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Meet Tim Garcia & Margo Ray, 2009 Solo Artist Exhibition Artists

On Friday, August 21st the Hui will present complete new bodies of work by two incredible Hawaii-based artists during it's 2009 Solo Artist Exhibition.

Tim Garcia's "Oval Explorations" utilizes a multitude of different stone, wood, and metal to explore the oval form in unconventional, as well as more traditional mediums. "The oval is a form I find myself drawn to again and again in my work. Whether perfectly round, or a little off-centered in the interior or exterior of a form, the softness and sensuality draws me in." says Tim. The focus of the exhibit is a large wall installation of curved and cut wood. Tim has also explored the oval utilizing printmaking, caste bronze seedpods, and a couple of surprises to be unveiled at the show.

Margo Ray will present "Postcards, Snapshots and Collected Lamentations." These mixed media collages are pages from sketch books that I make on an ongoing basis as part of my studio practice. I collect postcards, tourist memorabilia, photographs, playing cards and magazine pages. My process is fast, intuitive, random and excessive and represents artistic responses to my experience of the world. My notebooks reflect the contradictions that I feel in my life and the world around me. Margo says about her work, "The art I am presenting is very personal and intimate on a certain level, almost like going through someone' s diary".

Recently we had a chance to sit down with the artists and get to know a bit more about their inspiration, processes ad intentions.

Why do you do what you do? What is the purpose?

MR: Creating art is, to me, a public service; it provides a connection to and reflection of humanity. I create not necessarily for the greater good but as part of a larger point in life. I can't imagine not doing this.

TG: I do what I do…because my head would explode otherwise! My art is my way of expressing my reflections of life, being, society, where I am immediately and how it relates to what I want to do for the community.

What connections do you strive to convey between your work and the community?

MR: I strive to convey a message of accessibility in my work, which I believe strengthens my connection with those viewing, or participating in it. My media consists of everyday objects, old photographs, textures and found materials transformed into dynamic pieces that speak to the seer in different ways. My technique is completely transparent, which allows people inside of the process and, I hope, inspires a community dialogue.

TG: My aim is to spur a social and political commentary, to evoke beauty, to rouse discussion amongst people with a preexisting connection, whether it be the physical community or their love of the arts. I want to convey that art is something we all deserve- it's not an American ideal, but a world ideal.

What is the contrast between the intent of your work and the perception of your work?

MR: I find that my work embraces an unconscious influence of place; the colors, plant life, textures and diversity of Hawaii are all major factors in the plan. When I exhibit outside of Hawaii, in Canada for example, these features seem to be quite striking to the looker, especially in terms of color, yet once they learn where I'm from they seem to get it. I've met people that have visited the islands and then come back to me saying "ah ha."

TG: I'm a very tactile person; I want people to touch my work- I truly value that bond between my art and the seer. I find this to be very surprising to people as they are accustomed to a slap on the wrist for getting anywhere within 3 feet of a work of art, especially a sculpture. I'm tackling this contrast by attempting to break down barriers. I want the perception to be one of approachability and participation, not simply looking.

Tell me about a surprising comment or reaction your work has created?

MR: Again, it goes back to the perception of my work as being very much out of place or built out of scale. As a result my work has begun to develop an increasingly reactionary style. I find myself more aware of the colors and values emitted, although not a literal description of Hawaii, but very much an acknowledgement of it.

TG: I created a mother & child piece some time ago, each fitting into the other in a reverse, circular style that I was so pleased with aesthetically. As people came to see it on exhibit it was causing a chuckle, soon to be revealed to me an unconscious result of the giant "69" it was depicting. I can't look at that piece now without thinking it. My 69 piece. (Laughs).

Learn more about this and other upcoming Hui No`eau exhibitions at www.huinoeau.com

*Portraits by Doug Bowser, Hui Teaching Artist

Hui Announces Artists Selected for 2009 Solo Artist Exhibition

On Friday, August 21^st, 2009, the Hui will proudly present it's bi-annual Solo Artist Exhibition, featuring a complete body of work by two emerging artists that have made significant contributions to our local arts and culture.

One of the only shows in the state of Hawaii providing the unique opportunity for artists to be personally involved in all facets of the exhibition planning and installation, the Solo Artist Exhibition has advanced careers, attracted valuable exposure for emerging artists, and spurred community dialogue.

Previous artists selected for the exhibition include Abigail Romanchak, Deb Nehmad, San Shoppell, David Hamma, KC Smith, Rick Allred, Deybra Fair, and Janet Davis, all of which have become well-known for their work and continue to develop successful careers as artist practitioners.

"I had my Hui Solo show in 1995, two years after I had moved to the island. It was a wonderful way to get to know the art community here as well as an amazing creative challenge. A solo show at an art center like the Hui really pushes you to do your best I've had about 14 solo shows since then and have acquired a great base of collectors and galleries". - Janet Davis

"Having the opportunity to create a new body of work for the Hui No'eau Solo Exhibition challenged me to produce a visually and conceptually strong exhibition. It was an honor to show a collection of my work in such a beautiful and accessible gallery space". -Abigail Lee Kahilikia Romanchak

"As a practicing artist in Hawaii, I was honored by the opportunity to compete for and be awarded a Solo Exhibition in a community art space like the Hui. The exercise of completing the application, and then curating one's own work was invaluable. The space itself is a wonderful place to show one's art and the staff was very helpful. The fact that there are so few opportunities in Hawaii for an artist to have a solo show makes the opportunity all the more invaluable. I also appreciated the ability to reach an audience beyond Oahu". –Deborah Nehmad

This year's show will feature Maui's own Tim Garcia and the Big Island's Margo Ray. Garcia's new body of work, Oval Explorations, will bring to fruition his exploration of this simple, yet pervasive shape through sculpture, print, and cast metals. Ray will present, Postcards, Snapshots and Collected Lamentations, with collages that are global in their perspective and often address ideas and emotions around our post-colonial present.

"I've been a part of this art community for a long time," says Garcia, "following in the footsteps of past Solo Artists like Abbey & Dave, I was honored by the opportunity to apply and am proud to be a part of this tradition. It's been a great to focus on the momentum I've gained in working with circular forms and growth cycles."

"It's been exciting for me to get back to this idea of creating work that doesn't necessarily include painting, drawing or other skills widely considered to be fine art," says Ray, "Initially I was surprised by the paring of Tim and I, but really we both focus on accessibility, dialogue and texture. It's great that the Hui is focusing on community-based work and I look forward to experiencing the final result."

The exhibition runs from August 21 through September 25, 2009. Stay tuned for updates and opening information at www.huinoeau.com