 |
| Shingo Francis' Glass Theater. Photo credit: Aja Davis. |
By Aja Davis
This week Hotel Casa Del Mar in Santa Monica, Ca., opened “Live Well Again Art and Event Series”. An ongoing series structured to give new meaning to celebrating life, the exhibit is inspired by the hotel’s desire to want all whom enter to experience a newfound sense of youth, creativity, and happiness. The expectation is that each event will leave one with the will to live without inhibitions. The feature artist chosen to re-image the hotel’s lobby is a native of Santa Monica, Shingo Francis.
Francis, a founding member of Hatch art, an artistic technique used to create tonal or shading effects by drawing or painting parallel lines, describes his style as minimal abstract. Using hula hoops as his starting point, Francis explained that the inspiration for the exhibit was “all about fun," he said. "Hula hoops are historical and fun, just as Hotel Casa Del Mar is."
The first peek of Francis’ talent is carefully hung from a framed canvas on the wall as one enters the Hotel’s lobby. The $8,000 oil based painting, which is the most expensive piece of this collection, is titled “Inter/Outer Green.” Constructed in an array of brilliant shades bordering on such deep and bright colors as Chartreuse, Olive, and Celtic green, it is a very attractive piece that draws one in, making one’s mind wander to another place.
As one walks up the lobby staircase, a large mirror highlighted by bright lights showcases numerous colorful abstract shapes on its surface. Created in collaboration with artist Felicia Page, “Glass Theater” was made of polyvinyl and specifically constructed for the hotel’s event.
Moving throughout the center of the room, one is drawn to large painted paper lanterns hanging from the ceiling. “The Lantern Series” is hung and strategically placed, almost putting one in the mindset of a flowing sea of color. Further into the room, prints that reflect modest ocean and desert themes are placed on walls created to resemble a library or study. The prints exhibit Francis’ keen use of color inspired by a spectrum of landscapes. The work draws one in, giving a sense of brand new energy realized only by appreciating the beauty of nature through the artist’s eyes.
As one gazes to the back of the room toward the large paned windows, one cannot help but be attracted to a horizon of rainbow colored dots, titled “Variant Color,” applied to the top of each window. This collection of colors brings an animated freshness to the room, paying homage to the pop culture roots Francis learned while studying in Japan. These transparent pieces were also created strictly for the exhibit.
Located in front of the hotel is Francis’ unique sculpture of hula hoops also located on beach side of the hotel. He explains that his one hope for the series is that others see his work and “are transformed by his creativity,” thus giving way to living well again.
The exhibit runs through November 30, 2010. For more Information on Francis or Hotel Casa Del Mar’s Live Well Again series, please visit www.hotelcasadelmar.com/livewellagain
