In Hawaii, we say "Mahalo!" -- Thank You! -- for stopping by.

I'm originally an Island Boy -- born on Long Island, Flatbush to be exact, in 1951 -- and I suppose it's about time I came back for a visit to show some of my life's work. Any takers?

Meanwhile, Maui has been adoring my cameras with images that help us all see the tremendous healing spirit that infests everything in the most remote location on planet Earth. That's my beat!

My life has been intertwined with the healing arts since 1969. Visual and Performance Arts are tools that I use in my work. The "firetender" reference is a simple reminder for me that my life's work revolves around tending the fires of spirit, wherever I find them.

I don't do well separating myself into "parts". I am what I am and it expresses itself through many vehicles, photographic art being one of them. My website addresses this.

But, I'd prefer you to hear from an expert:

HERE'S AN EXCERPT FROM THE MOST UNUSUAL REJECTION LETTER I'VE EVER RECEIVED. IT'S FROM THE (then current -- for over 20 years) CURATOR/DIRECTOR OF MAUI'S HANA COAST GALLERY, THE STATE'S MOST PRESTIGIOUS.

(QUOTE)

Aloha Russ:

...As you suggested, I spent not merely "a few moments" but quite a bit of time clicking my way through your web site. It's damned good work, but not at all our cupp'a tea.

...I've no doubt that you keep hearing that refrain from art dealers. It is the kind of art that is virtually impossible to "sell"...

...Your work is deeply primal and aboriginal and, as you so beautifully stated, highly metaphorical...

What each viewer sees is a VERY personal artistic interpretation of the reality you are presenting . . . and therein lies the rub...

Hand-in-glove with being a fine photographic artist you are also a gifted writer. My feeling when I'd finished journeying through your web pages was that your work will ultimately find its audience by means of the Internet, rather than in commercial galleries.

I say that simply because your work demands to be appreciated within the context of language that can flesh-out the metaphors you are using.

... You have developed a brand new kind of art, one that is reflective of the healing work that you've been called upon to do.

...In the art world, anything that doesn't fit neatly into an art "ism" slot is considered to be outside the mainstream. Your work is anything but mainstream...

...galleries such as ours can't take that leap of faith that "outsider" art requires in terms of both artist nurturing and sales representation. What you are probably hearing from the art gallery community is that your work doesn't fit comfortably within the "standard" mix.

As an artist who is pioneering a new dimension in photography, that should be music to your ears...

I'm not at all sure that what I've tried to say is helpful, but it is honest and forthright....

Me ke aloha pumehana,

Patrick
Patrick Robinson, managing director/curator

(END QUOTE)

Links to full letter available at http://www.firetender.org

Russ Reina, A Firetender