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The Waimea Center Cowboy
By D'Linn Published: 08/09/2007
I walked hurriedly passed the cowboy statue and made a mental judgment about a member of the public having no respect for open-air artwork; for once again there was a lit cigarette hanging precariously from the statue's mouth. I glanced at the stained glass windows hung high in the Waimea Center. Karen Thrasher did a beautiful job on these two long, vertical windows and it was a magical moment as I heard sounds of the brook behind the center while gazing upon the waterfall caught in the glass and being highlighted by the sun. Living on the island these past 15 years, I can tell you I have rushed by it many, many times. Today is different. I've been hired by the center to renovate and repaint the famous cowboy. He has been scratched and etched by someone who wanted to convey some message. His “leather straps” for his chaps were broken off (no doubt by someone climbing or stepping on him); and the weather and time had taken its toll on his finish. It took several weeks to complete the project and the end result was very satisfying. But just who was this cowboy?
Close attention often brings us clarity. Etched in the wooden base was “Reems Mitchell, Ulupalakua.” Was “Reems Mitchell” the cowboy or the artist? He was the artist and the Hawaiian word; “Ulupalakua” is a region on Maui and is most often translated “as breadfruit ripened on the back.” The story goes that an ancient Hawaiian chief would send his runners to Hana for breadfruit. By the time they returned, on foot of course, their precious cargo would have ripened. But why did Reems Mitchell etch that at the base of this cowboy? He did so because “Mitch” as he was called made his home and sculpture studio on the grounds of the Ulupalakua Sugar Mill ruins. These are located on the property named by C. Pardee Erdman, “Ulupalakua Ranch.” Reems Mitchell is internationally known for the wood, resin and metal sculptures he created. Mitch left a statue called “Mr. Featherfingers” to C. Pardee Erdman and it now is available for viewing at the winery at the ranch. Mr. Erdman worked with Martha Vockrodt and John Daniels to repair many of Mitch's other pieces.
The statue was roped off and I began to restore the Waimea Cowboy. From the first brush stroke I wanted to keep the style of painting accurate to what was there. Then I realized that there were at least two layers of paint. I was told that a woman had been brought over to “repaint” the cowboy several years ago. Perhaps it was Martha Vockrodt who did the first “repainting” of our own Cowboy Statue. The saddle and chaps had many subtle colors dry brushed into the painted patina. The palaka design on his scarf is a recent addition. The statue had a mold that was intruding into the statue itself so I decided to give it a protective coat when the painting was complete.
Everyone was delighted to see the cowboy get his “bath” and clean clothes as the work progressed, photos were taken and then the stories began. Did I know that the very spot where the statue now stands used to be an old haunted house? Did I know that the street (now Mamalahoa Highway) was used just a few years ago by the local youngsters for horse races? After much research I believe Mitch took his image of the weathered “paniolo” from Kane (Harry William “Kane” Kawiola) Purdy. The Hawaiian cowboy or “paniolo” kept life here rich with hard work and passionate play. As Martin Purdy says, “Cowboy life is a hard life but a good life.” Do come and have yourself photographed with this piece of artwork dedicated to the memory of all those cowboys whose lives were filled with the work and danger associated with the longhorns of Hawaii.
Locations
Big Island
Photo Gallery - The Waimea Center Cowboy
Click here for Slideshow. You can also click on any of the photos to start slideshow.
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