Mauka to Makai (February 2019)
Matthew and Roxanne Ortiz aka Wooden Wave, Pangeaseed Foundation
Mural at 1830 Mill St, Wailuku
Artist statement: “This mural was painted in collaboration with @coral_org in an effort illustrate the importance of caring for the upstream or “Mauka” regions in order to keep near shore reefs clean and clear of harmful run-off. The tree house in the foreground serves a research outpost and native plant nursery for conservationists who are revegetating eroding gulches. The phrase written on the right side of the mural translates to “Mountain to the Sea” and highlights the idea that the well being of the ocean is intrinsically tied to the health of our upland ecosystems. We imagine this is where conservationists work and play. Protecting our seas is laborious but satisfying work. On breaks from rigorous field work, resident conservationists are encouraged to skate the half pipe, ride the slide and soak in the gorgeous view from the tire swing.”
PHOTO: Tre' Packard
Matthew and Roxanne Ortiz aka Wooden Wave, Pangeaseed Foundation
Mural at 1830 Mill St, Wailuku
Artist statement: “This mural was painted in collaboration with @coral_org in an effort illustrate the importance of caring for the upstream or “Mauka” regions in order to keep near shore reefs clean and clear of harmful run-off. The tree house in the foreground serves a research outpost and native plant nursery for conservationists who are revegetating eroding gulches. The phrase written on the right side of the mural translates to “Mountain to the Sea” and highlights the idea that the well being of the ocean is intrinsically tied to the health of our upland ecosystems. We imagine this is where conservationists work and play. Protecting our seas is laborious but satisfying work. On breaks from rigorous field work, resident conservationists are encouraged to skate the half pipe, ride the slide and soak in the gorgeous view from the tire swing.”
PHOTO: Tre' Packard
About Wooden Wave: Born and raised in Hawaiʻi, Matthew and Roxanne Ortiz are a husband and wife art duo who collaborate under the name Wooden Wave. Their work has a hand-drawn aesthetic that reflects a playful sensibility and appreciation for draftsmanship. Frequently using treehouses as their subject matter, the art of Wooden Wave presents a whimsical take on the notion of the sustainably integrated community. The treehouse, as a symbol, exudes a nostalgic sense of possibility and represents the ultimate icon for adventure. But beyond the obvious romanticism of a dwelling built in the canopy, the inclusion of solar panels, water catchment, aquaponics, and green roof systems make each composition relevant to the environmental issues of today.
In addition to Hawaii, they have painted murals in California, Nevada, and Washington, DC. Wooden Wave also specializes in illustration and design, having done logos and apparel images for a variety of clients including comedian George Lopez and boxer Floyd Mayweather. In the spring of 2016 they released a capsule collection of shoe designs for the footwear company Olukai. Together they have exhibited their fine art paintings in Hawaii and abroad, with their most recent exhibition at the Smithsonian Arts and Industries Museum in Washington, DC. About PangeaSeed: PangeaSeed is an international collective of artists and activists whose mission is to harnesses the power of art, science, and creativity to generate awareness and effect positive change surrounding global ocean environmental issues. Their February 2019 “Mauka to Makai" proposal to SMALL TOWN * BIG ART brought together 19 artists from around the world to address some of today's most pressing issues affecting our marine and freshwater resources through large-scale, purpose-driven public art. Learn More: SMALL TOWN * BIG ART Welcomes PangeaSeed Foundation to Wailuku Town (1/24/19) | Team of Artists to Paint Murals Throughout Wailuku and Central Maui (1/25/19) (1/27/19) | Proof of Concept (1/31/19) | Six Months In! SMALL TOWN * BIG ART (5/23/19) |
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