HMA IS TAKIN' IT TO THE STREETS...where muralists like to be, outside, in the heart of the community. And this year Hawaii Mural Arts will be takin' it overseas!! for the Pancakes & Booze Art Show this October 2016!! 

I'm so excited about this event because I had watched a few youtube vids on past shows, I liked the chaos of it all; loud music, hustle bustle of people talking about the art, and the various live artists was cool too. There's also another exhibition this month at the Hui No'e'au that I'm hoping to enter but not sure if piece will be finished by deadline. I've been making some cool artworks lately working for an entertainment company and have a few commission pieces too...so I'm up to my ears in art...and loving it. Took a break for a couple weeks on doing live art for people...some didn't seem to appreciate it, and some were so stoked to have me...so now I'm a bit more selective on who I offer my free time to. I painted the pillbox at Hookips a few times, that's always a blast!! 

(painted this on moms birthday July 12)

This last week I tried a few times to paint Jerry Garcia at the pillbox, but the paint gawds were not having it I guess. So I asked my friend who plays dead music if I could paint live at his next gig and he said sure!! yeah!! So Jerry will be painted live at Charley's tomorrow night as the MAUI PRANKSTERS play...couldn't be more perfect. 

Artwork in beginning is by a Maui Prankster named Phthalo Darkstar,

and she makes a mean salad too (;

My longtime amigo & his wahine have been very supportive throughout the years with every single community event I've put on. And it's funny because this band is so busy!! Always touring on the mainland, I try to catch shows on Maui but hasn't been working out with work schedules...luckily, I'm friends with these guys and had an opportunity to hear them jam at one of the band members hale (home). I actually sat on this futon directly in front, hows that for special uh? But I couldn't sit, had to get up and groove!! Something about this band makes me smile big and dance all night!! You really feel like you could be at a dead show. It's going to be difficult not to put my brush down and boogie, but I'm hoping to wow everyone with my portrait of Jerry. It was suggested I paint where crowd can't see painting, then turn it around at the end...and hopefully, there's my wow ;)  

Painted this one (above of Johnny Cash) for friends birthday...I don't think the partygoers appreciated it though, 

oh well, I painted it from pic he liked on his frig so I know he loved it, even said "I love it!!!!"

I started thinking about the fumbling I go through videotaping my time-lapses for youtube...it can be challenging. The tape moves or something nudges the tripod and as I continue to paint, nothing is being taped /:  It's disappointing when I'm already half way pau (finished).  I was discussing the possibility of getting this Jerry on film and video tape the band playing, but I need someone else to control the vid while I paint. If we don't find anyone to kokua, then it will need to be my iPhone again...yay.  I did talk story with a video guy who said he may be able to do it, but I'm hoping we can work more on capturing some mural arts on a different type of video for television. There's a community television station that offers free airtime for nonprofits...ahh..I knew I was doing something right. So here's my idea in case anyone thinks they can do it before me, go for it...the more art programs, the better our community will grow and create together.

I am looking for a staff of people who can assist with a community television program specifically for art & music. And since our nonprofit leans more towards the mural arts, I'd like to start there. My vision is to have live art, live music, and promote organizations that bring awareness to community issues regarding land, food, & water. There are so many different businesses I'd like to promote that are excited about arts in the community...so many amazing local artists not able to promote themselves properly, that ol "starving artist" stereotype is actually spot on with many unknown artists. Not everyone has funds to have their artworks framed and packaged or can afford rent on wall space...so they hustle harder to get themselves seen...yep, myself included. But with me, I'm carrying an organization that represents all Maui Muralists & Fine Artists, Sculptors, EcoBuilders, Permaculture Designers, and more!  I am bringing live art to a whole new level..not just one artist...not just a painting. My dream is to speed paint a bomb ass mural in under 8 minutes with a team of Muralists. But until that gig arrives, I'm going solo while representing a great organization. 

