WOODEN WAVE // Matt & Roxy Ortiz
Born and raised in Hawaiʻi, Matthew and Roxanne Ortiz are a husband and wife art duo who collaborate under the name Wooden Wave. Frequently using treehouses as their subject matter, the art of Wooden Wave presents a whimsical take on the notion of a sustainably integrated community. The treehouse, as a symbol, exudes a nostalgic sense of possibility and represents the ultimate icon for adventure. But beyond the obvious romanticism of a dwelling built in the canopy, the inclusion of solar panels, water catchment, aquaponics, and green roof systems make each composition relevant to the environmental issues of today. Matthew and Roxanne also paint in a more abstract and Hawaiian culture leaning style. These works combine traditional symbolism, with colorful geometric abstraction and contemporary iconography. In this way they seek to address similar environmental issues as their treehouse style, but from the lens of a Hawaiian cultural narrative.