Tiki is all about escapism and when I look at Marc Atkinson’s paintings I feel like I’m being taken back a couple decades to a time when tiki was dark and mysterious. Marc’s paintings feel like something that could have been found on a wall in a dark tiki bar back in the sixties. Here is Marc’s story…
What brought you into the ‘Tiki lifestyle” and how long has it been part of your life?
Marc- When I was a kid of about 10 years old, I had an Aunt Marguerite, she was tall, thin, glamorous and went to Hawaii every year, back when Pan-Am served you hot food on dishes, and air travel was exotic. She also would take the whole family out to dinner at places like the Bahooka in Hawaiian Gardens or Tiki Gardens in Monterey Park or Trader Vic’s in Beverly Hills. The decor sucked me right in even as a little kid, the dark, cool grotto’s, the tiki heads, and there was always water gurgling somewhere.
The tiki world was completely transformative, transportational, and I was a very willing passenger on a trip to Exoticaland. So tiki has been a part of my life for at least 50 years, although not entirely immersive until much later in life.
Can you give a little history of how you got into becoming an artist?
Marc- I grew up in a home where both parents were artists, my dad was a high school and university instructor. My father emerged from the golden age of mid-century modernist art, so I was surrounded by art of all kinds. Ed Ruscha was actually at our house parties on occasion. I however gravitated toward architecture and design.
I painted my first ever piece in 2016, as a way to mentally re-connect with my father who passed away in 2003. I found some oil paints of his that are between 30-40 years old. Some of his original paint is in every one of my oil paintings. As far as becoming a tiki artist, I look at tiki as nostalgia. Tiki was a construct of mainland America, specifically southern California, where I grew up. I’m grateful that my work resonates with people, and that’s the magic. If it touches that mystery spot in them, I’ve succeeded.
Who would you cite as some of your influences?
Marc- Gene Rains, Les Baxter. Paul McCobb, William Pereira, lava and salt air. These are my influences–musicians, designers, architects, nature…I do like the work of MP (Michael Parton, which has inspired me, but I consider him much more than a tiki artist). I tend to draw imagery from other mediums. My largest painting was inspired by a recent trip to Akaka Falls on the big island of Hawaii.
Can you talk about your paintings?
Marc- My earliest successful piece “Mystery Trail” conveys a sense of tension, warning, and an allure into the unknown. There are three tiki heads along a trail, one with its mouth open as if warning you not to proceed. But the path is well-traveled, so it’s clear the warning was not heeded. Another of the heads is huge, looming over you if you dare to pass under it. It is also old, cracked, and covered in moss. I like to employ an element of tension, discovery, and sometimes humor into my work. sometimes, if I’m really lucky, I can get all of those elements to perform for the viewer. My goal is to engage the viewer in some way. I don’t want to make art to match someone’s living room decor. I want my audience to wonder “what’s going on in there?”. My goal is to transport them to another place in their mind.
“Aku Aku” was simply an exercise in technique. I copied it nearly verbatim from the Stardust poster, but I modified the outrigger in the foreground to my liking. This was another early effort, when I literally didn’t even know how to mix the paint correctly, or even which brush to use. I make the bamboo frames from scratch.
“Akaka Falls” is my largest format and most recent effort. At 12 x24, there’s a lot of space to fill, and it was challenging to “zoom in” to greater detail than normal.
“Ritual of Rapa Nui” –my night time upward view of a moan statue with a full moon looming above it was another attempt at cultivating a sense of discovery and mystery. I like to think I grabbed a little piece of this mystery to share with the viewer. The clouds in the background help the piece with the wispy, tentative feel as well. This was also the first time I had painted clouds like this with oil paints and a newly discovered fan brush. Doc Parks bought this piece for the new Zombie Village tiki bar in San Francisco. I am so honored to occupy even a tiny dot of space in that wonderful creation alongside the heavy hitters like Bamboo Ben, Michael Parton (MP), Mora, Woody Miller, etc.
What is your favorite Tiki drink? Why?
Marc- “My Embarrassing Uncle” It’s the greatest name ever for a drink, and it is fantastic. Comes with a side of their buttered rum in case you don’t have a sugar headache already.
What is your favorite Tiki bar?
Marc- False Idol in San Diego. I think that will be replaced by Zombie Village when I get up there. It looks incredible.
What does the future hold for you and your art?
Marc- I’ve already branched into a genre that I’ve named called “Sci-Mod”. I will always create tiki and exotic-themed art, but there is much to be explored.
I always want to grow and improve the art. I plan to create bigger pieces. One goal of mine is to have one of my pieces in every tiki bar in L.A., then California, etc. etc.
Anything else you would like to add?
Marc- I have to thank those that have put their faith in me by buying my work. It matters to me that the work can make them smile, or be engaged in some way.
I am grateful for any positive feedback from any source. Tiki is about ohana, goodwill, nature and fellowship.
Here is Marc Atkinson’s website
