Showcasing Art

For retired Marine Rick Hooper, being an artist was something that had eluded him for most of his life.

"I always had an interest, but I was convinced I didn't have any talent," Hooper said as he stood in his gallery, Coastal Art Works, in Havelock.

Hooper opened the doors to his shop on West Main Street next to the Auto Zone in January after retiring from the Marine Corps after 24 years.

He went all over the world during his military career, including Spain, Italy, France, Lebanon, Grenada and Thailand.

But it was during a six-year stint in Okinawa that he had a life-changing experience.

"I learned how to frame in Japan, and when I was in my late 30s, I learned how to draw," Hooper said. "I got a late start. I'm a firm believer that anybody can learn how to do artwork if they can learn how to draw."

Hooper's art can simply consist of a detailed study of red maple leaves and their helicopter seed pods. Another is a close-up of a dogwood blossom. One shows the finely drawn leaves of the tulip poplar, the Tennessee state tree.

"Being from Tennessee, I grew up in the country," he said. "I spent a lot of time walking around in the woods among the trees. So, I just love nature."

Hooper's work isn't just confined to two dimensions. Some of his pieces are hand- carved from gourds that he has grown himself. A collage of delicately carved and painted oak leaves completely cover one gourd.

Everything he produces has a distinctive connection to the natural world.

"I'm an experimenter and I like to play," Hooper said. "That's how I approach art. I don't know if I'll ever be the master of anything, but it's a lot of fun.

"That's what I like about this job. You meet so many cool people. There's no limit to the creativity and the imagination."

Though Coastal Artworks is Hooper's gallery, there are very few of his pieces on display.

"I really try to concentrate on the other artists," he said.

He has the works of about 30 local artists on display and for sale in the shop. Virtually every medium - from pencil to pastel, glass to scroll art - is represented.

And he has the unique artwork of the Wichi Indians from Argentina carved from native South American hardwoods.

"It is just incredible work that they do," he said.

Hooper, who lives in Newport with his wife Martha and their two teenage children, said he has a great amount of respect for the community of artists in the area.

"I don't think people realize how many talented artists we have in Craven and Carteret counties," he said.

Hooper said anyone can just stop by with a cup of coffee and relax between the colorful walls.

"I like for people to just stop by and view the art work," he said.

In addition to the art, Hooper also carries a limited amount of art supplies.

"It's not a huge selection, but I've got the basics," he said.

Many of the artists shown in the gallery offer commission work for special needs including photography, painted portraits and even murals.

"We can have anything you want made," he said.

To reach Hooper at Coastal Art Works, call 444-5298 or drop by the business located at 333 West Main St., Unit E, in Havelock.