First Friday at FOUND:RE featuring Isse Maloi

Local artist Isse Maloi will unveil his exhibit “Water the Daisies” with an artist’s meet and greet on Friday, October 4, 6-9pm, in conjunction with Downtown Phoenix’s First Friday Artwalk.

“I’m a painter, but I’m an artist first,” says Maloi, a professional artist who paints as well as builds vinyl figurines, toys and his own framework for each canvas, as well as creates work working art. His previous shows have all included a variety of these types of artwork; however, “Water the Daisies” will be solely focused on paintings based on this theme, which he says developed from one piece he did that involved incorporating hand-drawn daisies that resembled a child’s drawings over a portrait.

People took notice of this piece, so Maloi began creating more paintings in this style, which involves beautiful paintings layered with hand-drawn daisies “for no real reason.” The significance behind the theme derives from the idea that people need to take care of what they have — in relationships and all areas of their lives. He adds, “Through this idea, I began painting things and people in my life that I care about. We need to be mindful of the things we need to take care of.”

The showcase will remain on display in the Lounge throughout October.