A year to celebrate

A Year to Celebrate

2024 has been an incredible year for my artistic journey, filled with inspiration, milestones, and gratitude. From rescuing broken and abandoned surfboards on the shores of Oʻahu to transforming them into meaningful artworks, my creations have reached new heights. This year brought gallery opportunities, exhibitions, awards, and a highlight moment with the sale of my piece Rise to Heaven to the Four Seasons Maui. Here's a closer look at what made this year unforgettable:

Mixed Media Award for Hawai’i Craftsmen ASE 2024

Winning the Merit Award in Mixed Media at the Hawai’i Craftsmen Annual Statewide Exhibition (ASE) for my piece from my  “Relic” Collection of 2024  “Hohonu" was a huge honor. This prestigious juried exhibition has celebrated both traditional and contemporary Hawaiian crafts since 1967. A heartfelt thank you to juror Suzanne Isken for her thoughtful selection and for traveling to each island to connect with local artists and curate this showcase.

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Residency at DeRubeis Fine Art Gallery

I am deeply grateful to have a residency at DeRubeis Fine Art Gallery in Waikīkī, where my artwork can be shared with visitors daily at the International Marketplace. This opportunity has allowed me to connect with a wider audience and showcase a collection that includes my painted and sculpted surfboard pieces. Being part of such a diverse and inspiring gallery is both humbling and rewarding, and I cherish the chance to contribute to its creative community. Thank you to Rama and the rest of the DeRubeis team for welcoming me into this space! I look forward to continuing working with this gallery. 

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Launch of online gallery shop 

In November, I took a significant step forward in making my art accessible to a broader audience by launching my online gallery shop for limited editions. Currently, there are two limited collections available, reflecting both my passion for sustainable surfboard art and my dedication to sharing the spirit of Hawai‘i through each piece. This online platform enables collectors and admirers from around the world to engage with my work more intimately—whether they’re seeking a small-scale sculpture infused with upcycled materials or a metal print. See the limited edition collections here.

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Expanding into Virtual Reality

In addition to the online gallery shop, I’m thrilled to share the launch of my Virtual Reality gallery and the VR exhibition of Noses, Tails and Fins Resurrected. These immersive experiences break physical boundaries and allow art enthusiasts from around the world to step directly into my creative universe—no matter where they are. By blending cutting-edge technology with my passion for sustainable, ocean-inspired art, I’m able to bring viewers closer to the stories behind each piece. I look forward to continually pushing these digital frontiers, making it possible for more people to connect with my work and the spirit of Hawaiʻi on a truly global scale.

Artists of Hawai’i Biennial 2024

Being selected for the Artists of Hawai’i Biennial 2024 was a dream come true. Out of nearly 2,000 entries, my piece Seaflower #7 (Ostreidae Epiphyllum Oxypetalum) was one of the 159 works chosen for the final exhibition. This premier juried show at the Downtown Art Center (location here) is a testament to the vibrancy of Hawaiʻi’s contemporary art scene. Thank you to juror Tom Klobe for this incredible opportunity!

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Matchbox Plus XX  

Participating in the Matchbox Plus XX exhibition at Cedar Street Galleries (location here) was a unique creative challenge. This annual showcase features "miniature" artworks from nearly 200 Hawaiʻi artists, including my two small-scale surfboard-inspired pieces. It was a joy to explore a new side of my craft while staying true to my love for upcycling materials. These two pieces along with many other unique creations from artists from all over the state will be on display until January 4th, 2025. 

‍Rise to Heaven x Four Seasons Maui

One of the year's most meaningful achievements was seeing my mixed-media relief carving Rise to Heaven find its home in the Presidential Suite at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea. This piece embodies the ancient Hawaiian concept of interconnectedness—between sea and sky, humankind and nature. The carving features flowing transitions, where the sun's rays merge with the ocean, and feathers transform into scales and plant life, reflecting the wholeness of life. Thank you to Saatchi Art for making this connection possible! 

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‍Looking to 2025

As I look toward 2025, I feel both excited and motivated to continue pushing my artistic boundaries. My aspirations include exploring new installations, more collaborations across the islands, and discovering new ways to incorporate sustainable practices into my art. Also, I hope to share my work on a more global scale, connecting with audiences who resonate with themes of interconnectedness, nature, and renewal.

Above all, I aim to remain open to the inspiration surrounding me—whether in the waves, the shores, or the people of Hawai’i.

Thank you for supporting my journey as an artist. Your encouragement means everything and fuels my passion for creating. Here's to another year of growth, creativity, and connection!

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With Gratitude & Aloha,

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‍Stay tuned for the next venue and gallery where Ruben`s art will be available to view in 2025 .