Christian R Lassen

Christian Riese Lassen is Hawaii�s premier marine artist. His paintings and sculptures are displayed in galleries across the United States and Japan, and his images grace an eclectic array of merchandise, from greeting cards to jigsaw puzzles, wristwatches to scuba gear. Meticulous and imaginative, Christian�s paintings depict an idealized vision of the natural world, and in particular the ocean he so loves.

Working in acrylics, enamels and oils, Lassen captures brilliant-hued butterfly fish, Moorish idols, somber-eyed sea turtles gliding through clean blue waters, while above, the light of late afternoon illuminates a lush green island. On other canvases, dolphins frolic below the surface of a deep-water tropical harbor, and humpback whales move majestically through their watery realm, or leap triumphantly into ours. When he was still a child, Christian�s family moved to the Hawaiian island of Maui; the ocean has always been a part of his life. A world-class surfer and windsurfer, Christian has traveled the globe in search of the perfect wave. �It is only through this direct observation of the ocean that I can accurately paint its magnificence,� he says. Inevitably, that intimate connection awakened Christian�s concern, transforming him into one of the world�s leading environmental artists.

�I have seen the effects of pollution in our waters: the oil spills, the debris we humans carelessly cast aside, the merciless slaughter of endangered species. But I have also seen incredible 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. The breaching of a whale still takes my breath away.

***I first heard of Lassen back in '97. I bought one of his yearly planners. I just liked the pictures and thought they were pretty. Since then I have collected anything I could find of his. When I was in an accident his work became more than just a hobby. I was able to look at his work a what he has done and become I love with it.

When I went to Maui and took that first step into his gallery, I cried. There I was standing amongst all of these beautiful works of art. His gallery was the first place I went. It was also the last place I went to.

Meeting him was a dream come true. I had sent him an email telling him how big a fan I was and how much his work meant to me. I told him about my accident and when I said hello my name is Jeni, I sent you an email, he actually knew who I was. I got the tattoo of his work "balance of life" that day and showed it to him. He was touched. I asked him to sign it so that I would always remember that day. He did and I was happy I didn't pass out.

If you like underwater life please look for his work. The money goes to a good cause and I fully support him.