
Pine. Sold.

"Chicken of the Sea"

"Chicken of the Sea"
Plywood. Sold

"Eruption"

"Eruption"
Plywood. Sold.

"Maminal"

"Maminal"
Plywood. Sold.

"Sundial Lyle"

"Sundial Lyle"
Cedar.

Necklace Holder

Necklace Holder
Bass wood. Sold

"Footstool"

"Footstool"
Cedar. Sold

"Wingo"

"Wingo"
Milled cedar.

An oar for my wife to hang her tiki necklaces from.

An oar for my wife to hang her tiki necklaces from.

Untitled

Untitled
Tight grain fir.

"Mingus and Miles"

"Mingus and Miles"
Cedar, sold.

A eucalyptus piece for the Tiki Central Art Swap 2020.

A eucalyptus piece for the Tiki Central Art Swap 2020.

"Potbelly"

"Potbelly"
Cedar. Sold.

A carving to match fabric from Dawn Frasier.

A carving to match fabric from Dawn Frasier.
Keeping this one made of cedar.

Untitled.

Untitled.
Cedar. Sold.

The other side.

The other side.

"Eye of the Tiki"

"Eye of the Tiki"
Milld cedar. Sold

"Voodoo Organist"

"Voodoo Organist"
Basswood. Sold. Unfortunately this one was lost by the USPS and I had to refund the money. It was purchased by the Voodoo Organist himself so I am extremely disappointed. Maybe it will turn up some day. It showed up in perfect condition a month late but we were both extremely happy!

"Tiki Time"

"Tiki Time"
Milled cedar. Sold.

"Skully"

"Skully"
Carved from a thrift store paddle. Sold.

Mahogany.

"Walden"

"Walden"
Milled cedar. Sold.

"Moe"

"Moe"
Alaskan yellow cedar.

"Kileauea"

"Kileauea"
Cedar. Sold.

Side cut-outs.

Side cut-outs.

"Art"

"Art"

Untitled as of yet.

Untitled as of yet.
Sold.

The other side.

The other side.

"Bernie"

"Bernie"
Sold.

"Rowen"

"Rowen"
Sold.

"Fez"

"Fez"
Poplar.

"Pierce"

"Pierce"
Cedar. Sold.

"Precarious Perch"

"Precarious Perch"
Alaskan yellow cedar.

"Lure"

"Lure"
Cedar, I got the idea from Spongebob Squarepants' living room.

Parrot.

Parrot.
Sold.

"King Ohmyohmyoh"

"King Ohmyohmyoh"
Bass wood.

"Orlando"

"Orlando"
Sold.

"Kamejiro"

"Kamejiro"
Alaskan yellow cedar. Sold.

"Yarnell", a Feather Light paddle.

"Yarnell", a Feather Light paddle.
Sold.

"Nightmare in Mahogany"

"Nightmare in Mahogany"
Sold.

"Porter"

"Porter"
Cedar Sold.

"Stan"

"Stan"
Cedar. Sold.

"Koo"

"Koo"
Sold

"Clayton"

"Clayton"
A mug of my design and redone by Michael Sbicca, Jungle Modern Ceramics.

"NoBobs"

"NoBobs"
Yellow cedar. Sold.

"Navigator Unknown"

"Navigator Unknown"
Sold.

"Webster"

"Webster"
Purple heart.

"Link"

"Link"

"Long Pig"

"Long Pig"

I'll figure out a face soon, this week.

I'll figure out a face soon, this week.

Buoy Boys.

Buoy Boys.
Sold.

"Red"

"Red"
Cedar. Sold

"Ku"

"Ku"
Poplar/Sold.

"Many Menehunes"

"Many Menehunes"
Cedar. Sold

"Nemo"

"Nemo"
cedar, Sold.

"Sawyer"

"Sawyer"
Sold.

"Top Knot"

"Top Knot"
Sold.

"Chance"

"Chance"

"Upside Down" was a commissioned piece.

"Upside Down" was a commissioned piece.
Sold.

"Foxtrot" is named for the antique store where he was purchased.

"Foxtrot" is named for the antique store where he was purchased.
Sold.

"Captain Fritz"

"Captain Fritz"

"Gretsch"

"Gretsch"
Sold.

"Dewey"

"Dewey"
Sold.

Bad Medicine"

Bad Medicine"

"Mr. Devlin's Luau"

"Mr. Devlin's Luau"
Sold.

"Lily"

"Lily"
Sold.

Tiki Central art swap piece "Seasons".

Tiki Central art swap piece "Seasons".

"Benny"

"Benny"
Sold.

"Joaquin"

"Joaquin"
Red Oak, sold.

"No Wake"

"No Wake"
Sold.

"Jack"

"Jack"

"Restless Natives"

"Restless Natives"
Mahogany. Sold.

"Skeptic"

"Skeptic"
Noble. Sold

Tiki Central art swap piece "Enchanted Tiki Room"

Tiki Central art swap piece "Enchanted Tiki Room"

"Bardoon"

"Bardoon"
Sold.

"Darwin"

"Darwin"
Cedar.

"Punchy's Brother"

"Punchy's Brother"
Sold.

"Mark"

"Mark"
Sold.

"Medley"

"Medley"
Sold.

"Lloyd"

"Lloyd"
Sold.

The middle jelutong piece is the only shot I have of "Ward"

The middle jelutong piece is the only shot I have of "Ward"
Sold.

"Herb and Al"

"Herb and Al"
Sold.

"Koko"

"Koko"
Sold.

