Kickstarter

After 11 years of painting, my interests have evolved and grown into a deep need to document the contrast between environmental disasters and pristine natural beauty. With my increasing love for documentaries and many global changes happening now, I believe it is time for me to introduce my life's work/mission to to the public.

Recently the awesome natural beauty of the Hawaiian islands has captivated and enticed me. For this particular project I want to focus on capturing pure nature as it exists today on the island of Maui. My goal is to create 50 or more oil paintings all on location. Some of the best paintings will be made into prints and postcards. An exhibition of the works will take place there afterwards.

Hopefully through more sales of my art, in addition to sales of prints and postcards, I want to set aside funds that will enable traveling more accessible. When a disaster strikes anywhere-anytime in the world, I want to be able to get on a plane and go days after. Eventually, with these paintings of disaster scenes, I hope to work with NGOs and organizations that help counteract the problems of those areas. 

My life's work will serve as a documentary series of our time for future generations as well as society today. I think it could be insightful for people to see what the world is/was like. Hopefully my stories can educate and maybe even activate my audience.

I will travel throughout the island painting all that I see for three months. The help that I'm asking you is to help me raise funds for a plane ticket, food, gas, art supplies, and a commercial van. This vehicle will be my home on wheels and storage for my paintings. After doing a series of 36 VW Bus paintings in Venice Beach and talking to some of the inhabitants, I will try and apply their shared knowledge. Even with some trepidation, I feel that this is the most efficient way to capture the various scenes of Maui. 

My goal does not include to be rich and famous - but to continue my life's work without concern of sustaining myself. I dream of using my art to help improve the lives of others (especially in this profound moment in history). I am hopeful that this project will serve as a foundation for self-sustainability. 

Even if you can't support me financially,  PLEASE pass this on to anyone you think might be remotely interested in this project.  Check out the paintings at http://www.flickr.com/photos/64730055@N08/   http://jpmarcelo.com

With SO much gratitude ...... Thank you SO much for reading this far down and for your support !