Play

Acrylic on canvas with black float frame

72" h x 25.25" w

Growing up on Hawaii Island, Mark Ley has spent every spare moment in the ocean. Diving, surfing and exploring. When his daughter came along, he shared his love of the ocean with her and over the years, his ohana developed their own form of treasuring hunting. They scour the reefs and beaches, gathering the bits and pieces left behind by other ocean explorers. And surfboard fins, stuck in the reefs, became a favorite find.

But collecting them wasn’t enough.

These reclaimed surfboards are then used to create one-of-a-kind works of art. Using acrylic paints and carefully constructed color palettes, Mark dips the fin into the paint and then presses it onto paper—memorializing the board, the special time with his family, and cleaning the reefs—all while providing us with original works of abstract art.

“There’s an incredible scope of shapes of boards, each with its own story and genre,” shares Mark, and through his work we become ocean explorers ourselves.

Shellac, acrylic, & India ink on wood panel - unframed
35.5” x 23.5”

Clear shellac/ amber tinted shellac/ YinMn Blue acrylic on Yupo paper - unframed
40” x 26”

Mixed media on paper -framed with white frame
22” h x 15” w image

 Oil on canvas

Oil on canvas
36” h x 48” w painting in wood float frame (37" h x 49" w)

Oil on canvas
18” h x 28” w painting in wood float frame (19" h x 29.75" w)

Acrylic on paper (4 parts) with white linen mat and white shadowbox frame

82.5" h x 31.5" w (can be hung vertically or horizontally)

Please contact for oversized shipping quote.

Growing up on Hawaii Island, Mark Ley has spent every spare moment in the ocean. Diving, surfing and exploring. When his daughter came along, he shared his love of the ocean with her and over the years, his ohana developed their own form of treasuring hunting. They scour the reefs and beaches, gathering the bits and pieces left behind by other ocean explorers. And surfboard fins, stuck in the reefs, became a favorite find.

But collecting them wasn’t enough.

These reclaimed surfboards are then used to create one-of-a-kind works of art. Using acrylic paints and carefully constructed color palettes, Mark dips the fin into the paint and then presses it onto paper—memorializing the board, the special time with his family, and cleaning the reefs—all while providing us with original works of abstract art.

Through his work we become ocean explorers ourselves.

Acrylic on paper (4 parts) with white linen mat and white shadowbox frame

82.5" h x 31.5" w (can be hung vertically or horizontally)

Please contact for oversized shipping quote.

Growing up on Hawaii Island, Mark Ley has spent every spare moment in the ocean. Diving, surfing and exploring. When his daughter came along, he shared his love of the ocean with her and over the years, his ohana developed their own form of treasuring hunting. They scour the reefs and beaches, gathering the bits and pieces left behind by other ocean explorers. And surfboard fins, stuck in the reefs, became a favorite find.

But collecting them wasn’t enough.

These reclaimed surfboards are then used to create one-of-a-kind works of art. Using acrylic paints and carefully constructed color palettes, Mark dips the fin into the paint and then presses it onto paper—memorializing the board, the special time with his family, and cleaning the reefs—all while providing us with original works of abstract art.

Through his work we become ocean explorers ourselves.

Acrylic inks on Yupo paper - unframed
40” x 26”

Acrylic inks on Yupo paper - unframed
40” x 26”

Acrylic on canvas 

36" h x 48" w

"There are all kinds of paddling out," shares Mark. "As surfers we paddle out solo, in packs, and for memorials. We sit in circles, lines, and random collections of unique individuals. Boards drifting back and forth with the movement of the ocean and the energy of this gypsy like community. United by a simple shared experience of being in that place, at that time, riding those waves. The power of the now is real and raw." 

 

Acrylic on canvas 

36" h x 48" w

"There are all kinds of paddling out," shares Mark. "As surfers we paddle out solo, in packs, and for memorials. We sit in circles, lines, and random collections of unique individuals. Boards drifting back and forth with the movement of the ocean and the energy of this gypsy like community. United by a simple shared experience of being in that place, at that time, riding those waves. The power of the now is real and raw." 

