I was born and raised in Kailua on the island of Oahu. Some of my fondest childhood memories revolve around receiving a new Kraft book every Christmas. These books, filled with art activities and crafts, fueled my passion for creating.
Growing up in Hawaii, I was immersed in the rich culture and natural beauty of the islands, but it was my acceptance into Kamehameha Schools in the 7th grade that truly ignited my awareness and pride in my Hawaiian heritage. What Kamehameha did for me was create a safe space to be Hawaiian as every student there was at least part Native Hawaiian. This feeling of camaraderie with my peers was more valuable to me than the classes I took on Hawaiian language and culture.
My artistic journey began in childhood and continued through high school, where I took every art class available. However, a discouraging experience in a basic drawing class in college made me question my identity as an artist. Despite this setback, I continued creating art independently. The turning point came when my husband asked me to design baby clothes for our first child. I made a onesie with an opihi design that was well-received and reignited my belief that I was an artist. Since then, I've never stopped creating, exploring mediums such as digital art, sewing, watercolor, linoleum stamping, and drawing. I love experimenting with different forms of art and find joy in every medium I try.
My Hawaiian heritage deeply influences my art. As I began creating, I realized how much I didn't know about my own heritage. This realization led me to learn Hawaiian, study the history of Hawaii, and search out Native Hawaiian plants. Incorporating these elements into my artwork has been a way to connect with and honor my culture. I'm passionate about preserving Hawaiian culture because of how endangered it is. With so few Hawaiians left in the world and many unable to afford living in Hawaii, it is a scary thought to contemplate the future of Hawaii. Our native speakers are growing older, and younger generations struggle to find resources as they have not emerged as attractively into the 20th century as Western thought and culture has. As a mother of three Hawaiian children, I want to ensure they, and future generations, have the opportunity to know and be proud of who they are.
I turned my passion for art into a business during a time when we were struggling financially after moving home to Hawaii from college, hoping it could help us pay the bills. If finances weren't a concern, I'd do this work for free. One of the biggest challenges I've faced is feeling unprepared and inadequate due to my lack of formal training in art and business. However, I've overcome this by putting myself out there and letting the community decide what is good enough. My family supports and inspires me, especially my children. They motivate me to persevere because I want to set an example for them.
Growing up in my hometown of Kailua is nostalgic and important to me, especially as fewer people return home and Hawaiian culture faces appropriation. My vision for my business is to inspire respect for all cultures and encourage understanding and love among people. I want to integrate more of my other heritages and create a space where they coexist harmoniously. Through my art, I hope to inspire others to view the world with empathy and a broader perspective.
What sets my artwork apart is the extensive research and care I put into each piece. For example, I once painted the last reigning monarch of Hawaii in traditional Hawaiian attire. This sparked controversy, and after consulting with historians and teachers, I chose to alter the piece out of respect, even though I hadn't claimed it was historically accurate. This experience taught me the importance of community feedback and transparency in my creative process.
When I'm not working, I cherish spending time with my family. My kids are growing up so fast, and I'm committed to savoring every moment with them.
