Matsushita, John

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D John Matsushita

Working primarily in encaustics, John Matsushita happened upon the medium while stripping the wax from my surfboard. “As I used a hairdryer to melt the wax off I noticed the dirt mixing in and thought I could possibly mix my paints into it. The result was a wax painting. I soon learned that wax has been in known use since 800 BC as a paint medium. After a lot of research and experimentation, I came to love encaustics.” Other mediums include wood sculpture, stone sculpture, figurative clay sculpture, and mixed media projects.
“I have been a finish carpenter and project manager for about 13 years and have had the opportunity to work on some highly unique projects blending art and function. Recently I have felt the call to focus on the art side of my creative spirit and now primarily “work” doing art. I draw much inspiration from the many experiences of living and adventuring in Hawai`i. Pursuits such as surfing remote and hidden waves or mountain biking down the great volcanic mountains of Hawai`i island have given me opportunities to explore areas of Hawai`i that are not often accessed.  This love for Hawai`i has been enhanced with world travel and the great honor of continuously meeting people with great hearts, all of which influence my art as well.”
John’s degree is a bachelor’s of fine arts from the University of Hawai`i at Manoa with study at the Art Institute of Southern California in Laguna Beach. He was also was awarded the honor of doing the Wahi Kapu sculpture for the Volcano’s National Park in 2006. In the past, John has received scholarships of merit, won various juried art exhibitions, and has been awarded private commissions throughout the nation. The show, “Collide,” was done as a collaboration with artist, Anne Catlin, in Kona Hawaii, May and June of 2011.

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