 

Acrylic on paper

14" h x 11" w image matted at 20" h x 16" w 

Growing up on Hawaii Island, Mark Ley has spent every spare moment in the ocean. Diving, surfing and exploring. When his daughter came along, he shared his love of the ocean with her and over the years, his ohana developed their own form of treasuring hunting. They scour the reefs and beaches, gathering the bits and pieces left behind by other ocean explorers. And surfboard fins, stuck in the reefs, became a favorite find.

But collecting them wasn’t enough.

These reclaimed surfboard fins are then used to create one-of-a-kind works of art. Using acrylic paints and carefully constructed color palettes, Mark dips the fin into the paint and then presses it onto paper—memorializing the board, the special time with his family, and cleaning the reefs—all while providing us with original works of abstract art.

“There’s an incredible scope of shapes and sizes of fins, each with its own story and genre,” shares Mark, and through his work we become ocean explorers ourselves.

Acrylic on paper

14" h x 11" w image matted at 20" h x 16" w 

Growing up on Hawaii Island, Mark Ley has spent every spare moment in the ocean. Diving, surfing and exploring. When his daughter came along, he shared his love of the ocean with her and over the years, his ohana developed their own form of treasuring hunting. They scour the reefs and beaches, gathering the bits and pieces left behind by other ocean explorers. And surfboard fins, stuck in the reefs, became a favorite find.

But collecting them wasn’t enough.

These reclaimed surfboard fins are then used to create one-of-a-kind works of art. Using acrylic paints and carefully constructed color palettes, Mark dips the fin into the paint and then presses it onto paper—memorializing the board, the special time with his family, and cleaning the reefs—all while providing us with original works of abstract art.

“There’s an incredible scope of shapes and sizes of fins, each with its own story and genre,” shares Mark, and through his work we become ocean explorers ourselves.

Acrylic on paper

14" h x 11" w image matted at 20" h x 16" w 

Growing up on Hawaii Island, Mark Ley has spent every spare moment in the ocean. Diving, surfing and exploring. When his daughter came along, he shared his love of the ocean with her and over the years, his ohana developed their own form of treasuring hunting. They scour the reefs and beaches, gathering the bits and pieces left behind by other ocean explorers. And surfboard fins, stuck in the reefs, became a favorite find.

But collecting them wasn’t enough.

These reclaimed surfboard fins are then used to create one-of-a-kind works of art. Using acrylic paints and carefully constructed color palettes, Mark dips the fin into the paint and then presses it onto paper—memorializing the board, the special time with his family, and cleaning the reefs—all while providing us with original works of abstract art.

“There’s an incredible scope of shapes and sizes of fins, each with its own story and genre,” shares Mark, and through his work we become ocean explorers ourselves.

Acrylic on paper

14" h x 11" w image matted at 20" h x 16" w 

Growing up on Hawaii Island, Mark Ley has spent every spare moment in the ocean. Diving, surfing and exploring. When his daughter came along, he shared his love of the ocean with her and over the years, his ohana developed their own form of treasuring hunting. They scour the reefs and beaches, gathering the bits and pieces left behind by other ocean explorers. And surfboard fins, stuck in the reefs, became a favorite find.

But collecting them wasn’t enough.

These reclaimed surfboard fins are then used to create one-of-a-kind works of art. Using acrylic paints and carefully constructed color palettes, Mark dips the fin into the paint and then presses it onto paper—memorializing the board, the special time with his family, and cleaning the reefs—all while providing us with original works of abstract art.

“There’s an incredible scope of shapes and sizes of fins, each with its own story and genre,” shares Mark, and through his work we become ocean explorers ourselves.

Acrylic on canvas - unframed
52" h x 62" w

 Please contact for oversized shipping quote. 

Acrylic on canvas 

36" h x 48" w

"There are all kinds of paddling out," shares Mark. "As surfers we paddle out solo, in packs, and for memorials. We sit in circles, lines, and random collections of unique individuals. Boards drifting back and forth with the movement of the ocean and the energy of this gypsy like community. United by a simple shared experience of being in that place, at that time, riding those waves. The power of the now is real and raw. Named for the infamous Santa Cruz surf spot that is cold, heavy and territorial." 

