2024 Artist: Bob Smith

As Arts Marathon artists we will send a different example of our creative process and work to everyone who sponsors us, five days per week during April. We invite our friends, family, colleagues and anyone else who cares about art and wants to support Bridge to Rutland’s important work to sponsor us. Together we will help welcome new Americans who, in turn, will add immeasurably to our communities.

Bob‘s Arts Marathon Goal

I will post some previous carvings and paintings and share whatever the muse strikes me to do during the marathon

Bob‘s Background

Two visual mediums I employ to express creative notions are wood-carving and acrylic paintings. Allowing these whimsical 'wee characters' to present themselves as they emerge out of blocks of wood is fun and satisfying. Likewise, when my eyes find delight in the glorious colors of sunrise or sunset here on the north shore of Kaui, the 'muse' must have its way...and it's time to put brush to canvas.

My deepest and longest suit of expression is as a musician playing Irish music and singing Sea Shanties, thus my handle 'Shantybob.' Prior to moving to Hawaii I performed with two Irish bands in the Rutland area, Wind that Shakes and Barley and Extra Stout. If you donate to Bridge to Rutland for my offerings I'll even send you a copy of my solo album SKULLDUGGERY.

While raising family in Shrewsbury, on long winter nights, I started carving father christmases sitting next to the wood stove. Now I fashion little Hawaiian gnomes I call "gnomie gnomies." In recent years as my wife and I have traveled Ireland, Scotland, and France I did quick sketches and watercolors of sites we visited each day in an illustrated travel journal. Here in Kauai, the beauty of the tropical 'Garden Isle' offers up more amazing vistas than I can possibly paint! But I relish the opportunity as often as I can.

I have followed the Bridge to Rutland Project with great interest remotely while living here in Hawaii. Your mission is building humanitarian bridges so desperately needed on our planet. I'm honored to contribute to this Art Marathon to widen and deepen its positive impact.

Art Samples