Chris Barela was raised in Hawaii & California. Growing up in & around the water gave Chris the opportunity to travel the world as a professional surfer. The tour followed the waves starting in Hawaii, then going to Japan, Australia, South Africa & Brazil then back to Hawaii. One of his highlights on the tour was in the early eighties he made it to be a finalist in the Pipeline Masters in Hawaii.

 

While the surf was flat Barela spent his time fishing and diving the exotic locals. Barela began a life-long appreciation for the worlds waters. Wanting to duplicate memories of his experiences, Chris started training with sculptress Terrie Bennett where he learned the art of sculpture & mold making. Then under Michael Edge of Oregon, he learned the fine art of patina. Chris has mastered his skill of patina creating beautiful hues, colors & tones, while his sculpture are life like with beautiful clean lines. This is what makes him distinctive from all other artist

 

 At this time Barela lives in Hawaii with his wife and business partner Phoebe & their two children Shane and Sage. Chris and Shane now in his teens, surf and fish local waters off the Big Island. Barela feels very fortunate to be able to share the wonderful life experiences and knowledge of marine life with his children. He is a firm believer in catch and release, it is the enlighten awareness that brings together life & Sculpture.   Barela hopes people will collect his sculpture to  remember the strength and beauty but, also the need to conserve all marine habitat so that future generations are assured the same.