Philippe CRISTOFINI, Called “Cristo”, born in France on december 1960.

Live in Hiva Oa, Marquesas islands, French Polynesia.

Originally from Corsica, an island in Meditteranean Sea in south of France, i started

wood carving with a knive when I was 12. Work in Health department as Physiotherapist. During my studies in medical school in France I also studied arts (Academic drawing, oil painting, ceramic, bronze...) in “Beaux Arts” school for 1981 to 1984. I got many technics I use now in my turnings and carvings.

I use a lathe to rough and turn wood pieces. My pieces can be very natural or embellishedwith all the technics I practiced in the past.

In January 2001 i chose to live in Marquesas islands, French Polynesia, for a peaceful life with my wife. Hiva Oa island is an other planet. People, time, weather... all is peaceful.

Woods are fabulous in Marquesas, it’s unlimited. We ride horses in the moutain to find some burls or dead trees. I never cut an alive tree, ialways use dead wood.

We spend a natural life between mountain and beach, with horses, pets and children.

What else ? We need nothing else, just to share with our friends all around the world.

Today i am modestly known in the small world of woodturning and woodcarving for my  “wavy” pieces which is my own creation and stays an exclusivity.

I hope customers buying my creations could feel peace and serenity flowing from waves and spirals to their home.

I will be happy to share that in this crazy world.