Hawaii Island resident and artist Cindy Coats recently debuted her ninth annual Ironman World Championship painting, commemorating the endurance event set here on Hawaii Island on Saturday.
The new, original piece for Kona’s iconic event is titled “Celebrate the Dream,” and incorporates “street art.”
“I’m surrounded by beauty and inspiration here on Hawaii Island,” Coats, a 21-year resident of Holualoa, said. “When I moved the gallery to its current location in 2008 creating an Ironman-themed piece each year was really a no-brainer – we’re located nearly directly on the triathlon’s start and finish line! You can’t help but be inspired by all the people you meet … athletes, trainers, family and friends. Everyone has a different reason for being here. It’s awe-inspiring.”
Each year, this event supporter challenges herself to come up with something completely new to celebrate the relationship between Ironman, the athletes and our community, according to her many collectors and fans.
“This event is electric — people from all over the globe gather here to compete with true respect and camaraderie and to enjoy that with their families and support teams. People are so happy to be here and they truly want something that is made in Kona that represents their special experience here. I am extremely honored by the support and encouragement I‘ve received from the Ironman World Championship officials here and at the corporate level over the years,” Coats said.
In fact, Philippe Blatter, president of Infront Sports Media and Wanda Sports, the parent company of Ironman, has many of Coats originals hanging in his office in Zug, Switzerland.
“They fill my days with color, excellent memories, optimism and the feeling that “anything is possible,” Blatter said.
Coats, a native of Albuquerque, New Mexico, relocated to Hawaii Island in 1996 with her husband, Barry. While she says she’s loved drawing her entire life, it was a movie that inspired her to pursue a career in art.
“I was 10-years-old when my parents took me to see the Beatles’s ‘Yellow Submarine.’ Walking out of that movie, I turned to my Mom and said, ‘That’s it, I’m going to be an artist!’” she said.
“I’m blessed to have such an interesting career and this is an exciting new chapter, following commissions from corporations, including Pepsi, and artists such as Elton John, U2, Santana and Sting,” Coats said.
In addition to the original, Coats’ limited edition giclees and prints are available for purchase at her gallery near the Kailua Pier.
Info: Contact Coats at 640-2115 or dogsloveart@gmail.com.