art

Once a Film Location; Always a Destination 

Driving west on the island, the scenery changes dramatically from sandy beach to mountain peaks. We made a pit stop in the historical village called Hanapepe, which literally means “crushed bay” in Hawaiian due to the landslides occurring over time. I had my mind set on buying a miniature bamboo rolling pin to match the one I got there three years ago. It’s something I could imagine using in Gail’s Kitchen back home. Mission accomplished. A quick walk about in this sleepy little town told us people come and go as frequently as businesses do, while the old-timers hang on remembering better days. Time passes slowly where locals revel in library cards and starving artists try to close a sale slashing prices for more wall space. Once a film location for “The Thornbirds”, now a destination for always.

In the Eye of the Beholder 

Collecting art is like buying shoes. One purchase and you become addicted. It often happens by accident. Picture this….You are strolling along on a leisurely afternoon not necessarily looking for another purchase and then suddenly it hits you.  A captivating distraction.  You find yourself overcome with desire knowing if you walk away, it may become a lost opportunity. 


I wandered into a small gallery one blustery day and was greeted by the purring of the cat in residence.  “She can tell you’re a cat-lover”, remarked the owner from behind the counter.  “Oh, yes indeed”, I responded, “and I appreciate the warm welcome.”  As I turned my attention about the room, I was drawn to a wall of vibrant tiles.  Each one embodied a unique story of life.  Upon closer scrutiny, words were inscribed around the edges of each piece further encapsulating the imagery.  “These are Spiritiles*”, a voice behind me explained, “created by Houston Llew.”  I was mesmerized and intrigued.  The proprietor handed me a brochure which explained the mysterious artistic technique.  “Every Spiritile* is handcrafted in Atlanta, USA from American made copper, glass and wood. Finely ground colored glass is hand painted on copper, then fired by kiln at 1500 degrees. It’s like drawing with sand then toasting it on a very hot fire.”  I began to see my life mirrored through the blocks before me.  A French perfume bottle embraced by a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson.  A double heart repeating the words of e.e. cummings.  A three-layer cake deliciously inscribed with a Yiddish Blessing.  And that was just the beginning. I fell in love with Joyride, a French bicycle.  Coco Chanel’s Timeless expression of beauty was a “must have”.  Beach Walk reminded me of glorious vacations.  The list goes on and on.  I left the gallery that day with one treasured piece, already imagining where it was to be hung in my home.  Two years later, thanks to my impassioned husband, our collection has grown to a dozen pieces including a few priceless gems personally autographed by the artist.  I suspect the future holds more surprises in store.  And just like another pair of shoes, there’s always room for one more.