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Barbara Okamoto's watercolor, graphite and pastel monoprint is titled "Maria Suite: Earthly Gift."

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Earth stories

Life in the isles and "adventures in Taos, New Mexico, infused our work with the spirit of the land and of people," say local artists Deborah Young and Barbara Okamoto, in their exhibition statement for "Earth Stories," a joint show by the two friends.

"Earth Stories" combines Oka- moto's moody watercolors and pastels, and her spunky drypoint and inks, with the rich, deep colors of Young's abstract acrylics. Young incorporates leaves, paper and patterns into some of the works, which illustrates her love of texture and pattern. Okamoto's earth tones, soft pinks and employment of white create a subtle glow to her paintings that evoke a sense of the spirituality in nature. Both artists capture the drama of the Earth as it grows and transforms.

"We hope the show speaks to the audience as Earth, its water and wind, and its people have spoken to us," the duo says.

"Earth Stories" is on display at Hawaii Pacific University Art Gallery today through March 11, with a reception 4 to 6 p.m. today. The gallery is located at the university's windward campus, 45-045 Kamehameha Highway in Kaneohe. Gallery hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays to Saturdays. Call 544-0287.

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"El Santuario" by Deborah Young

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"Stone's Throw 3," a drypoint and ink work by Barbara Okamoto

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Deborah Young's "Daybreak"