Chris Pittman

I was born in Iowa in the year 1946, as the fourth son in a family that would eventually include eight children. After spending a formative few years in Denver, Colorado, we then moved to Laramie, Wyoming. Following some particularly frigid winters there, my family decided to make a more sensible choice and relocated to the warm climate of Phoenix, Arizona. By that time, our family comprised four boys and three girls, but shortly thereafter, one more girl entered the picture, bringing our lively household to a total of eight kids residing in Tucson, Arizona. The frequent relocations were due to my father's profession in the coin machine business, a career that brought with it the delightful perk of often having a jukebox in our home. Music became an integral part of our upbringing, with genres ranging from big band tunes and classic melodies to jazz, pop, and rock—all providing the perfect backdrop for our dance parties. With four boys and four girls, our gatherings were always filled with joy and laughter, especially when each of us invited a friend, resulting in a perfectly manageable party size. Saturday night pizza parties became a cherished tradition in our home, and amidst all this travel and festivity, my passion for art remained steadfast. My mother, a natural creative and my most ardent supporter, infused every event with her artistic flair, and her enthusiasm was truly infectious. In 1967, I was drafted into the army, where I gained a newfound sense of discipline. I received an early discharge to pursue my art studies at Victor Valley Junior College. In 1970, following the advice of a close friend who urged me to “Go see Maui,” I took a leap of faith. Maui became my beloved home on March 22nd, 1971, as I arrived with just a backpack, drawing kit, and fifty dollars to my name. I settled into a cave in Kula, where I began preparing for my inaugural art show on the island. Six weeks later, I unveiled a sixteen-piece collection. After that milestone, I wore many hats—working as a cook and bartender, carving signs, and teaching myself woodworking skills. I also engaged in street paintings of old Makawao town, which creatively supplemented my meals at Kitida’s Kau Kau Corner. Even today, I continue to channel my painting skills to contribute to the celebrations and fun in my life.