 

Acrylic on canvas 

48" h x 36" w

"There are all kinds of paddling out," shares Mark. "As surfers we paddle out solo, in packs and for memorial. We sit in circles, lines and random collections of unique individuals. Boards drifting back and forth with the movement of the ocean and the energy of this gypsy like community. United by a simple shared experience of being in that place, at that time, riding those waves. The power of the now is real and raw. Named for a famed surf spot on the Kona coast, this paddle out is drawn from a childhood memory of a sunset session with friends, mentors and local heavy hitters."

 

Hawaiian koa wood and resin colorflow paintings in integral sapele frames
48″ h x 30″ w  each

"Honoring the wood feels important to me," says Tim. "The color and figure of koa is so rich and diverse, and it creates such a striking element in the art."

 

Acrylic on canvas - unframed
54" h x 48" w

 Please contact for oversized shipping quote. 

Acrylic on canvas - unframed
60" h x 40" w

Please contact for oversized shipping quote.

 

Acrylic on canvas with white float frame

26.5" h x 75.75" w

Growing up on Hawaii Island, Mark Ley has spent every spare moment in the ocean. Diving, surfing and exploring. When his daughter came along, he shared his love of the ocean with her and over the years, his ohana developed their own form of treasuring hunting. They scour the reefs and beaches, gathering the bits and pieces left behind by other ocean explorers. And surfboard fins, stuck in the reefs, became a favorite find.

But collecting them wasn’t enough.

These reclaimed surfboards are then used to create one-of-a-kind works of art. Using acrylic paints and carefully constructed color palettes, Mark dips the fin into the paint and then presses it onto paper—memorializing the board, the special time with his family, and cleaning the reefs—all while providing us with original works of abstract art.

“There’s an incredible scope of shapes of boards, each with its own story and genre,” shares Mark, and through his work we become ocean explorers ourselves.

Hawaiian koa wood and resin colorflow painting in integral sapele frame
48″ h x 30″ w 

"Honoring the wood feels important to me," says Tim. "The color and figure of koa is so rich and diverse, and it creates such a striking element in the art."

 

Painted Paper Collage on Panels
18" h x 72" w (18" x 24" each)

The process of collage takes Mary’s work into a new dimension. The use of Mary’s hand painted papers and additional hand made papers from around the globe create interesting texture and exaggerated movement in these collages. The effect is a visual cross between painting, mosaic and block printing. Light and color and shape taking flowers and water and landscapes to the edge of abstraction and back again.

Painted Paper Collage on Panel
18" h x 36" w

The process of collage takes Mary’s work into a new dimension. The use of Mary’s hand painted papers and additional hand made papers from around the globe create interesting texture and exaggerated movement in these collages. The effect is a visual cross between painting, mosaic and block printing. Light and color and shape taking flowers and water and landscapes to the edge of abstraction and back again.

"My friend’s yard has a large protea bush right at the entry. I’d never really noticed it before," shares Mary. "Generally, it’s kind of leggy–lots of branches, not a lot of leaves–so I wondered why it was prominently featured. In November I happened to be there and the shrubby bush had been transformed. Pink flowers everywhere!"

Painted Paper Collage on Panel
18" h x 36" w

The process of collage takes Mary’s work into a new dimension. The use of Mary’s hand painted papers and additional hand made papers from around the globe create interesting texture and exaggerated movement in these collages. The effect is a visual cross between painting, mosaic and block printing. Light and color and shape taking flowers and water and landscapes to the edge of abstraction and back again.

"My friend’s yard has a large protea bush right at the entry. I’d never really noticed it before," shares Mary. "Generally, it’s kind of leggy–lots of branches, not a lot of leaves–so I wondered why it was prominently featured. In November I happened to be there and the shrubby bush had been transformed. Pink flowers everywhere!"

Acrylic on canvas - unframed
20" h x 60" w

Can be hung vertically or horizontally.

My five-year old, Sofia, asked me a question while we were visiting Kukio Beach, “Is the ocean a girl or a boy?” 

I thought about it. In French, “la mer” is feminine and means the sea. “L’océan” is masculine for ocean.

Sofia said, “I think it’s both, a girl where it’s shallow and the water is transparent and a boy when it gets deep and darker.”

The Makai Series explores the masculine and feminine components of the ocean, the ying and the yang, positive and negative energies intermingling, the empty space between objects, the calm space before the wave... There can be no light without dark, no movement without positive and negative forces.

