Nānā Pono - An illustration to celebrate the power of intention.

Created as an image to celebrate peace, and as a gift for a foundation doing amazing work globally, Nana Pono was created using watercolor and ink.

The message? By carefully observing how our universe creates and perpetuates life, we can better understand our role and design our actions to consider the welfare of generations yet unborn. When we focus our wisdom and intention as we act – plant, give back, support, heal, foster – the interconnection between life is honored and strengthened.

Inspired by the cycles and interplay of the Earth, moon, and sun, this illustration highlights the power of a single action. Each of us can be an enzyme, a catalyst, for a cascade of reactions that make communities more resilient, increase cultural knowledge, and amplify peace.

The image also highlights the moon phase Kūkolu or the fifth night since the new moon and halfway through the first anahulu or ten-day period of the total lunation cycle. Kūkolu connects to the god Kū, the male element, and honors the interplay with mahina, the moon, and Papa, the Earth, representing the female principle. Trinity, but also duality. Balance. The light of the sun illuminates the moon, which gifts us the ability to learn her mysteries. The intertwined orbits of these celestial bodies are the foundation of our daily experience. Within the cupped hand sits a new kalo (taro) shoot genetically tied to varieties that existed thousands of years ago. The kumulāʻau, or great tree, represents wisdom earned over many moons; it draws the sun's energy into its leaves, then down into its roots that penetrate deep into the fertile soil to touch the life-giving waters running in underground springs. The wai, freshwater, is wealth. As it breaks the soil's surface, it feeds the kalo, which in turn feeds the community that ensures ongoing planting of new hā – new shoots, of all forms – each season.

Hulili Journal. Special Edition Vo.11 No.1

This project offered the opportunity to create original, and unique illustrations and the graphic layout for the 2019 Special Edition of the Hulili Journal. Released in November 2019, and co-edited by Dr. Erin Kahunawai Wright, Assistant Professor in the College of Education Department of Educational Administration (EDEA), and Dr. Noelani Goodyear-Kaʻōpua, Chair of the Department of Political Science, this special issue marks the first time Kamehameha Publishing allowed guest editors for Hūlili. The title of the issue is "No Ka Pono o ka Lāhui" (for the good of the nation), and it also features the writing of EDEA graduate student Kawehi Kina (pictured on left with Dr. Wright).

This special issue provokes readers to think about how macro-level social and historical forces impact the individual lives of everyday Hawaiian people. This volume also adds to the toolbox of ways to uplift the collective lāhui Hawaiʻi and the ʻāina that gives us life. The articles and stories gathered here contribute to the stirring of more efforts no ka pono o ka lāhui.

Visit Kamehameha Publishing for more information.

Na Wahine Toa Mosaic Mural

Created in collaboration with the Na Wahine Toa Program, founded by Ilima-Lei Macfarlane, the mural of the same name celebrates all women but specifically indigenous women the world over. The mural highlights the healing and intuitive forces within all women, and is meant to bring attention to the increasing rates of missing and murdered indigenous girls and women and the desecration of the sacred spaces that are essential for healing.

Twenty indigenous girls and and women, ages 15-30+ convened for a week-long retreat in Hawaiʻi, sponsored by Native Like Water. The image is the mother of all goddesses. Her breathe heals. Her words are spells. Her vision unites all humanity and brings balance to the world.