Hawai'i's history is populated by trees. From the voyaging canoes that crossed the Pacific 1,000 years ago, to the shade provided on today's hot city sidewalks, Hawai'i's botanical riches are part of daily life.

Artist Derek Bencomo's "Peaks and Valleys," part of the Hawai'i State Art Museum's exhibit opening today, celebrates the stamina required for a milo tree to mature on an island and the secret beauty stored inside its timber, a delicate lacy grain of chocolate brown heartwood mixed with lighter burgundy sapwood.

A self-taught woodworker who lives on Maui, Bencomo fashions bowls and vessels distinct for their unusual shapes. Fascinated by Hawai'i's exotic woods, he retains the wood's organic shape by hollowing out a section of milo on a lathe. He then hand-carves the thick walls to a final thinness showing the inner colors and growth rings of the tree.

"I relish freedom from strict form," Bencomo said. "My work is a synthesis of the creative energy of man and the indigenous energy stored in trees."

"Precious Resources: The Land and The Sea" opening reception tonight is part of downtown's First Friday arts celebration, with "Live From the Lanai" entertainment and refreshments by Compadres Bar & Grill.

Reach Chris Oliver at coliver@honoluluadvertiser.com.