Carmen Gardner, Maui Artist - Aloha from Maui No Ka Oi

Aloha from Maui No Ka Oi

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Carmen Gardner
Maui Watercolor Artist

E KOMO MAI!

PRESS PROSE . . . what the reviewers say:

"It’s in the intimate interaction with the Art Maui pieces that you can know more about the woman named “Chiiko” from the Kula Hongwanji [Shingon] and why her face seems to emit a glow that holds tales from her past.

After all, it’s the stories behind the Maui artists and their creations that impact us all. They depict our homes, our neighbors, our communities, our cultures." Maui News, March 9, 2008

"On the other end of the spectrum is super-realist Carmen Gardner, an exceptionally accomplished watercolor painter, who also credits [Richard] Nelson as her sensei.

Gardner’s 'Reunion' bristles with life as two lovely older ladies meet and greet at close range. One of the women is a little more stylish than the other in her red shirt and fetching straw hat set off by a pair of Maui Jim shades. However, this seeming difference in style sense does not dampen their delight in each other." Maui News, March 11, 2007

"Carmen Gardner has two pieces in the show. The one the [Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts] foundation selected is “Kipahulu Hale,” a finely detailed rendering of an old-style home. Note the tones Gardner is able to achieve and the realistic feel of the foliage. One can almost see the palms swaying in the breeze. Gardner’s other work continues her exploration of candid portraiture. . . “96708” is a portrait of [Debbie Faborito], a friendly clerk [at Haiku Post Office]" Maui News--October 1, 2006

" . . . portrait, standout watercolor. . ." " Gardner's "Aloha from Ching Store" has captured the graciousness and welcoming manner everyone experiences from the store's proprietress. The work literally shines and immediately grabs the viewer's attention." Maui News--March 19, 2006

" The State Foundation on Culture and the Arts found a bonanza in this show, purchasing five of the 37 works [from more than 300 works submitted]. . . recipients of the [HSFCA Acquisition Award include] former actor, arts manager, Carmen Gardner for her heartfelt watercolor portrait of a master lei maker, "Roselda." Maui News-- October 23, 2005

" . . . Carmen Gardner is well-known in the performing arts on Maui as an excellent lead actress and former executive director of Maui OnStage. She is presenting a fine watercolor of a papaya tree, cleverly titled "Before the Fall." In the tradition of Robert Wagstaff, Gardner's point of view and composition make the work memorable." Maui News--September 26, 2004

"Chiiko"

Watercolor 21X29

Art Maui 2009 Featured Image

ARTIST'S STATEMENT

As evidenced by her statement for the State Foundation and Culture and the Arts Recognition Award for "Roselda," Carmen is inspired by the spirit of the islands:

"I wanted to capture a moment that reflected the true spirit of 'aloha.' I attempted to depict the concept that aloha isn’t a 'thing', but rather, the people who live it. As I watched Roselda and the other ladies working, their deft fingers flying, I realized that lei aren’t made by machines, flowers aren’t grown and carefully picked by machines . . . aloha isn’t mechanical, or some commercial concept . . . it is a spirit, inherent in those fingers, those flowers, these people who work tirelessly behind the scenes. Visitors, or even many residents, for that matter, don’t see them. I wondered how many of us even realize that someone’s agile fingers gently placed each flower on a string so that I, and others could enjoy the lei and all it signifies. I marveled at the lei itself, and all of the work and people it takes to make only one . . . even though the flowers wilt, the meaning endures. I suddenly felt honored to be welcome among the 'lei ladies' and to be able to capture a moment reflecting the true spirit of aloha."

Carmen’s passion lies in depicting the “essence” of Maui, the truth and beauty that is the reality of the islands.

As a twenty five year resident of Haiku, Carmen’s art is an “almost kama’aina’s” reflection on the “island way of life.” She invites you to share in the experience . . .

COMMENTARY

"Some pieces with political stands did not get into the Art Maui gallery"
Maui News, Sunday March 11, 2007

" . . . [Carmen]Gardner has been an up-and-coming artist for several years. Her work has been seen in several Art Mauis and Hui No'eau shows. One of her paintings was accepted for Art Maui '07. The one not accepted shows the way the military honors a fallen soldier - boots in front of the muzzle of an inverted M-16 with the helmet on top of the shoulder rest, Gardner purposely left the work without a title so the viewer would not be influenced and could interpret the painting in accordance with the feelings it elicited. Serving as both a tribute to those who gave their lives and an elegant comment on the war, it's a powerful image, done expertly by an excellent artist."

"Untitled"

Watercolor 16" X 29" currently touring the mainland in the acclaimed "War and Peace" Exhibition

Awards and Exhibitions

Carmen's work has been featured in many juried exhibitions including:

* Hui No'eau Juried Exhibition 2004
* ano ano gallery's "Postcards from Paradise", juried exhibition, 2004
* Avalene Gallery's "Waianue'nue", juried exhibition, May, 2005
* Maui Art Gallery's "Wailuku Paintout", juried exhibition, 2005
* Hui No'eau Juried Exhibition 2005
* Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts Recognition Award 2005
* "Art Maui," juried exhibition 2006
* Hui No'eau Juried Exhibition 2006
* Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts Acquisition Award, 2006
* Watercolor Magic Magazine Watermedia Showcase 2007 Honorable Mention Portrait Category
* Invited Artist Hui No'eau "Art Affair" 2007
* Art Maui 2007
* Hui No'eau "Arts & Flowers" juried exhibition 2007
* Lahaina Art Society juried Exhibition 2007
* War and Peace Exhibition, Makawao, Maui 2007
* Invited Artist Hui No'eau "Art Affair," 2008
* Hawaii Watercolor Society Juried Exhibition 2008
* Art Maui 2008. Carmen's "Chiiko" was chosen as the featured image for Art Maui 2009
* Invited Artist Hui No'eau "Art Affair," 2009
* Invited Artist Viewpoints Gallery "Celebration of Hawaii" Exhibition 2009
* Art Maui, 2009

Carmen's work may be seen at Viewpoints Gallery in Makawao, Hui No'eau Art Center Gallery Shop, and at her Haiku Studio, by appointment. She currently teaches various watercolor classes for the County of Maui and from her Haiku studio. She is a member of the Hawaii Watercolor Society.

Check out her work at the online gallery link above . . . or click here
Carmen's Latest Works

Carmen's Online Gallery

Email for further info

Art Info . . . MauiArtist@hawaii.rr.com

email: MauiArtist@hawaii.rr.com,
Carmen Gardner Studios, Haiku, Hawaii 96708
Ph: 808 573-7529 • Fax: 808 573-2089

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