Clark Mitsuro Takashima
Clark was primarily self-taught but also earned an Associates of Arts degree at Leeward Community College - University of Hawaii. He also worked for an art gallery as a visual merchandiser where he studied various modern masters works. He traveled the world from Japan to Europe, reverently visiting the works of Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and many influential artists works of all time. He has painted and sculpted in different styles and developed his own blend of impressionism and realism that has created "magically breathtaking" pieces that give the viewer a feeling of being there. He's also learned to be a freelance artist/graphic designer for various companies and created many timeless designs-still parading Hawaiis streets today. It is evident how versatility in a wide range work skills has added to his confidence in his natural artistic abilities.
Clark has continued to delight us over the past 25+ years with paintings and sculpture. In 1999 he wowed us with an 18 x 32 foot mural of the world famous Banzai Pipeline. His biggest surf painting to date, this mural was featured along the dance floor at now famous Honolulu nightclub, Pipeline Café. That rendition was so well received, it opened up a whole new medium for Clark and he has thrived in a world of murals ever since. He has painted countless scenes in nightclubs, restaurants, wine bars, clothing stores, surf shops, numerous other business and private residents. Recreating themes from Hawaiian, Egyptian, Japanese to Italian. In as many different genres including seascapes, surf scenes, underwater scenery, landscapes, portraits and more.
Currently promoting a series of new paintings of what Clark loves to paint most-waves, Perfect surfing waves. This new series of paintings will raise awareness to our precious resources. The wonder of surf-able waves at the worlds pristine surf beaches-are held in their irreplaceable majesty. His surfing experiences has taken him into bowels of Pipeline and the arena of Sunset Beach. "I would never say I dominated out there, mostly just survived. But, on some days, lets just say, I've got mine....." In March of 2011, Clark signed on with Wyland Gallery, Haleiwa and Waikiki. "Its an honor that only proves that hard work will always lead you to good places."
