Master of the Art of Gilcee Printing Returns to Guam

After living in Hawaii for the past fifteen years, artist Rick Kealoha Pa has returned to Guam. His stunning, colorful work will be shown at the Bank of Guam. Kealoha is celebrated for his depictions of island life. His works, often three-dimensional, portray the flora, fauna, and material culture of the Pacific Islands.

Keahola’s dedication to Polynesian culture will be on display at the new Disney theme park being built in Hawaii. He has helped design some of the park’s look and feel, which is described as being very indigenous.

Kealoha works in the mediums of gilcee printing and batik art. Batik art involves using dye and wax to create vibrant, colorful depictions on a variety of materials. Kealoha’s batik art is noted for it’s eye-popping colors on wood. His method of joining of several pieces of wood engenders a three-dimensional depth that enhances the bright, naturalistic colors. Batik originated in India, but its use has spread throughout the world and is particularly prevalent in Bali.

Gilcee printing is the use of modern computer printing to lay down art on canvas or paper. While using very high-tech equipment, it is a much more traditional artistic method.

Kealoha’s art will mean a richer, more vibrant Guam.

Tags: Giclee printing

Award-winning artist Fred Kinnally takes to Giclée Printing

Relief. Sculpture. Cubism. In the catalog of art terminology, a relative newcomer has revolutionized digital artistry. Giclée, the use of laserjet printing to produce artistic effect, is one of the latest methods for artists to work. Giclée can be created by the artist himself, due to its dependency on the average printer, and in the realm of the internet, the medium is taking off. Fred Kinnally is an award-winning artist who works in giclée printing and displays his work in a gallery on the website Squidoo.com.

The characteristics of the art itself, especially demonstrated by Kinnally’s gallery, include fractal creations, computer-generated light, and an overall 3D design, often made from scratch using design software. Kinnally’s work has explored textures; one of his premier pieces is titled “Dragon Skin,” and while at first it appears to be a fractal piece with different layers of 3D-generated pieces, its title reflects the scaly nature of his design, and attracts the viewer’s attention to discover exactly how the pieces go together.

Ultimately, the giclée printing process is another important step in the reimagining of the 21st-century artist, independent and able to explore his craft. For Fred Kinnally, this has meant awards in regional competition. For others, it may mean the birth of a lucrative and enjoyable career in art.

Tags: Giclee printing