Posted on November 17, 2023
To celebrate our Art of Eddy Y by Reyn Spooner collection, we sat down with acclaimed local artist Eddy Y to learn more about him and his passion for art.
Eddy Y has been creating art for as long as he can remember. Growing up in Japan, he was passionate about drawing from an early age. His passion for art continued after moving to Hawai'i at the age of 14 to live with his aunt, which led him to the University of Hawai'i Manoa to study fine arts.
While in college, Eddy earned cash painting signs and posters and eventually got his big break when he created the album artwork for the local band Kalapana’s second album. It was after this that Eddy realized that his artwork could be a career.
Over the course of his illustrious career, Eddy Y has been tapped to create artwork for everything from the Merrie Monarch Festival to Formula One races to the Eddie Aikau Invitational. In addition to being a talented artist, Eddy spent a significant chunk of the 80s and early 90s serving as design director for iconic California surf brands OP and Hobie.
Eddy started working with Reyn Spooner nearly 30 years ago under the label Art of Eddy Y by Reyn Spooner.
With a passion for American automobiles, music, and traditional Hawaiian motifs, Eddy’s Spooner designs have featured diverse subject matters over the years. What remains consistent is his attention to detail and striking artwork.
