Jan Brink Ingrid Brink Carol Paulsen

Driftwood Garden Art by Jan Brink

< Old Growth Redwood is the ideal organic material for outdoor art as it lasts a lifetime. These pieces attest to this truth as they have already survived the old growth logging of the early 20th Century, being washed into the six rivers of Humboldt County, cascading down stream into the ocean, tumbling in the violent surf and being cast ashore for many years bleached by the sun and scoured by the wind and sand.

Nature is the ultimate artist: using elemental forces to sculpt and enhance the natural strength and beauty of redwood. I simply rescue the pieces; refine or interpret the beauty already present; and add water, glass and whimsy to launch a new life.

Jan Brink is a retired English Teacher originally from the village of Trinidad on the North Coast of Humboldt County, now drifting happily between the Big Island of Hawaii and the friendly, beautiful shores of Baywood Park.

I have the good fortune of living in one of the world’s most beautiful places: the Big Island of Hawaii. For nearly forty years. I lived in Trinidad, on the California Northcoast, an exceptionally beautiful area with a rugged coastline, giant redwoods and marshlands. Both of these homes are rich with beauty, culture and people—perfect for art and life.

Paintings by Ingrid Brink

The Big Island connection came from my husband’s parents who lived in Hawaii in the 70s. My first trip to Hawaii in 1976 launched a lifelong yearning to return, which we did, just about every five years. In 2003, after working hard for our Hawaiian dream, we bought a modest home with a great view and equally important, a huge lanai for painting.

Growing up in a family passionately in love with the outdoors, I spent most of my childhood trekking cross country through the Sierras, shaping the way I see and respond to natural beauty.

I attended Humboldt State University as an art major with an emphasis in ceramics and jewelry. After graduation my training switched from the college indoor environment to “on location” watercolor workshops. The experience of painting outside for hours, getting to know the sounds, smells, temperature and color changes, quickly became an obsession. My paintings were accepted in many National competitions and I began teaching watercolor classes at the college level.

In 1988, I was unanimously approved as a Signature Member of the National Watercolor Society (one of approx… 600 in the U.S.). The following year I was awarded a grant from the California Arts council as an Artist in Residence to work in two elementary schools. Nine grants later and with unwavering support from parents and schools, my residency turned into a 23-year career.

As a teacher and artist I knew I was successful when I would hear: “You’ve changed the way I see.” The Big Island expands the way I see everyday. The colors and textures of the land, sea and sky, of this paradise, “wow” me everyday and inspire me to paint.

Carol Paulsen

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