Islands In The Sky

Description

Earth & Sky - A solo exhibition of paintings and drawings at the Volcano Art Center Gallery, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. June 8 - July 28 2002. Guided tours and an opportunity to meet the artist. Saturday, July 13 and Sunday, July 14 from 10AM to 2 PM. Call the Gallery at 808-967-7565 for details. On this page: The feature article from the Hawaii Tribune-Herald, June 21, 2002, along with the three published accompanying images. Earth & Sky Hawaii Tribune-Herald, Arts & Entertainment section feature article, June 21, 2002. Artist offers insight to show this weekend at Volcano Art Center Alignments of the sun at Cape Kumukahi to dramatic views of the Hawaiian islands as seen from orbit are displayed at the Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, captured by acrylic paintings and pen-and-ink drawings of local artist Dominic Tidmarsh. Known for his dramatic landscapes and skyscapes of the Big Island, Tidmarsh's work brings together elements of art, science and the humanities. "When I was a boy," says Tidmarsh, "my interests were in science and scientific exploration, but as I grew older I was drawn increasingly to art. Whereas science could provide the answers for my mind, it was art that addressed the feelings in my heart." Through a combination of scientifically accurate information and his own love for the land, Tidmarsh's images are intended to connect with the viewer on many different levels. From deeply personal views, such as a lone star-gazer sitting atop Mauna Loa, to sweeping expansive views of the night sky over erupting Pu ‘u O ‘o and the Kupaianaha lava lake, viewers are reminded of the enormity and complexity of the universe. In the intricate pen-and-ink drawing, "Hawaii - A View From Orbit," the viewer looks down at the islands as they might appear from the Space Shuttle. Below the islands, emanating from deep within the Earth's mantle, are seen rising columns of magma feeding the volcanoes that created the islands. Above all this, the curvature of the earth and the starry night sky place the whole scene within a greater context. In "Cape Kumukahi - A View Looking West," Tidmarsh presents a striking and suggestive illustration of the position of the sun as it sets on the winter and summer solstices and on the equinoxes. Having studied the alignments of Stonehenge and other ancient astronomical sites, Tidmarsh has wondered if ancient Hawaiians used these alignments of sun and landscape to keep track of the passing of the seasons. In addition to extensive use of reference photographs, Tidmarsh uses star charts and computer software to ensure the accuracy of stars and constellations, and of the geological and geographical features in the images. With a meticulous eye for detail and an elegant painterly style, the images are both educational and inspirational. "If I hear one person say 'I never knew that' or 'I never would have thought of that' about one of my images, then I know my job is well done," says Tidmarsh. Born on the island of Trinidad in the Caribbean, Tidmarsh has lived in Indonesia, the U.K. and the mainland U.S., and has been a resident of the Big Island since 1996.

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