Artist DAVO interviewed by Jason Schwartz in 2002

Artist DAVO interviewed by Jason Schwartz in 2002, Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii. Worked in years past with Andy Warhol in NY. Davo is a lighthearted beautiful guy.

Summary & Timestamped Transcript Below…

• [00:01 → 01:29]
  The video opens with a lyrical, musical intro featuring uplifting words about love, family, and support. This sets a warm, heartfelt tone as the interview begins. The host welcomes the guest artist, known as Davo, and expresses excitement to feature a key figure in the local Maui art scene. The artist is introduced as someone whose work is full of life and vibrant spirit, representing the island’s culture.
• [01:29 → 05:14]
  The host and Davo reminisce about their shared history, including a memorable Bob Dylan concert in Lahaina. Davo is described as a mover and shaker in Maui’s art community. Davo defines his style as “Neo Pop Expressionism”—a modern take on pop art that emphasizes expressive brush strokes and layered, complex imagery rather than simple replication of popular culture icons. He explains that his work is rich with information and emotion, often combining collage techniques and silk-screening with painting to create unique pieces. His art captures cultural icons and moments, acting as a vibrant historical snapshot of the 20th century.
• [05:14 → 10:21]
  Davo elaborates on his artistic process:
  • Starts with a photograph, then creates a pen-and-ink or graphite drawing.
  • From the drawing, he makes a silk screen to produce his images, ensuring originality rather than direct copying from media.
  • Paints over and layers these images with expressive brushwork and colors.
    This is contrasted with Andy Warhol’s approach, who relied heavily on assistants and avoided painting himself. Davo emphasizes his love of painting and hands-on creation.
    He discusses his ongoing series on The Beatles, inspired by personal connections and historical significance. Davo creates art as a form of cultural documentation, capturing significant moments such as the deaths of John Lennon, George Harrison, and the events of 9/11. He treats these works as both emotional catharsis and historical record, dating and signing them carefully. Proceeds from some of these works have supported charitable causes like the Red Cross.
• [10:21 → 15:35]
  Davo speaks about his long-term involvement with MusicCares, a Grammy-affiliated organization that aids musicians in crisis. He has donated artwork annually since 1996 and attended numerous Grammy events, where he mingles with music icons. He shares a favorite painting called “Elvis the Pelvis and Bob the Brain,” which celebrates Elvis Presley’s role in rock and roll and Bob Dylan’s cultural impact. The piece includes multiple images of Elvis combined with Dylan and his family, symbolizing their intertwined legacies. Davo wanted to gift this painting to Dylan, but it remains in his private collection.
• [15:35 → 23:10]
  The conversation shifts to Davo’s artistic origins:
  • His mother encouraged his creative talents from a young age, while his brother supported his sports interests.
  • He briefly attended college art classes but rebelled against authoritarian instructors.
  • He traveled the South Pacific, painting in Polynesian styles inspired by Paul Gauguin, before settling in Maui.
  • A surfing accident led him to New York, where he met legendary artists like Andy Warhol and Jasper Johns, fueling his pop art ambitions.
  • Marilyn Monroe remains a recurring subject in his art, symbolizing glamour and inspiration.
    Davo shares a humorous anecdote about Hugh Hefner purchasing the crypt above Marilyn Monroe’s grave, joking about the eternal connection. He acknowledges his dual identity as a local islander and a participant in the glamorous mainland/pop culture world.
• [23:10 → 29:02]
  Davo reflects on the fun, imperfect, and expressive qualities of his art, emphasizing that it is about joy, emotion, and capturing cultural spirit rather than technical perfection. He feels privileged to live in Maui, expressing deep appreciation for the island’s community and natural beauty. Despite painting many mainland icons, he plans to expand his work to include more Hawaiian cultural figures, starting with surfing legend Duke Kahanamoku. He intends to donate proceeds to Hawaiian foundations, underscoring his commitment to preserving and honoring local heritage.
• [29:02 → 35:38]
  On collectors and audience:
  • Davo is surprised by the diverse demographics of his collectors, with fans from around the world and all age groups appreciating his work.
  • Notable collectors include Quincy Jones and Dionne Warwick (who commissioned a 23-karat gold leaf portrait).
  • He proudly recounts donating paintings of Martin Luther King Jr. to a local academy after vandalism, highlighting the rewarding community impact of his art.
  • Davo celebrates Maui’s small, tight-knit community where everyone knows each other, contrasting it with the anonymity of large cities like Los Angeles or New York.
  • He expresses a clear intent to stay on Maui and continue evolving as an artist, open to exploring other styles like surrealism or returning to island-inspired painting.
• [35:38 → 40:53]
  Davo discusses his teaching involvement:
  • He offers silk screen painting classes annually during Maui’s Celebration of the Arts at the Ritz Carlton, where even children create impressive pop art pieces.
  • He enjoys commissions and is happy to personalize artwork for clients, showing openness and generosity in sharing his methods.
    A playful segment follows where Davo demonstrates a Casio wrist camera given out at the Grammys, illustrating how technology influences modern art and culture. He mentions Paul McCartney’s recent album artwork created entirely with this device, reflecting the democratization of art-making through technology.
• [40:53 → 46:25]
  The conversation returns to the local art scene:
  • Davo praises the Village Gallery in Lahaina, which offers quality original art at reasonable prices, avoiding exclusivity.
  • He discusses the joy and importance of art shows and juried exhibitions, encouraging everyone to try art regardless of skill level.
  • He reiterates his heartfelt message to respect and care for Hawaiians, emphasizing the need to preserve Maui’s Hawaiian identity instead of it becoming a mainland suburb.
  • He commits to painting more Hawaiian icons such as Queen Liliuokalani and Princess Kaiulani, aiming to share Hawaiian culture more broadly through his art.
• [46:25 → 51:10]
  Davo and co-host Ariel tour the gallery, sharing favorite pieces:
  • Ariel’s favorite is a Pink Buddha, part of Davo’s iconic cubes series that can be customized with faces.
  • Davo shows portraits of Marilyn Monroe and a complex painting featuring multiple 21st-century icons centered around Albert Einstein, symbolizing “Man of the Century.”
  • He reveals his passion for collecting and painting rare Hawaiian stamps, planning a future series focused on these cultural artifacts.
    The tour highlights Davo’s versatility and range, from whimsical pop icons to culturally significant themes.
• [51:10 → 59:04]
  Closing moments include:
  • Ariel shares her appreciation for Davo’s art despite not usually being drawn to modern styles, underscoring the accessibility and emotional impact of his work.
  • Davo announces plans to attend the Academy Awards in Los Angeles, showcasing a custom London Fog trench coat painted with an Oscar figure, hinting at exciting future projects and collaborations.
  • The interview ends with warm farewells, affirming Davo’s role as a beloved Maui artist bridging local culture and global pop art.

Key Insights and Highlights

Summary Table: Art Techniques and Subjects

Final Thoughts

Davo is a Maui-based pop artist whose work blends the vibrancy of popular culture with expressive painting techniques to create emotionally resonant, historically significant art. He balances his mainland influences with a strong commitment to Hawaiian culture and community, aiming to preserve and celebrate local heritage through his evolving body of work. His art is accessible, fun, and deeply connected to both personal and collective histories. Beyond creation, Davo actively contributes through teaching and charitable efforts, embodying the spirit of an artist engaged with his surroundings and audience.

This interview offers a rich portrait of an artist who sees his work as both a joyful expression and a vital cultural record, rooted in Maui but connected to global icons and events

Transcript