Kari McCarthy and Peter Naramore

Beth with and Kari McCarthy

On Tuesday I was privileged to meet graphic designer and painter Kari McCarthy at her studio in Kula, as we made our way up the mountain to the summit of Haleakala, the world's largest dormant volcano. Kari is the island's leading colorist. Beth got to know Kari from previous trips to Maui, but this was her first trip to Kari's studio, too. Kari explained her technique to us, which evolved directly from her background in graphic design. Inspired by printer inks, she uses cyan, magenta and yellow only, in addition to black and white. This technique gives a surprisingly broad range of effects and, as she pointed out, saves her a lot of money on paint as well. She works both from photos she takes and en plein air. Colorist Mark Rothko's work is her greatest inspiration.

I have purchased a small painting from Kari, which she will pack up and ship to me next week after she signs it and does some touch up on the frame. The mango and orchid colors in this painting will really brighten up my apartment in mid-winter and will be the perfect reminder of my first visit to this beautiful island.

Check out Kari's work and more of her bio on her website:  http://www.karimccarthy.com/

Beth and I would have gladly moved into the studio. The quality of light was stunning. You can see from this photo of a pillow on her chair just how beautifully saturated the colors become.

Kari applies more peach to a painting
during her weekly show at the
Ritz-Carlton

On Thursday we visited Kari at the Ritz-Carlton [above], where she shows many of her most recent works for sale each week and sets up her easel to chat with passing admirers. Kari also designs and publishes the two best art guides on the island.

Peter Naramore with Lexy, dressed for the
high winds and temps in the 30s up on the
summit of Haleakala.

We also visited woodworker and fine furniture make Peter Naramore at his workshop, not far from Kari's studio. Peter is one of the country's leading furniture craftsmen, self-taught from his days growing up near Rochester, NY. At age 18, Peter applied to RIT's School for American Crafts to begin his studies. Since he wasn't admitted, Peter struck out on his own. (He said that RIT only admitted 8 students at once, at that time.)This program and the North Bennet Street School in Boston were the only programs available at the time. Now there are about 175 programs nationwide to study woodworking. Peter also explained to us that at this time, in the 1970s, woodworking was enjoying a great revival. Peter said the Taunton Press, publisher of Fine Woodworking magazine, in Connecticut, played a big role in nurturing this movement. My stash of vintage Fine Woodworking magazines from my great uncle Vell Holcombe's library bears this out.

Check out Peter's website for more information about his process and to see some of his work, available at The Kingswood Fine Furniture Shop : http://www.peternaramore.com/

Later today, Beth and I will stop by The Kingswood Shop in Keokea.