Creativity was in free flow Wednesday at woodworker Tai Lake’s property in Holualoa as 36 artists gathered for the Hawaii Artist Collaboration.
The collaboration returned this year following a two-year break due to the COVID 19 pandemic. True to its original philosophy, the theme for 2022 is “Shared journeys. Collective vision. One of a kind art.”
The invitation-only artist collaborative marks the ninth year that artists from throughout Hawaii Island, Oahu, the U.S. mainland, the UK, Australia and New Zealand came here to create unique pieces of art in just four days.
The artists, jewelers, blacksmiths, woodworkers, painters, sculptors and more work together to create unique pieces that will be auctioned off Saturday to benefit arts in the school.
Lake was excited to again host the collaboration.
“The artists pool resources. There are no egos and a willingness to cooperate,” said Lake. “This can translate to everything. Sharing resources and knowledge … how do you get this concept into our county government?”
Lake has a section of his woodworking shop he calls the “parts pile,” mostly leftover unsold items from estate sales. Artists can pick through an eclectic collection of random items such as old typewriters, dolls, broken furniture, musical instruments and so much more with a vision of creating something unique. One artist starts a project then passes it along to another artist of a different discipline, each adding their own unique spin to the art. The result is one of a kind pieces made by accomplished artisans.
Woodworker and sculptor John VanderKolk from Sapphire Beach Australia was grinding a stiletto wearing leg that will end up supporting a table. This is his third time attending the event. When asked why he attended the collaboration, he replied “Are you kidding me? Trying to describe collab is impossible. It’s good for the soul and good meeting your tribe again. And we all get along.”
Blacksmith Lisa Geertsen has also returned for a third time. The graduate student from Southern Illinois University is studying to receive her masters degree in blacksmithing and is enamored with the experience of collaboration. She brought with her wrought iron spikes she recovered from an over 100-year-old shipwreck on the Mississippi River, which will be transformed into a collaborative piece.
“Love brings me back,” she said. “It is the best way to take a vacation and the people here are like family.”
The artwork produced will be offered for sale at the silent and live auction hosted at the Hawaii Island Community Health Center pavilion located at 74-5214 Keanalehu Drive, from 4 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, October 29. Proceeds help fund supplies for art teachers and their programs at Hawaii Island schools, and provide funds for future events.
“It’s wonderful to see so much support and enthusiasm surrounding the return of this event. Artists representing about 14 different media all have jumped in to pick up the spirit of collaboration right where we left off,” said Lake, event co-founder. “Once again this year, jewelers, blacksmiths, woodworkers, painters, sculptors and more are all coming together to create works that no one person could imagine alone.”
Ticket information can be found at HawiiArtist-collabortion.org, entry donation $25 at the door; $20 in advance. For more information, please contact hawaiicollaboration@gmail.com, (808) 938-6245 or visit Hawaii Artist Collaboration Facebook page.