Recent news
Viewpoints Gallery
Group Show, August 1-September 14
My preference to exhibit my pieces is I don’t put them in a frame or behind glass. I think the viewer gains more from the kapa being out. People can smell it. They can see how it moves when a gust of air goes through the room. They can touch it when no one else is looking. Kapa is fragile and won’t last forever. Exhibiting in this fashion can mean pieces may deteriorate a bit faster. Traditionally kapa was used daily by Hawaiians. It was worn, provided warmth, protection, and was used in ceremonies. It’s not something you covet. I think as a part of our current revival of kapa it is vital for pieces to be out and experienced as much as possible.
Mōhala Hou Ke Kapa / Kapa Blossoms Anew
Maui Arts and Cultural Center
Piʻolepo (Dirt Devil)
Occasionally we are reminded that the lands beneath our green sugar cane fields of Maui are in constant motion. Agriculture is operating on top of our island’s natural progression caused by the sun, wind, and rain. After the sugar is harvested the ground lingers until the upcoming planting. While awaiting the next crop the dry soil is blown in the wind. The black ashes from the recent cane fire are carried in the tall plumes of dust. These spirals occur as a member of the continuous cycle of growth, fire, and gathering of our sugar.
The Hula Collaboration continues. Kapa makers came together again to dress Halau O Kekuhi for a performance on Maui. I had the pleasure of participating in this alliance. In addition to the performance, all artists were invited to exhibit pieces in the Maui Arts and Cultural Center gallery.
Hula Collaboration 2011
Merrie Monarch Festival. Photo from Sig Zane designs
In 2011 I was honored to be invited to participate in an Artistic Collaboration between a hui of contemporary kapa makers and Halau O Kekuhi. Over 25 kapa artists equipped the halau to be dressed in Hawaiian kapa garments of pa’u and malo for a hula presentation at the Merrie Monarch Ho’ike. The Wednesday night Ho`ike event is a non-competitive evening of hula and performances from around the pacific. Traditional Hawaiian hula garments had not been seen in this manner for over a century. The purpose of this project was to showcase Hawaiian kapa in its functional, cultural and traditional use and form. All of us had several methods of kapa making to adhere to. I had the incredible privilege of attending the performance. Watching the dancers dance in our kapa was so exciting and motivating. The performance was amazing!
Art Maui 2009
Hakioawa Stream-bed
I had the honor of going to Kahoʻolawe with the Protect Kahoʻolawe ʻOhana. During our stay we camped at their site at Hakioawa. “Hakioawa Stream-bed” depicts one of two streambeds that meet the ocean at Hakioawa bay.
I made this kapa specifically to be dyed in the dirt of Kahoʻolawe. A cross section of a Kiawe branch was used to print the streambed with dye from the Kukui tree. The Kiawe and the Kukui together resemble the strength and hope on Kahoʻolawe that one day the rains will return and the streams will flow again.
The kapa hangs on a Kiawe branch. Kiawe is commonly found along stream-beds and the current landscape of Hakioawa. The shadows cast by the Kiawe branch are reminiscent of times in hot, dry areas like Kahoʻolawe that the shade of a thorny Kiawe tree provides great relief from the fierce sun.
Every kapa piece embodies all the kapa makers that have come before me, as well as those today. It is an honor to bring attention back to this ancient art form. I hope this piece draws awareness to Kahoʻolawe, an island that has been greatly mistreated and deserves healing efforts from all of us.
Celebration of Hawaiʻi, 2010
Viewpoints Gallery
I had the priveledge of being included in Viewpoints Gallery annual inviational, Celebration of Hawaiʻi. This year's show featured kapa. Along with exhibiting art from several kapa artists, the gallery held panel discussions and workshops. A wonderful venue to discuss and learn kapa for not only kapa practitioners, but the public as well.
Legacy of the Land, 2011
Naulu, Maui Arts and Cultural Center
At the beginning of ranching, forests were cleared on the southwestern slopes of Haleakalā. The clearing of native plants resulted in a clearing of the skies. It was the trees and shrubs of the forest whose release of moisture nourished the Naulu clouds. The Naulu cloud bridge once stretched between Maui and Kahoʻolawe. The clouds can still be seen, but no longer have the same strength they had years ago.
Thanks to the staff and volunteers of the Leeward Haleakalā Restoration Partnership, the Naulu have been rebuilding their power. As the reintroduced native plants thrive, they hold water in the ground, and also liberate it back into the air, thus shaping the clouds that are able to carry the gentle mist to the thirsty earth.
Some of the forms in this piece are influenced by the unnatural lines of man, particularly the barbwire fences once built to enclose cattle, which now form protective enclosures for restoration projects. The clouds hold the shapes of koa, ʻaʻaliʻi, and ʻiliahi leaves, some of the necessary tools for the Naulu. Without the plants there are no clouds.
Malama Wao Akua
Juror, September 5 - October 30
It is impressive how much Mālama Wao Akua has grown over the years. Through this exhibit, more artists, and therefore more members of the community, are becoming increasingly familiar with our unique island ecosystems each year. Jurying the show was such a challenge because the portrayals of our native species by all the artists are spectacular. I enjoyed seeing the variety of plants and animals represented through different media and the ways in which artists depicted their subjects through their own unique styles. I hope viewers walk away with a deeper understanding and appreciation of our irreplaceable Maui Nui environment. Thank you to the staff at East Maui Watershed Partnership, Hui No‘eau, and all of the participating artists for a wonderful show. It was a great experience to work with my co-juror Keahi Bustamente. I am so flattered to be a part of the 2015 Mālama Wao Akua Exhibition.
Photo by Bryan Berkowitz
99U Local: Honolulu
Presenter, September 17
I'm excited about my upcoming presentation at the 99u at Kaka'ako Agora. 99U was created to help you make your ideas happen, an effort to provide a “missing curriculum” to make good on the ideas you already have. And 99U Local Honolulu is part of global event in 30 cities around the world to address Hawaii's creative community and our needs.
The program will feature myself and two other short talks offering practical creative career and business advice from exceptional local creatives who are making ideas happen.