surf tiki art by Alan Casagrande

I met the artist who painted these at the Venus/Taboo Lounge in Vegas last week. Really nice guy and tiki collector named Alan Casagrande.
His work is for sale at http://www.surfart.com. I told him to swing by TC and hope he does.

[ Edited by: Kailuageoff on 2003-10-27 14:45 ]

Very nice! I especially like the uke playing tiki.

I was looking through the http://www.surfart.com site & was thinking this man's art deserves more attention.

Kimo's Moonlight Ride

Duke

Rev. Dr. Frederick J. Freelance, Ph.D., D.F.S

[ Edited by: freddiefreelance on 2003-11-05 11:31 ]

Here's a link to a good write-up about Alan and his art on allaboutsurf.com. Check it out.

http://www.allaboutsurf.com/0311/articles/casagrande/index.php

My suggestion regarding Alan Casagrande's work - start buying his originals ASAP! I have SIX and would have TWENTY SIX if it weren't for the wife. He's been getting loads of press lately and looking to get into Hawaiian shirts. My prediction is - he will be the next John Severson.

the bottom tiki thats a pink shade is at the International Market Place in Waikiki. He does nice work.

Hey Gecko,
There's a gecko on that pink tiki. Funny you saw that one.
KG

...and that's one of my ORIGINALS!!!!

Make that SEVEN now - just bought a great watercolor of the Royal Hawaiian.
GECKO knows his Tiki! - Alan confirmed that's where he drew it from!

I was bored and doing some searches on the Internet when I came accross Alan's work. Sure enough, he'd been discussed shortly here on TC. Thought I'd bump up his stuff and encourage you to read the previous post that linked to here:
http://www.allaboutsurf.com/0311/articles/casagrande/index.php
which is a very interesting article about the artist and his background and creations.
I thought it was especially interesting (as quoted from the article at the aformentioned link)

Lately he has been feeling like this crazy man with a chain saw. Literally, Casagrande has taken to carving huge chunks of palm with a chain saw into exquisite Tiki's that he sells or places around the house. Quiksilver Europe recently bought six of his Tiki's to go in their retail shops in London, Munich and around Europe. There is something about a guy with a chainsaw in his hand hacking on a log that draws one's attention and makes you want to see his other pieces. Not only is it loud and filled with oily smoke, but also it brings to mind what happens when gnarly chains and teeth greet a soft log with mechanic-like intensity. "Sometimes it's kind of fun," Alan said with an elfish grin, "to go out and wail on a piece of wood, whether it is a chainsaw or with gouges. I'm pretty fast with the saw but sometimes I like the chiseled look."

I thought this description of a carving artist hits the nail right on the head. I'd love to see pictures of some of his carvings. ANybody have any? Any European TC'er want to trek down to those quicksilver shops to check 'em out?

Update on the artist Alan Casagrande (who can be found at http://www.bongobaystudios.com) - He is gaining in popularity has his paintings have been on the cover of several beach communities weeklies and the subject of several interviews in both local and international publications. I personally have added several more originals to my collection (including what I feel is his best piece - The Pathways Hotel). He now has the capability to print his art on HUGE pieces of canvas (not paper) which really brings his detailed style to life. Check out his work at his website.
Once again - I'd suggest you hop on this train before it leaves the station....