Since returning to the Big Island in the early 1980s, Waimea-based Kathy Long has focused on the energy and drama that captured her from the moment she first witnessed the art of hula kahiko. ADVERTISING Since returning to the Big
Since returning to the Big Island in the early 1980s, Waimea-based Kathy Long has focused on the energy and drama that captured her from the moment she first witnessed the art of hula kahiko.
Over the years, the Hilo-born Long has honed her skills, and today works in pastels and black and white drawings that capture the essence and beauty of Hawaii.
Long recently took some time out of her schedule to tell the Big Island Entertainment Scene about her work.
Q: How do you describe your artwork to people, and what makes it unique?
A: “Since returning to the Big Island, where I lived as a child, my subject matter has become the host culture of Hawaii. The energy and drama captured me from the first moment I witnessed hula kahiko. My husband, Bertil, is a cultural anthropologist and we share that interest and here was this wonderful revival unfolding right before our eyes. I wanted to capture these precious moments as they were happening so that people would not forget individuals that played such important rolls in the survival of the Hawaiian culture. I continue to do that today, 33 years later.”
Q: When you begin a piece of work, what do you hope to capture?
A: “The people of Hawaii and the hula inspire me. I find it such a fascinating culture, with depth and layers that always surprise and delight me. I always look to help others learn and understand those depths and lead them to want to learn more. It is one of those cultures that crosses all boundaries.”
Q: How do you hope your artwork makes people feel?
A: “I always hope that I can translate my emotional connection to what ever it is I am painting. If a piece gives someone ‘chicken skin!’ or makes them want to cry I know I have done well.”
Q: Do you have artistic influences or styles?
A: “I spent many years in Europe and have my art education from a very traditional art school in Scandinavia. Even today one of my favorite places to spend an afternoon is always a good museum. I am inspired by all kinds of work and styles. I was a bit of a radical in school as I grew up during a time period when realism was just never done. But it is my style and anything else makes me feel like I am somehow lying — so I have stayed true to what feels real and best to me.”
Q: When did you decide to become a full-fledged artist, and how have you evolved? Did you start or do other forms of media?
A: “My mother, Mary Koski, was a well known artist and I think it was natural from me to follow in her footsteps. I started art school at 17 and had my first one-woman art show in Europe when I was only 19 and have never looked back. People are taught to be afraid of the fine arts and the school system always encourages people to get degrees in commercial art so they can get a job. That was never something I wanted. The best thing about having a career in art is that you can work from home and raise a family, as well as follow your dream!”
Q: Are you currently working on a piece? If so, tell our readers about it and when they can expect it to be unveiled.
A: “I am working on several pieces, one hula with lots of rich color, another hula piece that is happening at sunset and then one of my more contemporary Tropical Ladies, set by a waterfall. No clue when they will be done.”
Keep up with the latest from Long at www.KathyLongArtist.com or via email to contact@kathylongartist.com.
