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Ship
Store Galleries Hosts
Massey 2003 Exhibition
March
15 - April 15
Artist-historian, Raymond
A. Massey, has researched and painted the great ships
of history for more than one quarter of a century. His work
is so precise, so carefully documented, that it hangs in major
museum collections. Although digging into the nooks and crannies
of maritime history is Massey's passion, he has for many years
been fascinated by the natural beauty of the great Humpback
whales and their seemingly timeless migratory passage from
the northern Pacific to the waters around the Hawaiian Islands.
His fascination fired his imagination and much to everyone's
surprise, Massey painted a pair of works that have nothing
at all to do with tall ships or famous sea captains. Massey's
"Seasons in the Sun" pays homage to the greatest Pacific navigator
of all; the humpback whale. Distinguished by the contrasting
sea cliffs that rise gloriously in the background, these paintings
are two of the featured works to be unveiled at this year's
exhibition, which begins on Saturday, March 15, 2003 with
a champagne reception in Mr. Massey's honor.
The artist's detour into the world of the leviathan does not
mean he has abandoned his ships. In fact, a new oil painting
- "The Storm That Killed a God" finds two of the most famous
ships in maritime history in dire straits. Based on log entries
describing the actual event, Massey recreates the dramatic
moment when Captain Cook's expedition was forced to change
course and return to the Big Island's Kona coast. A decision
that set in motion a series of events leading ultimately to
the tragic death of the Pacific's greatest explorer.
Meanwhile, back in the studio, artist Raymond Massey is frantically
working to finish another major painting that portrays an
earlier chapter in Cook's third voyage to the Pacific. This
view depicts the HMS Resolution and HMS Discovery entering
Nootka Sound on March 31, 1778. The magical effects of the
late afternoon light on the ships, the water and the snow-covered
peaks in the background promise to make "Nootka" one of Massey's
most captivating works. Of course, there is the small matter
of completing it by the show's opening, but - not to worry
- his studio door is locked from the outside to ensure maximum
concentration with minimum interference.
All of the new oil paintings exhibited at this year's show
are available as limited edition prints. A small deposit will
reserve your print at the pre-release price. The edition sizes
are limited, however, only 100 images, so you might want to
call your art consultant, soon, to make arrangements. If you
attend the show and want to meet with Mr. Massey, please note
that he will be available from March 11 through March 17.
To set up a time for a private showing, let us know ASAP.
Meantime, if you have any questions, concerns or suggestions
regarding our show or anything else pertaining to the gallery
- do not hesitate to e-mail or call.
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