Project Description
About the Piece
THE “Chinese Hall” at Moanalua Gardens was built in China, shipped to Hawaii by Samuel Mills Damon who reassembled it on his property around 1905. It was moved to the gardens in 1959 to make way for the highway.
When I painted it, I felt the presence of the old Hawaii. Prince Lot Kapuāiwa allowed hula to be performed on the grounds. So I added the figure with a feather cape and helmet in front of the hall.
The hall is not open to the public but is occasionally used for special occasions.
About the Artist
Art is communication. Something electric passes from my subject to my mind and body when I draw. On a good day, I capture that ineffable communication. Even bad days are never a waste, only less productive due to wrong decisions or fatigue.
Art has become a passion. Every moment of learning and experimenting, from watercolor to oil, Conte to pastels, has been wonderful.
Art is a solitary practice; the best way to improve is to do it. Before Covid, I attended weekly life drawing sessions. When I feel a bit lonely painting at home, I find a good workshop for inspiration.
I pursue art in all its myriad forms–visiting great collections, sketching beautiful places and studying artists and their work.