“Ke Kiaʻi o Waianae”

Hail to thee o Waiʻanae. Waiʻanaeʻs High School mascot is Searider. Waiʻanaeʻs waters are frequented with tiger sharks and locals believe they are our ʻaumākua.
In Hawaiian mythology, aumakua is a personal or family god that originated as a deified ancestor, and which takes on physical forms such as spirit vehicles. An 'aumakua may manifest as a shark, owl, bird, octopus, or inanimate objects such as plants or rocks. The word ʻaumakua means ancestor gods and is derived from the Hawaiian words au which means period of time or era, and makua meaning parent, parent generation, or ancestor. Hawaiians believed that deceased family members would transform into ʻaumakua and watch over their descendants with a loving concern for them while also being the judge and jury of their actions.

ʻAumakua were believed to watch over their families and hear their words, give them strength and guidance, warn them of misfortune or danger, give punishments to wrong-doers while also rewarding worthy people with prosperity in the after life, and pass on prayers from the living to the akua (gods).

In production…

“Happy Humpback Day”

I have yet to see a humpback whale breach up close.

Whales have great cultural significance for Native Hawaiians. They play a large role in Hawaiian legend including one creation story and appear in ancient petroglyphs on several islands. The return of the kohola (humpback whale) is considered more of a homecoming than a visit. Humpback whales are born in Hawaiian waters, making them kamaaina (native born). Some Native Hawaiians also believe the whales are aumakua (family guardians), so these gentle giants are treated with great respect.

“Kuhi no ka Lima, hele no ka maka”

As a child I refused to learn hula (I was a tomboy), despite my two older sisters taking lessons and performing. Now as an adult, I am fascinated by the grace and skill most local women can do effortlessly.
“Kuhi no ka Lima, hele no ka maka” (where the hands move, there let the eyes follow; a hula rule) Hawaii’s history, survival and evolution to modern hula of today is a testimony to the significance of tradition to Hawaiian culture. More than a poetic dance, and always entertaining to watch. Each movement portraying stories passed down through generations.

"Canoe Session Sunset"

I have some fond memories of paddling as a child. Sunsets, the beach and good music is one of my favorite escapes to relax. "Centuries ago, the outrigger canoe landed on the shores of the Hawaiian islands. Led by Polynesian explorers navigating by the stars and migrating birds, the sailing vessels were filled with essentials needed to survive the long voyage and establish life on new territory, including plants, food, water, and not least of all, hope. Today, Hawaiian culture endures through the use of outrigger canoes for fishing, traveling, and recreation. Canoe clubs operate not only to train racers for competition, but as opportunities to pass on the local traditions." -Alma Tassi

“Purple Moon Gaze”

I have always been drawn to the moon. Every full moon, I feel a need to paint. I love, love, love painting under it’s calming light and enjoying cool wistful breezes of the night.

(Hawaiian ancestors were such astute observers, that they recognized the different cycles and patterns each night. The helu pō (moon phases), affected how they lived out all aspects of life, including fishing, farming, building, duties, and celebrations.)

“Honu Sunrise”

Sightings like this Honu Sunrise was very rare before COVID. The pandemic in Hawaii, gave many of the native animals back their freedom to enjoy the land again. I fear the re-flood of tourism will force our native animals to flee in hiding again. I hope humanity has realized after this world event how our presence can negatively affect wildlife. We need to collectively respect, restore and preserve the land we live on. We only have one earth and one life to make a difference.
The Honu (turtle) is a symbol of longevity, safety, and mana (spiritual energy) in Hawaiian culture and their presence brings good luck and peace. The Honu is considered a form of ‘aumakua or ancestral spirit offering lifelong protection, wisdom and guidance. Honu are depicted in ancient Hawaiian petroglyphs, artwork and mythology and represent the eternal link between man, land and sea. Once sought for their meat, Hawaiian turtles, or honu, suffered a sharp population decline from overharvest in the early 20th century. Today, honu in Hawaiʻi are making a comeback thanks to the support of dedicated community members, and state and federal protections.

“Tribute to Bebe”

I dedicated this piece to my first french bull dog, Bebe Blue. Received as a gift, Bebe was a breed I had no interest in. Being raised with long stout nosed dogs, I thought the French bulldog breed was weird looking. After only a day, Bebe won me over with her funny character and devoted companionship. Bebe lived for only 10 years, but left me with many descendants and fond memories.

(The French Bulldog, is a French breed of companion dog or toy dog. It appeared in Paris in the mid-nineteenth century, apparently the result of cross-breeding of Toy Bulldogs imported from England and local Parisian ratters. It is a stocky, compact dog with a friendly, mild-mannered temperament.

The breed is popular as a pet: in 2020, they were the second-most popular registered dog in the United Kingdom,and the fourth-most popular AKC-registered dog breed in the United States.