Painted Paper Collage
36" h x 18" w

The process of collage takes Mary’s work into a new dimension. The use of Mary’s hand painted papers and additional hand made papers from around the globe create interesting texture and exaggerated movement in these collages. The effect is a visual cross between painting, mosaic and block printing. Light and color and shape taking flowers and water and landscapes to the edge of abstraction and back again.

 

Acrylic on paper, matted with white frame

22" h x 33" w

Growing up on Hawaii Island, Mark Ley has spent every spare moment in the ocean. Diving, surfing and exploring. When his daughter came along, he shared his love of the ocean with her and over the years, his ohana developed their own form of treasuring hunting. They scour the reefs and beaches, gathering the bits and pieces left behind by other ocean explorers. And surfboard fins, stuck in the reefs, became a favorite find.

But collecting them wasn’t enough.

These reclaimed surfboards are then used to create one-of-a-kind works of art. Using acrylic paints and carefully constructed color palettes, Mark dips the fin into the paint and then presses it onto paper—memorializing the board, the special time with his family, and cleaning the reefs—all while providing us with original works of abstract art.

“There’s an incredible scope of shapes of boards, each with its own story and genre,” shares Mark, and through his work we become ocean explorers ourselves.

Acrylic on paper, matted with white frame

22" h x 33" w

Growing up on Hawaii Island, Mark Ley has spent every spare moment in the ocean. Diving, surfing and exploring. When his daughter came along, he shared his love of the ocean with her and over the years, his ohana developed their own form of treasuring hunting. They scour the reefs and beaches, gathering the bits and pieces left behind by other ocean explorers. And surfboard fins, stuck in the reefs, became a favorite find.

But collecting them wasn’t enough.

These reclaimed surfboards are then used to create one-of-a-kind works of art. Using acrylic paints and carefully constructed color palettes, Mark dips the fin into the paint and then presses it onto paper—memorializing the board, the special time with his family, and cleaning the reefs—all while providing us with original works of abstract art.

“There’s an incredible scope of shapes of boards, each with its own story and genre,” shares Mark, and through his work we become ocean explorers ourselves.

Acrylic on paper, matted with white frame

22" h x 33" w

Growing up on Hawaii Island, Mark Ley has spent every spare moment in the ocean. Diving, surfing and exploring. When his daughter came along, he shared his love of the ocean with her and over the years, his ohana developed their own form of treasuring hunting. They scour the reefs and beaches, gathering the bits and pieces left behind by other ocean explorers. And surfboard fins, stuck in the reefs, became a favorite find.

But collecting them wasn’t enough.

These reclaimed surfboards are then used to create one-of-a-kind works of art. Using acrylic paints and carefully constructed color palettes, Mark dips the fin into the paint and then presses it onto paper—memorializing the board, the special time with his family, and cleaning the reefs—all while providing us with original works of abstract art.

“There’s an incredible scope of shapes of boards, each with its own story and genre,” shares Mark, and through his work we become ocean explorers ourselves.

Acrylic on canvas - unframed

22" h x 80" w (can be hung vertically or horizontally)

Growing up on Hawaii Island, Mark Ley has spent every spare moment in the ocean. Diving, surfing and exploring. When his daughter came along, he shared his love of the ocean with her and over the years, his ohana developed their own form of treasuring hunting. They scour the reefs and beaches, gathering the bits and pieces left behind by other ocean explorers. And surfboard fins, stuck in the reefs, became a favorite find.

But collecting them wasn’t enough.

These reclaimed surfboards are then used to create one-of-a-kind works of art. Using acrylic paints and carefully constructed color palettes, Mark dips the fin into the paint and then presses it onto paper—memorializing the board, the special time with his family, and cleaning the reefs—all while providing us with original works of abstract art.

“There’s an incredible scope of shapes of boards, each with its own story and genre,” shares Mark, and through his work we become ocean explorers ourselves.

Acrylic on paper, matted with white frame

22" h x 33" w

Growing up on Hawaii Island, Mark Ley has spent every spare moment in the ocean. Diving, surfing and exploring. When his daughter came along, he shared his love of the ocean with her and over the years, his ohana developed their own form of treasuring hunting. They scour the reefs and beaches, gathering the bits and pieces left behind by other ocean explorers. And surfboard fins, stuck in the reefs, became a favorite find.

