Wailea Contemporary Gallery proudly features Maui-based artist Brad Huck, a mixed media painter and collage artist whose dynamic, layered works embody the essence of creative energy and transformation. With a background in graphic design and a passion for exploring the interplay of chaos and cohesion, Huck’s work resonates with the vibrancy of the natural world and the quiet expansiveness of island life.

From Colorado to Maui: An Artistic Journey

Originally from Colorado, Huck’s artistic foundation was influenced by childhood days spent watching his parents handcraft chocolates in their family’s candy factory. These early observations of simple ingredients transforming into something greater laid the groundwork for his fascination with the creative process. After relocating to Sonoma County, California, Huck encountered the power of the ocean and was introduced to the work of Bay Area Figurative artists like Nathan Oliveira, David Park, and Manuel Neri. Their use of the human figure and expressive techniques left a lasting impression on his own artistic exploration.

In 2004, Huck and his wife, Debra, moved to Maui, Hawaii, seeking the tranquility of tropical waters and the inspiration of island life. "Maui is peace, Maui is space," Huck shares. "It gives my work an open expansiveness that I didn’t have before." Now, from his South Maui studio, he continues to evolve his practice, drawing on the island’s natural beauty and the energy of the surrounding environment.

The Process: From Chaos to Clarity

Huck’s creative process begins with a sense of chaos—a deliberate layering of acrylic paint, graphite, chalk, and oil pastel on canvas or wooden panels. His initial marks are raw and spontaneous, representing the sensory overload of daily life. "It’s like the thoughts that run through my head at any given moment," Huck explains. "They spin, combine, and eventually get distilled into a coherent idea."

This process requires a willingness to sacrifice seemingly 'brilliant moments' for the sake of the final composition. "Sometimes, I have to cover up areas that sparkle in isolation," Huck reflects. "But when I look at the finished piece, I rarely remember what I painted over. It’s like life—you choose what to hold onto and what to let go of, and that defines you."

Throughout this evolution, remnants of the earlier chaos remain visible beneath the surface, adding a sense of history and movement. "I honor the journey by letting some of that energy show through," Huck says, describing the faint textures and shapes that whisper stories from the piece’s past.

Vision and Inspiration: Energy, Nature, and Human Connection

Huck’s work is deeply rooted in the idea of universal energy and interconnectedness. "We’re all stardust, baby,"  he notes, referencing the cosmic connections that influence his creative vision. His pieces often feature bold botanical forms on raw linen, serving as a counterpoint to the slick digital experiences of modern life. "So much of what we experience now comes through screens," Huck notes. "I want my work to feel organic and immersive—like stepping into a natural garden that helps us reconnect with the physical world."

Living in Hawaii has lightened the spirit of Huck’s work, giving his compositions a brighter, more optimistic tone. His mornings often start with outrigger canoe paddling, a ritual that grounds him and brings a sense of calm to his practice. "That time on the water brings me back to a place of simple honesty," he shares. "And that honesty comes through in my work."

Advice to Aspiring Artists: Stay True to Your Voice

For those beginning their artistic journey, Huck encourages tapping into personal sources of inspiration. "Go through your sketchbooks," he advises. "Mark the drawings that speak to you the most and build from there. Rely on elements you’ve created yourself—things that no one else can claim. Play, layer, and don’t get attached too soon." He believes that authenticity comes from within, and that the most compelling art often emerges when an artist trusts their instincts rather than following trends. Huck’s own work, rooted in personal history and emotional response, stands as a reflection of this belief, reminding us that genuine expression is timeless.

Experience Brad Huck’s Work at Wailea Contemporary Gallery

Visitors to Wailea Contemporary Gallery in South Maui can experience the vibrant layers and dynamic energy of Huck’s mixed media paintings firsthand. His pieces capture the tension between chaos and calm, offering a compelling reflection of life’s constant motion and the quiet spaces within.

Discover more at the gallery, where Maui’s contemporary art scene comes to life through the works of innovative local and international artists.