Christine Turnbull

Christine Turnbull moved to Maui in 1995 with her husband, sculptor, Steve Turnbull where he shared a studio with his uncle, Master Sculptor, Bruce Turnbull. Surrounded by sculpture, Christine apprenticed in stone and woodcarving, but was brought back to her desire to work with clay. Finding a mentor, Christine studied under the tutelage of renowned artist and realist sculptor, Anna Good.

Christine welcomes commissions and particularly enjoys making life-size portraits of children as family heirlooms. These sculptures can often be done by measuring your children and sending photographs. The result is a likeness and memory of your child for you to have forever.

Her work has been shown in numerous juried exhibitions and her original sculpture, Keeping It Together, was selected to be the Art Maui publicity piece in 2013 – the Board of Directors’ choice.

“When working in various mediums, clay seemed to come alive for me. Having always worked with my hands made it a natural step for me to transfer to clay. Touch has become my favorite sense. It’s exciting to watch a sculpture come alive when adding expression and movement. It’s like another being has entered the room.” ~ Christine Turnbull

Janet Davis, Maui painter

Heirloom Portraits by Christine Turnbull

Christine welcomes commissions and particularly enjoys making life-size portraits of children as family heirlooms. These sculptures can often be done by measuring your children and sending photographs. She says, “It’s my pleasure to capture a likeness of your child for you to capture the moment forever.”

Unique, One-of-a-Kind Sculptures by Christine Turnbull

Christine creates with bronze, clay, wood, and natural materials to create these original works of art. Many have been accepted in juried exhibitions, including Art Maui and the Schaefer Gallery Portrait Challenge.

Limited Edition Collectors Series

Christine has created a number of limited edition, bronze sculptures for her collectors. Choose from many sizes, subject matters, and moods.

Public Artworks

Christine has been commissioned to create several works of art for public installation.

King Kamehameha III Elementary School Public Art

It took a seven year campaign by Lahaina resident, Sammy Kadotani, to envision and realize this sculpture of the school’s namesake, King Kamehameha III (Keaweawe‘ula Kiwala‘o Kauikeaouli Kaleiopapa). Once selected for the project, Christine Turnbull created the statue during a seven to eight month period using one of three recognized images of King Kamehameha III that were available.

An excerpt from the May 22, 2014 Lahaina News article by Mark Vieth:
The king took the throne at the age of ten – the same age as fifth-graders at the school – but a school committee decided to portray him as an adult, during the time of his greatest achievements.

Clifton Akiyama assisted with the pedestal, Kimo Clark of Truth Excavation helped with a new sidewalk, Orrin Cross of Hula Grill assisted with cement, and Theo Morrison and Lahaina Restoration Foundation provided plaques that will educate residents and visitors about the school and king. In all, around 20 businesses and organizations supported the project, Kadotani said.

The king’s legacy includes, in 1840, creating free public schools in Hawaii and requiring all children to attend.

Turnbull Fine Art Gallery and Studios on Maui, Hawaii

Christine Turnbull Artwork Inquiry

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