Aloha Mai Kakou, Chris here!
I am currently on my way to work on our ‘a‘ā!
Want to start off with a warm mahalo for attending the art show last week! Amazing to experience Keʻili’s positive impact in her workspace. Proud of her next chapter working as a Environmental Scientist and all the growth to come. The night rang full of friendly cheer, music from my roommate Henry and one of my early sailing mentors, Cromwell.
Heres a short video recap:
Here is a deeper look into one of my paintings in the show.
Hi’ilawe
Inspired by the song written by Sam Li’a Kalainaina and performed most famously by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole and Gabby Pahinui.
Pakele mai au I ka nui manu
hau wala’au nei puni waipi’o
I have not been trapped by the gossip chattering everywhere in Waipi’o.
‘A’ole nō wau e loa’a mai
a he uhiwai au no te tuahiwi
I am not caught, for I am like the mist of the mountains.
He hiwahiwa au na ka makua
A he lei ‘ā’ī na ke kupuna
I am the darling of the parents and a lei for the necks of grandparents.
These verses inspired the composition and colors, which provided me a sense of serenity. It’s been pretty easy to feel overwhelmed in todays media overconsumption. I related the “chatters of Waipi’o” to the worlds troubles, broadcasted through our little iPhones. If you have ever been to Waipi’o, you will understand how much of a quiet magical valley it is. Much so, why the song is so poetic. Maybe we should watch the mist of the mountains just as much as our screens. This is not to turn a deaf ear to the tragedies happening around us. My heart goes out to those affected by the fires in LA, the wars in the middle east and the housing and water crisis on our island. These are real important issues, care about them with empathy, but try our best to not get caught up worrying how it pans out.
Leads to another painting,
Ke Alaula
Inspired by the song performed by the Makaha Sons of Ni’ihau
It reflects the beautiful reddening of the sky before dawn and the first ray of light that opens a new day. It goes,
E Kumuola, e ku'u tutu
Poha mai i ka 'onohi ula
Wehe 'ia ke alaula
Mai ka mole, ke kikowaena
Oh, Kumuola, my tutu
Burst with rays of fire
Opened a flaming pathway
From the source, the center
Ha' alulu ke kumu honua
Haku 'iku'i i ka 'aina nei
Wehe 'ia ke alaula
Hoaka 'o Kamawaipolani
The foundation trembled
Echoed throughout the land
Opened a stream of life
Appeared Kamawaipolani
Hane' ene' e hele i kai
'Oni me ka muliwai ola
Wehe 'ia ke alaula
Uhi pono i ke ea
Moving toward the sea
Onward like a living river
Opened a seaward path
Enveloped in life's breath
Puana ka ha 'ina
Ho 'okukaulani i hei kapu
Wehe 'ia ke alaula
No nahanauna nei
The story is told
Restore this sacred domain
Opened the path of life
For the generation of this land
No matter what, one thing is guaranteed, change will come again and everything will pass in time. I have hope that we can all move forward with courage to create, intelligence to navigate, and grace to forgive. As for today, I am grateful that Keʻili gave me the space to show my work, and I am grateful that you all are here. Mahalo for your time!
-Chris
