Meeting local artist John David Hawver and seeing him light up with appreciation and pride is an experience — let alone his beautiful, soothing, large-scale landscape art. Those familiar with Hawver’s work can understand why he had such a big turnout at the Nov. 30 opening of his “Closer to Home’’ exhibit at The Hale Gallery in Islamorada. His art will be exhibited and up for sale through Jan. 5.
This is the third show since Taylor and Kelly Hale’s gallery opened in August.
“John was one of the first people I called when we found out we were going to take over the space at (Ocean) Sotheby’s (at) MM 81.8. I thought of him immediately,” Taylor said.
“It was wonderful (to get the call). Like ‘Wow, I always wanted a showing in Islamorada, but there wasn’t a venue,’” Hawver said. “No one’s been able to see it since 2011 unless they call me up.”
Hawver had a permanent location at the Rain Barrel until 2011. His work can be seen at the Murray Nelson Government Center, Tassell Medical Arts Building, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Plantation Key Courthouse and several locations in Miami-Dade and Broward counties.
“John’s been a mentor to me since high school,” Taylor Hale said. “Throughout my education as an artist, some things he told me just stuck — the ins and outs of making a living as an artist, ‘paint big,’ ‘paint the edges’ and stretching canvas. Whether or not I knew it then, it was impactful in hindsight. We kept in touch, and this brings us full circle.”
Hawver’s work has a feel-good, peaceful energy, and each piece is so poignant. Hence, it’s very challenging to pick a favorite.
“My mother encouraged me right from the start. Since this was back then, she was a frustrated artist and had wanted to go to Pratt,” Hawver said. “So, when I had an art project at school, she would do one with me. She also made clothes, decorated the house, painted murals.”
Hawver also attended higher education for six years and spent many hours at museums and churches. He worked with other styles such as portraits and commercial art. He also taught and was a magazine art director for 15 years.
“There are different types of artists, such as abstract or ‘blow your mind.’ Then, someone shows you what you are already seeing but in a different way. That’s what’s so special about his work is that it informs your connection to nature,” Kelly Hale said.
“When we installed John’s show, I was looking around, putting the tags up and submerging myself,” Kelly continued. “Then as I was driving, I was looking at the water, and it was different than I have ever seen it before. I saw it through his eyes as a painter. It shows you something you are used to seeing but in a different way. We see beautiful natural scenes all the time, but the way he paints helps us understand and see why they are beautiful with the different textures and colors.”
Hawver said he gets his inspiration for painting during kayak excursions in mangrove tunnels, places like the Everglades, Alabama Jack’s and Turner River. His Florida Keys landscape oil paintings encompass an illuminous combination of magical dancing daubs, dots, dashes and squiggles
“Light and air with a landscape behind it … a celebration of nature’s beauty,” he said.
Fellow local artist Jul Jankowski attended the event; her post to Facebook about her experience lit Hawver up.
“Each mark functions as his unique signature; and while in approach seems unconcerned with realism, in effect embodies the most personal, intimate and reflective moments — moments we all cherish and know deeply in this unique Island Life,” Jankowski wrote. “Typically, flecks of red don’t belong in a blue sky … or purple in the depths of mangroves, but once you see them in a John David Hawver painting, you’ll be asking the sky and sea why they aren’t there.”
The Hale Gallery space is a masterpiece to showcase such an explorative experience.
“We are creating an environment for each artist. And we see it as more of a cultural hub,” Taylor Hale said.
“Our goal is to show amazing art with rotating shows and works and artists from the Keys but also from around the country. In addition, we are also focused on making the gallery a place where people feel connected,” Kelly Hale said.
“Closer to Home” by John David Hawver will be featured until Jan. 5. Visit the gallery Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For additional inquiries, call or text 305-204-1216. Connect with John David Hawver at www.johndavidhawver.com and on Facebook at johndavid.hawver. Connect with The Hale Gallery at www.thehalegallery.com on Facebook and Instagram at @thehalegallery.
The Hale Gallery also hosts yoga with Lacey Devin (check out @yogawithlaceydevin on Instagram for dates and times). On Thursday, Dec. 21, Ocean Sotheby’s International Realty, Native Marine and The Hale Gallery will host a Deck the Hulls party from 5 to 9 p.m.