There's change happening in the art scene all around the globe right now!! Murals and street art are going up replacing reminders of darker days...people want their cities to have facelifts and begin again with a new and improved image. People want positive messages and influential visuals...and that's where our countries best Muralists will shine. Now those same graf artists our cities officials tried to jail are being asked to do it again. Finally, being recognized for their skills, and competing with the newbies that are doing even more amazing things...sorry, but graffiti is the past y'all...still very very cool...but times are changing and everything that graffiti represents; uniqueness, individualism, independence...is still the core of what is out there, but a new generation is giving graffiti a run for its money fersure. And I'm not 'saying' its gone, just has a new face too. Now you can find graf art on just about anything; vehicles, furniture, and other items it was never aloud on.  I feel like every Muralist should practice graffiti style art because its an important part of Mural Arts and should be respected like any other art form. Especially, if you're planning on tagging over someones freshly "bombed" wall...use caution if its a dangerous criminals work ayyyy...nope, I'm ok promoting myself for commissioned city approved stuff, thanks, but the possibility of jail isn't something that grabs me. I like my freedom...and there's plenty of walls that the city officials would approve for designs.

Again, with my TV idea; let's have some graf artists paint live, get them seen for approved works...get them live gigs with some bands...I am hoping to have a mini party ever episode! lol! non-alcohol, drug-free of course...and even better because we show the youth out there having fun with music and art doesn't always mean booze is involved. Speaking of booze hehe like that transition? ...I also want to have the organizers of (adult only) art events like Pancakes & Booze Art Show, on the air to promote these fantastic art exhibitions. Advertising and marketing is the hardest part about getting these exhibitions off the ground. And when your a new nonprofit, the ad funds aren't there quite yet. So I figure why not take advantage of some free advertisement for our upcoming event...another ProjectWALL Fundraiser; HI-WALL Exhibition - "Mermaids & Murals" this December 2016. 

My plate is definitely full at the moment. I am planning, studying real estate, and still working with an apprentice practicing massage, plus, still working to get our proposal seen from HC&S for the wall on building near road to Kihei. But no matter what, I am always interested in working with organizations that kokua our keiki here in Hawaii no matter how busy I get, because introducing arts to young minds is so rewarding and great boost for any adults self worth. I'd like to work with some high schools students this year and establish a Mural Arts Club for students to learn about the fundamentals & history of Mural Arts, and also fundraise for a trip abroad to visit art museums & study art overseas...since I am still waiting for my passport, I can at least travel within the US. 

But first things first, get my realtors license....this is major priority since my online course expires this month. Talk about sleep, drink, eat realty...wow. Then I can assist in not only designing beautiful structures & landscapes...but I can assist in the purchase of the land. I can completely help create an amazing dwelling that's sustainable....art doesn't end with canvas & walls...it's a lifestyle!! And once I help my clients purchase land, build their home, I can also help design their walls & floors, add permaculture design to landscapes, and once their dwellings are complete, I can give them a spa session!---AND a tattoo! lol!! How's that for service?? I'd make the best assistant for a rock star hehe...I'm not saying I'd do the work all myself either, but when you know how something works and how it's done...it makes it easier to ask what you need specifically done from someone else. I also like knowing I can jump in if someone flakes out, here in Hawaii, it happens allot. Anyway, once I get my realtors license, I can start moving in a different direction with my creative ideas and skills. I love massage but only teaching it, not for a living anymore. And I love art, so my anatomy in papermache is another video project I'm interested in making. It will take allot, but maybe it can be worked into another episode! A whole week of building a papermache life-size skeleton for your practice! Wow this TV idea has potential! I can also invite artists off island to Skype in or call in...hmm...lots of possibilities. One thing I keep trying to make a decision on but haven't decided yet; will I put myself in front of a camera live on air...or stay on audio. Guess I'll see how tomorrow night feels being in front of camera speaking is a whole lot different than a dark night club painting /;   But I can make it fun...maybe I'll paint my face like a DOTD woman...anyway, wish me luck and send those prayers because I need all the kokua I can get fersure! Btw, guess what the show will be called? 

See you on the other side!!!  ;)

~M.