Virtually all of his creations depict an aspect of the natural world. In one piece, brilliantly colored butterfly fish, moorish idols and sea turtles are the focus in a clean, blue ocean. Above the tranquil waters, a plush, green island is illuminated by the late afternoon haze. Other works show whales or dolphins frolicking just below the surface of a deep water tropical harbor.

Aside from this life's work, Lassen's quiet pursuit has always been that of the preservation of the environment. He founded the SEAVISION Foundation, an environmental group funded by part of the profits from his art sales. In Japan, where he is the best-selling artist, thousands flock to his gallery showings and often cry at the sight of him. He says Japan is more environmentally aware than is commonly known.

"The Japanese are very much into the environment. Japan is a relatively small place. There are three quarters as many people as live in the United States stuffed into a land mass the size of California," Lassen said. "They have become very environmentally conscious."

Lassen knows this first hand: recently, he attended an environmental conference in Tokyo, where more than 35,000 Japanese business people attended. Lassen, the keynote speaker, said he was overwhelmed by the enthusiasm. In his speech, he noted, "no goal can be more worthy of the two leading world democracies than to come together to help solve the global problems."

Lassen is pleased to use his notoriety to further environmental causes. Having appeared on Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous and countless magazine covers, commercials and several movies, he is certainly a worthy choice for a spokesman. The Maui-based Pacific Whale Foundation, a well-respected nonprofit organization, jumped at the chance to become affiliated with Lassen. Their partnership will include many projects, such as educational videos, a marine museum, and other joint activities. "I looked at many local and national organizations in my search to sponsor a worthy environmental group. It was not difficult to choose the Pacific Whale Foundation," Lassen said.

A world-class surfer and windsurfer, Lassen has traveled the globe in search of the perfect wave, and in these travels his convictions are strengthened. "I have seen the effects of pollution in our waters - the ugly oil spills, the floating garbage, the merciless slaughter of endangered species, but I have also seen the beauty - the dazzling rainbows of reef fish, the graceful curve of a dolphin's tail, the reflection of light on the crests of the waves," he said. "The breaching of a whale still takes my breath away."

Lassen came to Maul over 25 years ago. Prior to that, he lived in Mendocino, California; the ocean has always been a part of his life. "I grew up near the sea and I feel I have a special bond with it. Much of my time is still spent near the water; it is only through this direct observation that I can accurately paint its magnificence."

No one can dispute his talent, however. His work is displayed in scores of galleries in the United States and Japan, and he owns three galleries on Maui: two on Front Street in Lahaina and one at the Maui Marriott Resort. He is unwilling to settle for second best, and his galleries reflect that committment. From marble floors to the handpainted walls, the 16-screen video wall to the infrared lighting technology, Lassen has spared no expense in his pursuit of excellence. Even the frames, done in oldworld style, are exceptional, often formed with more than 12 moldings. "I want the galleries to excite my patrons as much as my work does," Lassen said. Fortunately for our oceans and the creatures within, it is clear that he pursues the preservation of the environment with the same passion that he extends toward his work and his galleries.