Gallery hosts collection of soft-sculpture creatures

By Victoria Gail-White
Advertiser Art Reviewer

•	Tots 'n' Spots Soft sculptures and toys By Kris Higa 11-5 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays 11-7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays Through Aug. 17 workspace 3624 Wai'alae Ave., Suite 201 732-2300

Higa is one of the core group of artists that own and run the workspace gallery. During her studies in art at the University of Hawai'i-Manoa, she also focused on soft sculpture and dolls, enthused by an affection she has had for them since childhood.

These creatures however, aren't typical toys. Yes, they are soft and made out of socks, nylon stockings,sweaters and fabric. But that is where the similarity ends.

"Sandra" has dissimilar eyes and a kinked mouth. She is perched inside one of the "toobs" — large, fabric-covered and stuffed tubular pillows. "Sandra" was named after a woman I know," Higa said. "The sweater she is wearing is something that she (the real Sandra) would wear, and she has the angst of her expression."

Not all of the soft sculptures were inspired by friends. Higa can create her own friends, anytime. "Krinkles," a playful character, is leaning over in a yoga triangle pose. "Boto-Kun" a name which translates into an endearing name for a penis, is a fluffy-blue, elongated creature with a small white face. "Ding Ding" is a pair of Siamese twins.

The almost sold-out exhibit of very affordable work ($15 to $50) demonstrates that people respond to these cute-scary and creepy stuffed things.

Higa's out-of-kilter faces come from her desire to express how imperfect we all are. "When I am making faces," she says, "I am thinking how everybody's face is different. It doesn't have to be uniform because in nature it isn't."

The soft-sculpture medium has an added plus for Higa because she can use recycled materials and work at home, with encouragement from her husband, artist Ryan Higa. Asked if making all these "tots" had anything to with the issue of having babies, Higa said, "It could, because the issue is unresolved in my life." Her joy in creating personalities through their expressions and gestures is a therapeutic activity for Higa. She also delights in breaking all the rules for sewing them together.

Sometimes she gives them background histories. And sometimes she doesn't want to let them go.

•	Small Kine Show Hawaii Watercolor Society 11 a.m.-6 p.m Tuesday-Saturday; closes Saturday The ARTS at Marks Garage 1159 Nu'uanu Ave. 521-2903

Twenty-six artists from the Hawaii Watercolor Society are represented in this "Small Kine Show," an unjuried exhibit of works no larger than 50 square inches. All these original watercolors are matted, frame-ready, and protected by plastic wrap.

This is a show that shouldn't be missed for many reasons: The price range is $15 to $125. There is considerable range of style and subject. Some of the artists are established painters who usually demand more for their work. And you can take your purchase home without the usual delay.

Some very tempting beauties are hanging out there: the sophisticated abstract of Anne Irons "Parasol," Roger Whitlock's "Sunday AM at Kalapawai Store," Deborah Pacheco's "More Garlic Two," Jackie Black's "Upcountry," the deep saturation of color in Yasuko Abeshima's "Azaleas," the charming watercolor and pen of Dave Devenot's "Afternoon in Paris," Jeanne Roberston's "Brilliance," Steve Bettman's "One Ripe Tomato," and the sweet softness of Frances Hill's "After the Rain."

The "Hula" series of Mapuana mingles with the figure studies of Mary Flynn. Oriental brush strokes and simple black lines strengthen Linda Bachrach's offerings. There are also works by Bridgette Adams, Pat Ekstrand, Chad Miyasaki, Tamara Moan, Lidia Colman, Wendy Hickey, Noni Floyd and others.

This is one of several exhibits which mark the 300-member watercolor group's 40th anniversary. With work from artists of all ages and levels of expertise, "Small Kine Show" gives some of the members who don't have a gallery presence the opportunity to make their work available to the public, said society president Frances Hill. Hill is excited that this anniversary has brought further expansion and inclusion of water-media artists from Neighbor Islands.

Slides will be accepted for entry into the Open Show, the society's largest juried exhibit, making it more accessible to Neighbor Island artists who, in the past, had to ship their work to O'ahu. The Open Show takes place in November with a Mainland juror for art selection and local jurors for award selection.

Technology and the wonders of chemistry have refined the formulas for watercolor paints. Today's watercolors have increased brilliance and staying power. This archival quality increases the collectible feature of watercolor paintings. Need I say more?