Friday, July 13, 2007

Art at the State Capitol - Office of Rep. Kyle Yamashita

"Aizu Dancers" by Kauka de Silva - Ceramic and reed sculpture, 1984

Representative Kyle Yamashita (District 12 - Upcountry Maui) is a big supporter of art education. He is responsible for securing funds for the development of a performing arts and visual learning center at King Kekaulike High School.

The art he selected for his office reflects his appreciation for fine craftsmanship using natural materials, such as this series of ceramic and reed sculptures, each standing 8 to 10 inches tall. De Silva was born and raised in Hawaii but studied art at Waseda University in Tokyo.

Milo Wood Lathe bowl by Robert Yamada 1988
Robert Yamada is a Kauai artist from Kapaa. The lustrous sheen of his milo wood bowl is produced by hand polishing with leaves from the ulu (breadfruit) tree and kukui nut or mineral oil.


"Maui" by Dorothy Saxon Wenger - Oil Painting 1973

Yamashita's district on Maui includes Haleakala, and he was successful in his freshman term in the 2005 and 2006 sessions to acquire funding for the much needed expansion of Haleakala Highway. The painting by Dorothy Saxon Wenger called "Maui" was selected because it seemed to represent the colors of Haleakala - House of the Sun, with its reds and oranges of the volcano, the yellows of the sun, and the greens of Upcountry Maui.
"Red Winged Stiletto" by Garry Greenwood - Leather Sculpture 1984

This unusual leather sculpture never fails to draw attention. Standing only about a foot tall, the piece looks like wood, but is flexible to the touch.

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