But collecting them wasn’t enough.

These reclaimed surfboards are then used to create one-of-a-kind works of art. Using acrylic paints and carefully constructed color palettes, Mark dips the fin into the paint and then presses it onto paper—memorializing the board, the special time with his family, and cleaning the reefs—all while providing us with original works of abstract art.

“There’s an incredible scope of shapes of boards, each with its own story and genre,” shares Mark, and through his work we become ocean explorers ourselves.

Acrylic on paper, matted with white frame

22" h x 33" w

Growing up on Hawaii Island, Mark Ley has spent every spare moment in the ocean. Diving, surfing and exploring. When his daughter came along, he shared his love of the ocean with her and over the years, his ohana developed their own form of treasuring hunting. They scour the reefs and beaches, gathering the bits and pieces left behind by other ocean explorers. And surfboard fins, stuck in the reefs, became a favorite find.

But collecting them wasn’t enough.

These reclaimed surfboards are then used to create one-of-a-kind works of art. Using acrylic paints and carefully constructed color palettes, Mark dips the fin into the paint and then presses it onto paper—memorializing the board, the special time with his family, and cleaning the reefs—all while providing us with original works of abstract art.

“There’s an incredible scope of shapes of boards, each with its own story and genre,” shares Mark, and through his work we become ocean explorers ourselves.

Acrylic on paper, matted with white frame

22" h x 33" w

Growing up on Hawaii Island, Mark Ley has spent every spare moment in the ocean. Diving, surfing and exploring. When his daughter came along, he shared his love of the ocean with her and over the years, his ohana developed their own form of treasuring hunting. They scour the reefs and beaches, gathering the bits and pieces left behind by other ocean explorers. And surfboard fins, stuck in the reefs, became a favorite find.

But collecting them wasn’t enough.

These reclaimed surfboards are then used to create one-of-a-kind works of art. Using acrylic paints and carefully constructed color palettes, Mark dips the fin into the paint and then presses it onto paper—memorializing the board, the special time with his family, and cleaning the reefs—all while providing us with original works of abstract art.

“There’s an incredible scope of shapes of boards, each with its own story and genre,” shares Mark, and through his work we become ocean explorers ourselves.

Acrylic on canvas - unframed
75" h x 48" w

Can be hung vertically or horizontally.

Please contact for oversized shipping quote.

My five-year old, Sofia, asked me a question while we were visiting Kukio Beach, “Is the ocean a girl or a boy?”

I thought about it. In French, “la mer” is feminine and means the sea. “L’océan” is masculine for ocean.

Sofia said, “I think it’s both, a girl where it’s shallow and the water is transparent and a boy when it gets deep and darker.”

The Makai Series explores the masculine and feminine components of the ocean, the ying and the yang, positive and negative energies intermingling, the empty space between objects, the calm space before the wave... There can be no light without dark, no movement without positive and negative forces.

Acrylic on canvas - unframed
40" h x 75.5" w

Can be hung vertically or horizontally.

My five-year old, Sofia, asked me a question while we were visiting Kukio Beach, “Is the ocean a girl or a boy?”

I thought about it. In French, “la mer” is feminine and means the sea. “L’océan” is masculine for ocean.

Sofia said, “I think it’s both, a girl where it’s shallow and the water is transparent and a boy when it gets deep and darker.”

The Makai Series explores the masculine and feminine components of the ocean, the ying and the yang, positive and negative energies intermingling, the empty space between objects, the calm space before the wave... There can be no light without dark, no movement without positive and negative forces.

Hawaiian koa wood and resin colorflow painting in integral sapele frame
48″ h x 30″ w 

"Honoring the wood feels important to me," says Tim. "The color and figure of koa is so rich and diverse, and it creates such a striking element in the art."

 

Acrylic on canvas - unframed
48" h x 75" w

Please contact for oversized shipping quote. 

Acrylic on canvas - unframed
40" h x 75.5" w

Can be hung vertically or horizontally.

Please contact for oversized shipping quote.

My five-year old, Sofia, asked me a question while we were visiting Kukio Beach, “Is the ocean a girl or a boy?”

I thought about it. In French, “la mer” is feminine and means the sea. “L’océan” is masculine for ocean.

