shinn-ful indulgence

firelight

this year is flying by . . . i can't believe it's been eight months since last checking in with artist christie shinn. christie recently sent along word that the wyland gallery on the north shore is featuring her work during this weekend's meet the artist show. enjoy a few sneak peeks of her latest creations!

on duty

makeshift

if you love the warm magic hour glow of firelight, be sure to inquire about the special show rate for the giclée prints which will be 20% off (the deal will also be honored on phone & email orders placed this weekend).

and, fyi, christie is now accepting commissions!

• when: sat, jul 19th & sun, jul 20th - 12p to close
• where: 66-250 kam hwy (north shore marketplace)

click rewind to learn more about christie.

fresh goodness: heather brown

three wave set * ginger * surfer girl

north shore artist heather brown's newest hand screenprinted tees are just the thing to wear on a lovely summer day. the online shop is also stocked with new prints fresh from heather's latest art show. i, for one, am quite smitten with the latest depictions of heather's delightfully happy little hawaiian birds.

rusty feathers

party wave

south point

with the exception of party wave, the original paintings have already been snapped up by savvy buyers but the online offerings include a variety of matted prints (starting at $15 for an 8x10), giclées, and the occasional greeting card.

heather's artwork and tees can also be found at chinatown boardroom.

click rewind to learn more about heather.

sig zane summer 2008

2008 has been declared the international year of the reef and one way you can do your part to help save hawaii's coral reefs is to scoop up sig zane's limited edition kai palaoa design. the ancient hawaiian art form of 'ohe kapala (traditional bamboo stamps used to create tapa) inspired the bold pattern which celebrates both the creation of the reefs and the way of life the reefs sustain for all the creatures who call the ocean home (or consider the waves their home away from home).

a portion of sales from the collection will be donated to support the educational programs of the national oceanic & atmospheric association's national marine sanctuaries hawaii division.

be sure to take some time to click around the online shop which is stocked with lots of new goodies from pretty pillows to stylish leather goods and adorable keiki wear (how cute is that l'il dress!).

or stop by sz's hilo or wailuku outposts:

• big island: 122 kamehameha avenue, hilo
• shop hours: mon - fri, 9:30a to 5p & sat, 9a to 4p

• maui: 53 north market street, wailuku
• shop hours: mon - fri, 10a to 5p & sat, 10a to 3p

the haunted works of edwin ushiro

when we met * since time only meant . . .

a few weeks ago, i stumbled upon a collection of artwork in an online gallery and instantly felt a connection to the small kid time escapades and plantation town backdrops of one artist who i just knew had to be from hawaii.

it turns out that edwin ushiro, the la-based artist behind the canvas, is a local boy who grew up on maui and left for the mainland to study illustration at pasadena's art center college of design. after graduation, he joined the ranks of kama'aina working behind the scenes in hollywood (storyboard artist, visual effects consultant) while continuing to use a mix of mediums to recreate scenes evocative of many an island childhood.

art always becomes a bit more intriguing when you discover the maker's perspective and edwin's work is a yet another reminder that looks can be deceiving if the viewer doesn't go beyond the first glance. a few clicks around his website revealed that just below the surface of these seemingly idyllic paintings lay the spooky worlds whispered about around campfires and sleepovers. those same obake stories that chill(ed) many of us to the bone sparked edwin's fascination with the paranormal which have become the inspiration behind many of his pieces.

when everything really mattered

edwin's fan base has grown after only a few appearances at galleries around los angeles and his newest work will make its debut at his solo exhibit, while tides guide you back home, at project:gallery in culver city this weekend.

red dots seem to be a familiar sight when edwin's art hits the market, however his work seems to have somehow slipped under the radar of the hawaii art scene. hopefully, that will be remedied soon but until then a few clicks will allow you to take a peek here - buy prints here - and order wallpaper here (all the way from spain so beware the exchange rate).

so/cal readers are invited to stop by project:gallery and join edwin at the opening reception saturday evening. hope to see you there!

• when: sat, jul 12th - 7p to 10p
• where: 8545 washington blvd, culver city
• show dates: sat, jul 12th - sat, aug, 9th

p.s. stay in the loop via edwin's blog.

wall of soh

wallpaper has made a grand return to the pages of design glossies and honolulu's multi-talented kaypee soh recently rolled out a new line of wall decor featuring his fabulous modern tropical designs. the new collection of wallpaper and wall murals are produced with a matte finish and both styles are removable (happy news for renters!).

selections range from subdued yet sophisticated repeat patterns of palms and pineapples to bold graphics with an island pop à la andy warhol.

there are 14 designs in all and each pattern is available in 3 colorways to complement your space (contact kaypee for details on custom colors and sizes).

stop by the so'mace gallery to take an in-person peek at the entire collection.

• where: 1115 young street
• shop hours: tue - sat, 10a to 6p & sun, 10a to 4p