Andy Kay Archives

Andy Kay

Born in Queens, New York, Andy Kay (1948-2022) was an artist whose career spanned a wide range of disciplines, including painting, design, and teaching. His early exposure to Japanese brush painting, particularly through the television series “Japanese Brush Painting with Takahiko Murakami,” influenced his lifelong exploration of Sumi-e and Eastern artistic traditions. After a brief period as a pre-med student, Andy’s path shifted dramatically when he volunteered on an Israeli kibbutz during the Six-Day War, and later studied etching and lithography in Jerusalem. He pursued his passion for art, working in costume and set design at the theater and ballet before moving to Hawaii in 1977, where he would spend the rest of his life.

Throughout his career, Andy became known for his fusion of Eastern and Western artistic traditions. His works, including paintings on silk using dyes, oils, acrylics, and collages often combined traditional Asian techniques with a vibrant Western color palette. Andy’s art was showcased in exhibitions worldwide, including in China, where he lectured and demonstrated his skills. He also contributed to major public commissions and collaborated with other artists in diverse media, including pottery. A passionate educator, Andy taught Zen art and other techniques for over forty years, including to children in the Head Start Program, where he found immense joy in helping young students express their creativity. His legacy lives on through his art, his students, and his collaborations.