Sofia said, “I think it’s both, a girl where it’s shallow and the water is transparent and a boy when it gets deep and darker.”

The Makai Series explores the masculine and feminine components of the ocean, the ying and the yang, positive and negative energies intermingling, the empty space between objects, the calm space before the wave... There can be no light without dark, no movement without positive and negative forces.

Acrylic on paper

14" h x 11" w image matted at 20" h x 16" w 

Growing up on Hawaii Island, Mark Ley has spent every spare moment in the ocean. Diving, surfing and exploring. When his daughter came along, he shared his love of the ocean with her and over the years, his ohana developed their own form of treasuring hunting. They scour the reefs and beaches, gathering the bits and pieces left behind by other ocean explorers. And surfboard fins, stuck in the reefs, became a favorite find.

But collecting them wasn’t enough.

These reclaimed surfboard fins are then used to create one-of-a-kind works of art. Using acrylic paints and carefully constructed color palettes, Mark dips the fin into the paint and then presses it onto paper—memorializing the board, the special time with his family, and cleaning the reefs—all while providing us with original works of abstract art.

“There’s an incredible scope of shapes and sizes of fins, each with its own story and genre,” shares Mark, and through his work we become ocean explorers ourselves.

Painted Paper Collage
40" h x 30" w

The process of collage takes Mary’s work into a new dimension. The use of Mary’s hand painted papers and additional hand made papers from around the globe create interesting texture and exaggerated movement in these collages. The effect is a visual cross between painting, mosaic and block printing. Light and color and shape taking flowers and water and landscapes to the edge of abstraction and back again.

 

Shellac, india ink, acrylic & oil on wood panel

30" h x 40" w 

 

Shellac, india ink, and acrylic on wood panel

24" h x 24" w 

Carol Bennett’s ethereal and light “women in water” are reflections of her own passion for the ocean and her daily practice of spending time in it. They’ve inspired her to explore fishing nets and knots, abstract fish patterns, surfers and stand up paddlers. Her background working in Hollywood as a journeyman scenic artist, painting billboards and backdrops for theater, motion picture and TV has led her to create grand-scale public works in glass that can be found in Hawaii State Art Museum, Honolulu International Airport, Hawaii Convention Center, Beverly Hills Hotel, Harrah’s Casino, and many more. She’s had numerous museum shows and continues to create her wide variety of work from her home and studio on Kauai. 

Shellac, india ink, & oil on wood panel

60" h x 36" w 

Carol Bennett’s ethereal and light “women in water” are reflections of her own passion for the ocean and her daily practice of spending time in it. They’ve inspired her to explore fishing nets and knots, abstract fish patterns, surfers and stand up paddlers. Her background working in Hollywood as a journeyman scenic artist, painting billboards and backdrops for theater, motion picture and TV has led her to create grand-scale public works in glass that can be found in Hawaii State Art Museum, Honolulu International Airport, Hawaii Convention Center, Beverly Hills Hotel, Harrah’s Casino, and many more. She’s had numerous museum shows and continues to create her wide variety of work from her home and studio on Kauai. 

Shellac, india ink, & acrylic on wood panel

36" h x 60" w 

Carol Bennett’s ethereal and light “women in water” are reflections of her own passion for the ocean and her daily practice of spending time in it. They’ve inspired her to explore fishing nets and knots, abstract fish patterns, surfers and stand up paddlers. Her background working in Hollywood as a journeyman scenic artist, painting billboards and backdrops for theater, motion picture and TV has led her to create grand-scale public works in glass that can be found in Hawaii State Art Museum, Honolulu International Airport, Hawaii Convention Center, Beverly Hills Hotel, Harrah’s Casino, and many more. She’s had numerous museum shows and continues to create her wide variety of work from her home and studio on Kauai. 

Acrylic, oil & varnish on wood panel

32" h x 60" w 

Carol Bennett’s ethereal and light “women in water” are reflections of her own passion for the ocean and her daily practice of spending time in it. They’ve inspired her to explore fishing nets and knots, abstract fish patterns, surfers and stand up paddlers. Her background working in Hollywood as a journeyman scenic artist, painting billboards and backdrops for theater, motion picture and TV has led her to create grand-scale public works in glass that can be found in Hawaii State Art Museum, Honolulu International Airport, Hawaii Convention Center, Beverly Hills Hotel, Harrah’s Casino, and many more. She’s had numerous museum shows and continues to create her wide variety of work from her home and studio on Kauai. 

