Thirty-five world-renowned artists recently came together in Holualoa for a week of collaboration and camaraderie during the fifth annual Hawaii Artist Collaboration.
Founded by local woodworking artists Tai Lake and Cliff Johns, the gathering of creative minds comes together at Lake’s workshop to create 70 to 85 pieces of art using 14 different media. The by-invitation-only event brings together master artists from around the globe.
“Besides working together creating unique pieces, it gives the artists time to recharge and reconnect. We have woodworkers, blacksmiths, ceramics, graphics, tapa, cordage, paint and jewelry makers, to name a few disciplines” Lake said. “You look at the metal workers. Every farm and barn had the set-up. Metal is what holds the world together, but they bring it to a whole new artistic level.”
One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Never was this more evident than at the “supply pile” in the workshop. Lake gets donations of random items all the time. The artistic eye sees something in a piece and an idea is born. Artists could be found rummaging through the piles of broken dolls, games and typewriters, looking for the perfect item and give new life to discarded pieces.
It was Australian mural artist Annette Barlow’s first trip to Hawaii. The experience exceeded her expectations, having previously attended similar events.
“It is wonderful to have a group of people share the same understanding, energy, ideas and respect” she observed. “There is something about this place…”
Hamakua silversmith Amy Flanders has attended since the beginning.
“I’ve become an addict” she joked. “There’s just so much energy here.”
“It’s the best thing ever!” added wood and metal worker Ian Rogers.
Kailua, Oahu, woodworker Pat Kramer said attending the collaboration breaks tension and allows the artists to refocus their creativity.
“It’s nice not to worry about commercial viability for a change” Kramer said. “For five days, it’s all about creativity and working with like minded artists, coming up with some pretty unique pieces.”
All of the items created were available for sale Saturday during a silent auction at the Holualoa Inn. The $20 admission fee provided West Hawaii public school art teachers supplies for their classes.
For more information about the collaboration, visit hawaiiartistcollaboration.org.
Email Laura Shimabuku at lshimabuku@westhawaiitoday.com.
