View #1:  Crowded Streets, Hidden Artist

Words and pictures by Frank Camu & Dane Kurihara

As my partner and I traveled the streets of Chinatown on February 5, 2010, the first Friday of the month, we were in awe of everything around us.  Being that it was my first First Friday I was genuinely excited.  From the people, to the buildings, the lion dancers, and the artwork, Chinatown was definitely the place to be.

After almost 45 minutes spent finding parking (we completely underestimated the time, forgetting it was also Chinese New Year), we made our way through the crowded streets.  We had passed endless rows of artwork displayed on the streets, when we came across an artist named Eric Mead (who, not to mention, was here for his first First Friday as well).  His artwork wasn’t in a crowded room like the others; they were more accessible, and by far some of the most unique.  This guy is definitely one of the more talented ones we’ve seen.  Luckily, we were able to get some words with the painter himself.

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Artist Eric Mead and interviewer Frank Camu

Frank: So, what was your name?

Eric:  Eric Mead

Frank:  So, how long have you been painting for?

Eric: About nine years.

Frank:  What do you like to paint?

Eric:  I’m really inspired by the ocean, and the mountains, and everything having to do with Hawai‘i, and that’s why I’m here, cuz I love it.

Frank: Are you from Hawai‘i or…?

Eric:  I’m not from Hawai‘i originally;  I’m originally from the East Coast.

Frank: Oh yeah?

Eric: But I’ve been here … This time I’ve been here for six years and I was here back in 2001 for two years.

Frank: Okay, okay.  Are you with any agencies or any…

Eric: No, just independent, self-taught, self-taught artist.

Frank: So, you taught yourself to draw all of these?

Eric: Yeah.

Frank: That’s pretty sick, man.  Did you go to school for any of this or you just…

Eric: No, not for art, no.

Frank:  So, you live out here permanently now, right?

Eric:  Yeah, I live up in…I live down in Mānoa.

Frank: Oh cool, cool.

Eric: Yeah, I go to school now, studying acupuncture.

Frank: At Mānoa?

Eric: It’s in University of World Medicine Institute.

Frank: Oh, um, JABSOM (John A. Burns School of Medicine)?

Eric:  It’s with Dr. Chang.  It’s a university.

Frank: Oh, OK, OK, so you’re studying to be an acupuncturist and you’re doing art on the side?

Eric: Yeah, trying to.

Frank: Have you sold anything today?

Eric: Yeah, I have.  I probably sold, like, three or four pieces.  Small ones, but it’s good, you know, keep on moving.

Frank: So, when you put your artwork out here, do you do it to network, or to like, showcase your art or…

Eric: Well, this is my first First Friday, this is like my first time like really coming out to the public.  So, uhm, just trying to get a feel for what’s really going on and just get some exposure.

Frank: Do you have any advice for any struggling artists or anything like that?

Eric: Oh man, just keep doing it, you know, I mean, everyone’s struggling, but you know, just express yourself from your heart and everything will be all good, you know.

For more information on Eric Mead:

(808) 265-4160

ermead@vt.edu