Erin Sabado
PRINTMAKING + WORKS ON PAPER
Observation becomes line.
Erin Sabado has spent much of his professional life inside the making, presentation and stewardship of art.
Raised within the Sabado family's artistic practice, he has worked not only as an artist but also in gallery management and large-scale art projects, experience that gives him an unusually practical understanding of what happens between an idea, a finished work and the space where someone eventually encounters it.
His own work turns toward botanicals.
Rather than treating Maui's plant life as decorative shorthand, Erin's strongest pieces reward close observation: the structure of a leaf, the repetition of petals, the specificity of a species and the physical character of paper, ink and line.
Looking closely
Erin's botanical work is strongest when the plant is allowed to remain specific.
ʻŌhiʻa lehua.
Shower tree.
Ti.
Wiliwili.
Each carries its own form, context and visual rhythm.
In the wood-engravings, the process reduces the image to decisions about line and contrast. What will remain? What can disappear? Where does the plant need detail and where does the paper need room to breathe?
The resulting works are intimate rather than monumental, objects that invite the viewer closer.
From drawing to impression
A print carries evidence of its process.
Line begins as observation, becomes a carved decision, takes ink and finally transfers to paper.
Art, presentation + family practice
Erin's work exists within a larger Sabado art tradition on Maui.
The Sabado family has developed galleries and art projects across the island for decades, with current gallery spaces in Wailea and Kaʻanapali. Erin has worked as an artist and gallery manager while also contributing to major projects alongside his father, Philip Sabado.
He understands both sides of the wall.
He understands making art, and what it takes to present art professionally to the public.
Selected work
Erin's strongest botanical work begins with the specificity of the plant and the physical decisions of the process: drawing, carving, ink, pressure and paper.
See Erin's Work On Maui
Sabado Gallery is independently operated by the Sabado family. MFAC's relationship with the family creates opportunities to encounter selected artists and work on Maui; displayed work and hours change, so confirm before visiting.
Available Works by Erin Sabado
Original work and authorized editions currently available through MFAC.
