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.

Sunday, December 7, 2014

Thanks to local band Wavesauce for the very enjoyable record release party at Analog in Portland Friday. It seemed like a lot of friends and family attended this all ages show and that was a large part of the fun. Excellent old footage of space and rock and roll movies filled the background and enhanced the surfy sound of this foursome. If you do not know what a theremin is (like I didn't) then check them out.

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Thee Oh Sees did it again, making me think they are the best live band going. They ripped through an hour long set with nothing but non stop fast and loud music that had the sold out crowd moshin' and surfing' the whole time. The lead singer/guitar player is fantastic and switches from a six string to 12 with great dexterity, alternately pounding them with his fingers or grabbing the pick from his mouth to create different sounds within the same song. Backing him up was a stripped down version of his band with only a bass and drum. No mention was made of what happened to their female keyboardist/singer and other guitar. Hopefully that is just temporary as those two really round out the sound. Leading off was Jack Name, a foursome that played an intimate, enjoyable set of synch, fuzzy, industrial style music.

Thursday, November 13, 2014

I was happy I braved the cold weather last night to see the Tijuana Panthers play at the Hawthorne Theatre. A poppy threesome from Long Beach, they did a great job of warming up the audience with a lively 45 minute set that I really enjoyed. All three took turns doing vocals and did songs from both their albums. It is funny to see the band as well as audience dressed in jackets, knit hats, gloves, but it was cold in there! Opening was a nice surf band Pounded by the Surf, although Mellowed by the Surf might be a better name. Headlining was Mariachi El Bronx from LA (?) an eight piece, white, rather punky band that finally had the crowd at least unzipping their jackets and taking off gloves.

Sunday, October 26, 2014

About 20 years ago I went to see the Lemonheads with Hole and thought it would be a great show but was not impressed with either band. Fast forward and my chance to "get" the Lemonheads, which happened Thursday as they opened for the Psychedelic Furs here at the Aladdin Theatre. Besides the best tune up of guitars I have seen (The lead singer came out and soloed) their show was all that I remembered... Bland, plain and devoid of anything noteworthy. A bunch of manufactured, brooding, imagined complaints by the lead singer that bothered me to no end. Saving the day was the main act, which blistered through an 18 song set that was both nostalgic and relevant. Thanks to Richard Butler and his mostly original 5 piece for such a great show!

Monday, October 20, 2014

I always see the Melvins when they come to town, one of the heaviest bands around. They never disappoint and last night was no exception. Opening was a La Butcherettes from Mexico featuring a wild female singer, fantastic female drummer, and a dude handling bass. Very odd and enjoyable. The Melvins featured of course King Buzzo on vocals and guitar, Pinkus from the Butthole Surfers on bass, and the best drummer in rock, Dale Crover. Many years of music was covered, a perfect blend of old and new.

Friday, September 26, 2014

I was invited this week to participate in a small show at Trader Vics in Portland Oct. 2 as part of the first Thursday event so come on down and have a mai-tai.

Sunday, September 7, 2014

I thank Ken for being my number one collector and purchasing "Bob" for your incredible yard!

Sunday, August 24, 2014

Thanks so much to Suze for purchasing another one of my tikis. "Felix" is now on the way to Palm Springs. Also thanks to Brett for taking "Airic" home. He loaded him into a taxi for the trip. Special thanks to Jason Lee and Michelle for using their gig money to buy "Juan and Atu" I know he will love his new abode. The music at Tiki Oasis was good again, my highlights were Ixtahuele from Sweden and Three Some from Serbia.

Sunday, July 13, 2014

Thanks to all that worked so hard on the 2014 Tiki Kon event, I had another great time and will do it again next year. Thanks to Gretchen from the bay area for purchasing "Driftwood", I was worried that I would not sell a darn thing. The music is a big part of doing these excursions for me and highlights from Friday night were a long and rousing set from locals Satan's Pilgrims with Lushy from Seattle. Mixed in was the tantalizingly sultry gyrations of Tana the Tattooed Lady and Megan Mayhem. Saturday my favorite was again a local band "Wavesauce" featuring a charismatic, theremin playing lead, along with an excellent bass player, drums, and guitar. Headliner Spyrograph was mellow and did many old loungey type classics. Next week is the Gresham Artwalk, then August is Tiki Oasis in San Diego.

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

I had another great time at this year's Tiki Caliente in Palm Springs. I sold more tikis than ever before and the world-famous artist Shag bought "Dyson" which was a real thrill. Thanks to Jeff and Gwen, Gary and Gail, Si and Damian, Joe, Rob and Katie, and Big Ed for purchasing Lonnie, Orson, Ben, Growth Pole, Barry, Lauderdale, and Brett Lambo. The band line up was also excellent starting with the Poi Boys, Hula Girls, Smokin' Memehunes, Jason Lee and the R.I.P.Tides (my fave), Alika Lyman, Outerwave, and Aloha Guitar.

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

I've got my schedule complete for the summer starting May 15-18 in Palm Springs for Tiki Caliente. Next is July 11-13 here in Portland for Tiki Kon, followed the next week by a local Gresham show Art Walk, etc. Last but not least is Tiki Oasis in San Diego which happens August 14-17. Hope to see some of you along the way.

Sunday, March 9, 2014

I am certain the future of rock and roll is secure after seeing new bands the Tiny Knives, Hurry Up and headliners Marriage + Cancer at The Know on Friday this week. It will be hard to see a better show for me this year, but I will try.

Sunday, January 12, 2014

I think I was expecting too much at the recent Reverend Horton Heat show, but it seemed to lack the same luster that their shows usually produce. Besides the worst music venue in Portland, the Wonder Ballroom, the blame goes to the back up bands, especially the middle show, Stockholm based The Necromantix. Opening was a pretty good blue grass/punk band Old Man Markley, happy and fun, but they lacked bite, which every punk band needs to possess. I especially enjoyed seeing Hoss from the RHH crew, a good singer and guitarist that actually wore a Frog Island Tiki t shirt on stage, a highlight in my life.

"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.