One of Maui’s acclaimed artists for over 30 years, Michael Stark creates his art to share the primal beauty of natural and traditional island life.   His oil impressionist renditions of celebrated island locales are alive with vibrance and texture. Stark, an avid adventurer, and fisherman, often finds inspiration for his work during family outings amidst Hawaii’s provocative scenery. And here is a longer one:  Note from Diane- Mark- use the longer one. Michael Stark One of Hawaii’s acclaimed artists for 30 years, Michael’s wish is to share the primal beauty of island life. A self-trained artist, he began his career painting sand dollars collected while diving in Florida and selling them in his native Oklahoma.  As a teen wandering the South Seas, Michael became fluent in traditional Polynesian culture. The islanders taught him to fish the reef, climb coconut palms and survive in the jungle. His primitive lifestyle was a major influence in his art. Later, Michael became managing editor of Samoa News in Pago Pago. He also wrote for USA Today, Associated Press, Pacific Magazine, and was honored with a Polynesian chief title in Samoa.  Michael’s adventures with dolphins, whales and sharks hone his talent for sharing the wild beauty of the Pacific. He enjoys a busy family life with 5 children and his wife Sai, a Thai chef and avid gardener. Michael has been featured in Southwest Art, Islands, Delta Sky and Hawaii magazines. He has co-owned two galleries, was President of Lahaina Arts Society, and has been a featured artist in shows in Maui, Honolulu, Seattle, and Tokyo. The Maui Oceanfront Marathon has made Michael the official Marathon Artist for over 8 years. Once you connect with his art, you’ll find that no one does the islands quite like Michael Stark.