Robins-island.org the non-flashsite of Christian Riese Lassen's Fine Art gallery
This is the non-flashsite of Christian Riese Lassen's newest releases of fine art and print gallery at Robins-island.org.
Christian Riese Lassen [American Painter and Illustrator, born in 1956] Guide to pictures of works by Christian
Riese Lassen in art museum sites and image archives worldwide. Hawaii's Master artist of the sea. Raised on the
Island of Maui, Christian Riese Lassen has translated his love of the ocean into some of the most beatiful and
popular works of art the world has ever known. Collected by a host of famous art lovers and commissioned by such
institutions as the United Nations and the Walt Disney Company, this young painter is one of the best selling
artist in history, with a tremendous following in both American and International markets.
Hawaii's premier marine artist, Christian Riese Lassen, is quickly becoming one of the
world's leading environmental artists. Lassen's work has graced the covers of everything
from greeting cards to jigsaw puzzles, but his best work has always been done on canvas.
His acrylics, enamels and oils have earned him acclaim from art critics as well as
environmentalists.
Virtually all of his creations depict an aspect of the natural world. In one piece,
brilliantly colored butterfly fish, moorish idols and sea turtles are the focus in a clean,
blue ocean. Above the tranquil waters, a plush, green island is illuminated by the late
afternoon haze. Other works show whales or dolphins frolicking just below the surface of a
deep water tropical harbor.
Aside from this life's work, Lassen's quiet pursuit has always been that of the
preservation of the environment. He founded the SEAVISION Foundation, an environmental
group funded by part of the profits from his art sales. In Japan, where he is the
best-selling artist, thousands flock to his gallery showings and often cry at the sight
of him. He says Japan is more environmentally aware than is commonly known.
"The Japanese are very much into the environment. Japan is a relatively small place.
There are three quarters as many people as life in the United States stuffed into a land
mass the size of California," Lassen said. "They have become very environmentally
conscious."
Lassen knows this first hand: recently, he attended an environmental conference in Tokyo,
where more than 35,000 Japanese business people attended. Lassen, the keynote speaker,
said he was overwhelmed by the enthusiasm. In his speech, he noted, "no goal can be
more worthy of the two leading world democracies than to come together to help solve the global
problems."
Lassen is pleased to use his notoriety to further environmental causes. Having appeared on
Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous and countless magazine covers, commercials and several movies,
he is certainly a worthy choice for a spokesman. The Maui-based Pacific Whale Foundation, a
well-respected nonprofit organization, jumped at the chance to become affiliated with Lassen. Their
partnership will include many projects, such as educational videos, a marine museum, and other joint
activities. "I looked at many local and national organizations in my search to sponsor a
worthy environmental group. It was not difficult to choose the Pacific Whale Foundation,"
Lassen said.
A world-class surfer and windsurfer, Lassen has traveled the globe in search of the perfect
wave, and in these travels his convictions are strengthened. "I have seen the effects of
pollution in our waters - the ugly oil spills, the floating garbage, the merciless slaughter of
endangered species, but I have also seen the beauty - the dazzling rainbows of reef fish, the
graceful curve of a dolphin's tail, the reflection of light on the crests of the waves,"
he said. "The breaching of a whale still takes my breath away."
Lassen came to Maul over 25 years ago. Prior to that, he lifed in Mendocino, California; the
ocean has always been a part of his life. "I grew up near the sea and I feel I have a special
bond with it. Much of my time is still spent near the water; it is only through this direct
observation that I can accurately paint its magnificence."
No one can dispute his talent, however. His work is displayed in scores of galleries in the
United States and Japan, and he owns three galleries on Maui: two on Front Street in Lahaina
and one at the Maui Marriott Resort. He is unwilling to settle for second best, and his galleries
reflect that committment. From marble floors to the handpainted walls, the 16-screen video wall
to the infrared lighting technology, Lassen has spared no expense in his pursuit of excellence.
Even the frames, done in oldworld style, are exceptional, often formed with more than 12 moldings.
"I want the galleries to excite my patrons as much as my work does," Lassen said.
Fortunately for our oceans and the creatures within, it is clear that he pursues the preservation
of the environment with the same passion that he extends toward his work and his galleries.
Last updated: August 28, 2008
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