Family…it seems like a theme woven into this week’s artist visits that families share and grow the arts. Yesterday two families of amazing local artists visited us at Nohea Gallery, and it was a blast.
Brother and sister Gordon and Lori Uyehara visited in the morning. Lori’s paintings and sculpture are like nothing else. Gordon’s metal work is also stunningly beautiful, really a treat for the eyes and hands. As soon as their work is installed, photos will follow.
When we asked how it came about that both of them became such accomplished artists, Gordon shared that their father had earned his Masters degree in fine art at University of Hawaii after he retired. He must have encouraged his children as they are both so gifted. Lori’s work teaching kids here has been a tremendous gift to the future too.
Later in the day, one of the wood turners we celebrate at Nohea, Aaron Hammer, called to say that his wife Casey was in town from their new home on the Big Island of Hawaii. Casey, her mother artist Janet Holaday, and daughter Helix stopped in for a visit.
Casey makes really spectacular one of a kind necklaces in sterling silver using found shells from Hawaii and beads from all over the world. Her work has such a feeling of quality and uniqueness; like the whole family, she’s the real deal.
In our own family, my grandmother’s oil paintings and the joy she took in painting them remind us of her joy and love. Her parties at her Kailua beach home were always filled with lifelong friends from around the world. Her love of painting and beauty and art was shared with me, a gift that I’ll always be grateful for. As she would say, “Enjoy!”
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