Acrylic, oil & artist resin on wood panel

46" h x 46" w 

Carol Bennett’s ethereal and light “women in water” are reflections of her own passion for the ocean and her daily practice of spending time in it. They’ve inspired her to explore fishing nets and knots, abstract fish patterns, surfers and stand up paddlers. Her background working in Hollywood as a journeyman scenic artist, painting billboards and backdrops for theater, motion picture and TV has led her to create grand-scale public works in glass that can be found in Hawaii State Art Museum, Honolulu International Airport, Hawaii Convention Center, Beverly Hills Hotel, Harrah’s Casino, and many more. She’s had numerous museum shows and continues to create her wide variety of work from her home and studio on Kauai. 

Sculpted clay with paint

12" h x 16" w x 16" d

Doesn't she just bring a smile to your face? It's all about the expressions and Janet Lipps mastery of clay and form certainly shows. She just wants to follow you home and take another nap.

Sculpted clay with paint

12" h x 5" w x 6.5" d

Doesn't he just bring a smile to your face? It's all about the expressions–and Janet Lipps mastery of clay and form certainly shows. 

Sculpted clay with paint

16" h x 24" w x 16" d

Doesn't he just bring a smile to your face? It's all about the expressions and Janet Lipps mastery of clay and form certainly shows. He just wants to follow you home.

Original watercolor - framed
16.5" h x 35" w

This lovely painting received an award in the Hawaii Watercolor Society's annual exhibit in Honolulu.

Original watercolor - unframed

22" h x 30" w

Collage on Panel
14" h x 11" w

The process of collage takes Mary’s work into a new dimension. The use of Mary’s hand painted papers and additional hand made papers from around the globe create interesting texture and exaggerated movement in these collages. The effect is a visual cross between painting, mosaic and block printing. Light and color and shape taking flowers and water and landscapes to the edge of abstraction and back again.

 

 

Original collage on watercolor paper
11" h x 11"

The process of collage takes Mary’s work into a new dimension. The use of Mary’s hand painted papers and additional hand made papers from around the globe create interesting texture and exaggerated movement in these collages. The effect is a visual cross between painting, mosaic and block printing. Light and color and shape taking flowers and water and landscapes to the edge of abstraction and back again. 

Acrylic on paper

14" h x 11" w image matted at 20" h x 16" w 

Growing up on Hawaii Island, Mark Ley has spent every spare moment in the ocean. Diving, surfing and exploring. When his daughter came along, he shared his love of the ocean with her and over the years, his ohana developed their own form of treasuring hunting. They scour the reefs and beaches, gathering the bits and pieces left behind by other ocean explorers. And surfboard fins, stuck in the reefs, became a favorite find.

But collecting them wasn’t enough.

These reclaimed surfboard fins are then used to create one-of-a-kind works of art. Using acrylic paints and carefully constructed color palettes, Mark dips the fin into the paint and then presses it onto paper—memorializing the board, the special time with his family, and cleaning the reefs—all while providing us with original works of abstract art.

“There’s an incredible scope of shapes and sizes of fins, each with its own story and genre,” shares Mark, and through his work we become ocean explorers ourselves.

Acrylic on paper

14" h x 11" w image matted at 20" h x 16" w 

Growing up on Hawaii Island, Mark Ley has spent every spare moment in the ocean. Diving, surfing and exploring. When his daughter came along, he shared his love of the ocean with her and over the years, his ohana developed their own form of treasuring hunting. They scour the reefs and beaches, gathering the bits and pieces left behind by other ocean explorers. And surfboard fins, stuck in the reefs, became a favorite find.

But collecting them wasn’t enough.

These reclaimed surfboard fins are then used to create one-of-a-kind works of art. Using acrylic paints and carefully constructed color palettes, Mark dips the fin into the paint and then presses it onto paper—memorializing the board, the special time with his family, and cleaning the reefs—all while providing us with original works of abstract art.

“There’s an incredible scope of shapes and sizes of fins, each with its own story and genre,” shares Mark, and through his work we become ocean explorers ourselves.