"Brunswick"

"Brunswick"

Tiki Central art swap "Hawaiian Shirts"

Tiki Central art swap "Hawaiian Shirts"

"Totem"

"Totem"
Sold.

"Cannibal's Cauldron"

"Cannibal's Cauldron"
Sold.

"Nina"

"Nina"
Sold.

"Pele Lani"

"Pele Lani"
Sold.

"Orson"

"Orson"
Sold.

The top.

The top.

"Tsuga"

"Tsuga"

"Ben"

"Ben"
Sold.

Lighting by TikiSkip.

Lighting by TikiSkip.

"Dyson"

"Dyson"
Sold.

"Lonnie"

"Lonnie"
Sold.

Tiki Central Swap

Tiki Central Swap

"Orville"

"Orville"
Sold.

"Makemake"

"Makemake"
Sold.

"Tika"

"Tika"
Sold.

"Nelson"

"Nelson"
Sold.

"Maka Puke"

"Maka Puke"
Sold.

"La Tsunami"

"La Tsunami"

"Barry"

"Barry"
Sold.

This is a bass wood sign I did for a Columbus, Ohio based designer of cool tiki bar lighting.

"Lauderdale"

"Lauderdale"
Sold.

"Eaton"

"Eaton"
Sold.

"Bernie"

"Bernie"
Sold.

"Ron"

"Ron"
Sold.

"Stu"

"Stu"
Sold.

"Surfin' Bird"

"Surfin' Bird"
Sold.

"'Ohiki" (Hawaiian for sand crab)

"'Ohiki" (Hawaiian for sand crab)
Sold.

"Power"

"Power"
Sold.

"Juan and Atu"

"Juan and Atu"
Sold.

"Beatrice and Giovanni"

"Beatrice and Giovanni"
Sold.

"Airic"

"Airic"
Sold.

"Bob"

"Bob"
One of my personal favs. Sold.

"Jared"

"Jared"
Rhymes with Scared. Sold.

"Toma"

"Toma"
And this is my favorite as I like his bad attitude. Sold.

"Tiki Kabob"

"Tiki Kabob"
Sold.

"Tiki Kabob 2"

"Tiki Kabob 2"
Sold.

"Flip"

"Flip"
Named Flip because he is wearing flip flops. Sold.

"Paddleman"

"Paddleman"
Sold.

"Lucy"

"Lucy"
Sold.

"Growth Pole"

"Growth Pole"
Sold.

"Kit"

"Kit"
This is a memorial tiki for a friend.

The Real Jimbo

The Real Jimbo
Thanks a lot to Jimbo Wallace. He is the bass player for Reverend Horton Heat and they purchased this tiki and took him home to Texas.

"Sufferin' Bastard"

"Sufferin' Bastard"
Four color screen print.

"Black Clouds"

"Black Clouds"
8 color screen print.

"Two Tikis"

"Two Tikis"
8 color screen print.

"Brett Lambo"

"Brett Lambo"
8 color screen print done for the Skootiki show here in Portland.

Jimbo, Claude, Juan and Atu, Lombardo, and Airic.

Jimbo, Claude, Juan and Atu, Lombardo, and Airic.

My favorite carving tools.

My favorite carving tools.

"Lombardo"

"Lombardo"
He does use Polident but don't make fun of him. Sold.

"Jimbo"

"Jimbo"
It took most of a year but he is done. He is named after the Reverend Horton Heat's bass player.

He is a made from cedar.


Legba and Mehevi guarding their new digs in the Phillippines.

"Claude"

"Claude"
Sold.

"El Boracho"

"El Boracho"

"Hans"

"Hans"
Named by my 9 year old nephew, Max, this was made in 2001 but I never photographed it till now.

Whitey's Frog

Whitey's Frog
Sold.

Legba

Legba
Sold.

Legbas backside

Screen printed voodoo symbols on Legba

Mehevi

Mehevi
His name comes from a great book titled "Typee" by Herman Melville. Sold.

Group photo

Group photo

Flip

Flip
Sold.

The back of Flip

Ali'i

Ali'i
Sold.

Dick (Deadeye)

Dick (Deadeye)
mouth and top light up

Willard and Ben

Willard and Ben
Palm

Gus

Gus
Here's an odd little guy, named for gusto as in "go for the." Also bite off more than you can chew. Why have a little when you can have a lot?

"Dong Clock"

"Dong Clock"

Felix

Felix
Sold.

Orin

Orin

Frog Island Tikis

About Me

I started carving tikis in 2000 after a trip to Maui. I love and appreciate Polynesian culture, but rather than follow traditional ways, I put my own rather twisted view on the matter. I build each tiki with a protective edge to watch over the owner's well being. Most of them are of redwood or cedar, but my brother-in-law Jimbo brings me excellent palm from California. I start with a chainsaw and then really get into them with chisels, files, and knives. I have read that the ONLY way to breath life into an idol is through use of hand tools, but if primitive man had access to a chainsaw I know he would have used it. Tikis are for fun. Mahalo- CY

Blog Archive

Mahogany has a nice smell as you carve.

Mahogany has a nice smell as you carve.

Too many details.

Too many details.
My style does not include the tedious, so will forgo on all previous efforts.

A neapolitan paint job.

A neapolitan paint job.

This is the latest and last float till the new batch for San Diego next month.

This is the latest and last float till the new batch for San Diego next month.

I cut the top out of this one.

I cut the top out of this one.





Set up on Saturday.

Set up on Saturday.

The other sides.

The other sides.
Destination: Tiki Oasis San Diego.