Saturday (October 9), 7-10pm, Paia Tattoo Parlor, Paia, Free
If the pressure of the global economic crunch has you thinking that the need for fine art is akin to the need for a hole in the head, perhaps you need to start thinking of it more like the ancient civilizations that practiced trephination — the burring of hole(s) into the skull as primitive brain surgery, a part of superstitious rites, or as means to achieve enlightenment. After all, art is enlightening, spiritual and healing. Following up on the celebrated show “Cabinets of Curiosities” by Ghalib El-Khalidi (stay tuned for more on this artist in next week’s issue), the parlor’s new exhibit is “lighthearted fun with symbolism and pop culture (bringing) a whole new appreciation to Halloween, and the freedom to flaunt hellishness” — with a double feature consisting of artist Aimee M. Watters’s series “Not So Pretty Pictures,” and illustrator Isaac Keith Martinez’s “Spook ‘Ems” collection. (Runs through October 31, closing with a costume party.) 808-579-8515; paiatattooparlor.com
If that doesn’t strike your fancy, here’s another hoopla to stick your head into, this Saturday. San Francisco-based performance artist Shakti Sunfire continues her workshop tour with a hula hooping how-to on Maui. (October 9, 7-9pm, Makawao Union Church, $35) 808-281-3394; On Facebook: Hoop Tribe Maui / shaktisunfire.moonfruit.com
Parlor-provided Artist Bios:
Aimee M. Watters is a Detroit born artist, and received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting from Wayne State University. She has lived in many states across the country and has work in galleries from Detroit to Joshua Tree. Her body of work is filled with unforgettable nightmarish imagery, and icons of self destruction. She believes history repeats itself, therefore, the felons and infiltrators are among us. Putting those aspects into her paintings, tells us it is ok to go against the grain, appreciate the oddities, and to accept those who chose a different path outside the norm.
Isaac Keith Martinez is a Hawaii born illustration artist who is OBSESSED with Horror films. “Spook ‘Ems” is a loving tribute to Isaac’s love affair with horror cinema.
I first learned of trephination when I was 10 years old, reading The Golden Compass by Phillip Pullman. I know, I know. The Golden Compass is that cheesy fantasy kids movie with giant, talking polar bears and black clad witches. Sigh. Yes — and no. It’s truly a beautiful trilogy — and can be found in the young adult section of your local bookstore — and I have no qualms admitting how much I adore these stories. I love them so much, that in the 7th grade a wrote a letter to the publisher, who ended up forwarding it to Pullman himself, who responded personally. Nice.
Think that’s dorky? Check this out: I actually love these books so much, not only is my first copy little more than a pile of yellow papers with the binding wore completely out, but I’ve collected every copy I can get my hands on from retail and thrift stores (and the occasional gift). I’ve got over 30 copies. Seriously. Last time I checked, there are nearly 150 different covers produced the globe over. It used to be a goal of mine to collect them all (like Pokemon — or so I hear — and about as silly). I even picked up a few copies while in Ketchikan, Alaska and a great limited release hardcover at Pike’s Place in Seattle, Washington. I was 18 years old. Again, seriously. Then I caught wind of the movie coming out and it was all over for me. My book collecting was replaced with sadness. But, if ever I were to come across an interesting copy (the Arabic cover art is some of the most intriguing), I’m certain that kid in me will come alive, and I’ll have to have it.
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