Acrylic on paper

14" h x 11" w image matted at 20" h x 16" w 

Growing up on Hawaii Island, Mark Ley has spent every spare moment in the ocean. Diving, surfing and exploring. When his daughter came along, he shared his love of the ocean with her and over the years, his ohana developed their own form of treasuring hunting. They scour the reefs and beaches, gathering the bits and pieces left behind by other ocean explorers. And surfboard fins, stuck in the reefs, became a favorite find.

But collecting them wasn’t enough.

These reclaimed surfboard fins are then used to create one-of-a-kind works of art. Using acrylic paints and carefully constructed color palettes, Mark dips the fin into the paint and then presses it onto paper—memorializing the board, the special time with his family, and cleaning the reefs—all while providing us with original works of abstract art.

“There’s an incredible scope of shapes and sizes of fins, each with its own story and genre,” shares Mark, and through his work we become ocean explorers ourselves.

Acrylic on paper

14" h x 11" w image matted at 20" h x 16" w 

Growing up on Hawaii Island, Mark Ley has spent every spare moment in the ocean. Diving, surfing and exploring. When his daughter came along, he shared his love of the ocean with her and over the years, his ohana developed their own form of treasuring hunting. They scour the reefs and beaches, gathering the bits and pieces left behind by other ocean explorers. And surfboard fins, stuck in the reefs, became a favorite find.

But collecting them wasn’t enough.

These reclaimed surfboard fins are then used to create one-of-a-kind works of art. Using acrylic paints and carefully constructed color palettes, Mark dips the fin into the paint and then presses it onto paper—memorializing the board, the special time with his family, and cleaning the reefs—all while providing us with original works of abstract art.

“There’s an incredible scope of shapes and sizes of fins, each with its own story and genre,” shares Mark, and through his work we become ocean explorers ourselves.

Shellac, india ink, acrylic, & oil on wood panels

11.5" h x 99.5" w 

 

Acrylic on paper

14" h x 11" w image matted at 20" h x 16" w 

Growing up on Hawaii Island, Mark Ley has spent every spare moment in the ocean. Diving, surfing and exploring. When his daughter came along, he shared his love of the ocean with her and over the years, his ohana developed their own form of treasuring hunting. They scour the reefs and beaches, gathering the bits and pieces left behind by other ocean explorers. And surfboard fins, stuck in the reefs, became a favorite find.

But collecting them wasn’t enough.

These reclaimed surfboard fins are then used to create one-of-a-kind works of art. Using acrylic paints and carefully constructed color palettes, Mark dips the fin into the paint and then presses it onto paper—memorializing the board, the special time with his family, and cleaning the reefs—all while providing us with original works of abstract art.

“There’s an incredible scope of shapes and sizes of fins, each with its own story and genre,” shares Mark, and through his work we become ocean explorers ourselves.

Collage on Panel
14" h x 11" w

The process of collage takes Mary’s work into a new dimension. The use of Mary’s hand painted papers and additional hand made papers from around the globe create interesting texture and exaggerated movement in these collages. The effect is a visual cross between painting, mosaic and block printing. Light and color and shape taking flowers and water and landscapes to the edge of abstraction and back again.

 

Collage on Panel
14" h x 11" w

The process of collage takes Mary’s work into a new dimension. The use of Mary’s hand painted papers and additional hand made papers from around the globe create interesting texture and exaggerated movement in these collages. The effect is a visual cross between painting, mosaic and block printing. Light and color and shape taking flowers and water and landscapes to the edge of abstraction and back again. 

Original collage on watercolor paper
22.5" h x 25"

The process of collage takes Mary’s work into a new dimension. The use of Mary’s hand painted papers and additional hand made papers from around the globe create interesting texture and exaggerated movement in these collages. The effect is a visual cross between painting, mosaic and block printing. Light and color and shape taking flowers and water and landscapes to the edge of abstraction and back again. 

Painted Paper Collage on Panel
36" h x 48" w

The process of collage takes Mary’s work into a new dimension. The use of Mary’s hand painted papers and additional hand made papers from around the globe create interesting texture and exaggerated movement in these collages. The effect is a visual cross between painting, mosaic and block printing. Light and color and shape taking flowers and water and landscapes to the edge of abstraction and back again.