The composition and texture of this painting remind me of watching Kilauea's lava flowing into the Pacific Ocean from an aerial view, creating new land on the coast. I was lucky enough to see this from an aerial view twice: once from my plane before landing in Hilo, then again from a helicopter tour of the Big Island.
the newest land on earth.
This painting also brings back wonderful memories of visiting Punaluʻu Beach (also called Black Sand Beach)
– a beach near Nāʻālehu and Red Cinder Creativity Center – on the Big Island of Hawaii.
The beach’s sand is black because it is created by lava flowing into the ocean which explodes as it reaches the ocean and cools. This volcanic activity is in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Being an artist-in-residence at Red Cinder was a powerful experience that continues to inspire me.
Maybe it is because Red Cinder’s ten-acre property lies on the southern slope of Mauna Loa volcano.
Or maybe it’s because Red Cinder's property borders Kahukuâ – Hawaii Volcanoes National Parks’ recent 116,000-acre parkland addition. Or maybe it’s because the Big Island itself is a place that is literally still creating itself, as lava from Kilauea Volcano flows into the ocean, growing the island bit by bit.
And if you're in the St. Louis area, it'd be great to see you at the WaxCentric Opening Reception this Saturday!
It was so fun and fulfilling hanging this group show with the other members of WaxCentric last Saturday!
Hope you're having a wonderful week!
Mary^