Mixed Plate Special - OTIS would grow

OTIS would grow

Written by Christen Vidanovic

Wednesday, September 12 2007

The Woolley brothers’ underground label surfaces at the old Sugar Bar

Nat and Shaun Woolley are making good things happen in Waialua. With matching nostalgic grins, they look out their new front doors at the Waialua library, where they both got their first library cards. Inside those doors, there’s more creativity thriving than the historic Bank of Hawaii building has ever seen.

The landmark building is now the home of the Woolley Bros. screen-printing shop. With its freshly painted walls and new bathrooms, it’s easy to forget that this really is the old Sugar Bar. The drastic transformation leaves no trace of the former dive—and while everyone is fond of old memories, there are some (what went on in the Sugar Bar stayed in the Sugar Bar?) alcohol-induced moments of glory that just shouldn’t be resurrected.

Nat Woolley is the artistic half of the dynamic twin team. (He also creates board designs for Hawaiian Island Creations.) Shaun, who’s primarily in charge of the business end of things, is the duo’s screen-printing guru, having learned the trade at ScreenTech in Kahuku. The brothers also have another creative partner, Nate Tyler, a graphic designer whom Shaun met in California during college.

But what the Waialua High School grads plan to do with their business goes far beyond just screen-printing. Part of their mission is to create something that benefits their childhood community. In addition to customizing boards and replicating surfboard art onto t-shirts (another way for surfers to brand their identities), the Woolley brothers want to make a space for other local artists and bring fresh creative energy to the predominantly industrial area.

“We want to breathe some life back into Waialua and give people a reason to not just come into the airport in Honolulu and drive straight through to Sunset,” says Shaun. “We want to have art shows, movie nights. We want to be able to do all kinds of stuff.”

Nat’s surfboard art isn’t just for the fish that swim underneath. According to Shaun, surf photographers are stoked on the stylish designs since it brings extra recognition and pizzazz to an otherwise visually conventional photo. In the end, the artwork benefits everyone.

“It works for the photographers because they’re able to sell more pictures, it works for the surfers because it gets them that shot that they need, and it works for us,” Shaun explains with a smile. With popular surfboard designs being transferred to a limited number of T-shirts, the North Shore can expect a new fashion craze, too.

Even if you don’t recognize the Woolley Bros. name, it doesn’t mean you haven’t seen their work. Most of their designs go under the label “On The In Side,” a slogan that they say refers to the way you should live your life—from the inside out. OTIS designs can be found adorning the boards of local pros like Megan Abubo, Reef MacIntosh, Ned Snow, and Kekoa Bacalso.

The shop, newly opened in late August, is still under construction, but the brothers are excited about visitors. So feel free to stop by and get your fix of surf talk, art talk and all-around good vibes.

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Comments

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Joan Carpenter said:

Unique, colorful, cool - Good Luck - I'm sure you'll do well. I like your enthusiasm and new ideas.

September 14, 2007 - 04:11PM

Sandro Lyrio said:

Uhuuuuuu!!!
Happy to see u guys doing well! Love the work! Looks realy cool! If I make to Hawaii any time, I want one of those.
hehe
Take care guys.
Sandro Alejandro!
biosandrolyrio@yahoo.com.br

November 22, 2007 - 07:51AM

Bruce Geers said:

Nothing against the Woolley Brothers, I hope they do well, but I can't believe the Sugar Bar is gone. That was one of the places we looked forward to every visit. We haven't been out there in a while but are heading out in February. I googled Sugar Bar and came across your article. It was just a nice dive of place where we felt comfortable, the beer was usually cold, and the food was often okay.
Good luck Woolley Brothers, but I'm going to miss sitting on the toilet out on the deck.

December 26, 2007 - 06:22AM

waialuawench said:

Well, there's always kainoa's. The alcohol won't usually poison you and the toilets aren't as frightening, but you can still find a bunch of weirdo's to satiate your dive desire.

January 17, 2008 - 11:34AM

Jimbo said:

Many uprightous comments on my OTIS shirts here in Florida-land..........great website miss youall thetime
I only play hawaiian music in my room for massage, which leads to memories

June 22, 2009 - 10:33AM

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