A journey through Pō: 'Iwa

This print was made to bring awareness to our North Western Hawaiian islands. Papahānaumokuākea is currently at risk from Elon Musks rocket debris. Papahānaumokuākea is a Marine Protected Monument, and living ancestor for Kānaka Maoli (Native Hawaiians). It is the origin of our creation story, where sky father Wākea and Earth mother Papahānaumoku give birth to the Hawaiian islands. It is also home to over 7,000 species, several of which are endangered and found no where else in the world.

Also available in 11x14 black matted frame 

Sailing through Papahānaumokuākea truly has no words, however, I tried to showcase my journey through my art. It is said, once you pass through Mokumanamana (the island of much power) you are entering the realm of pō , or the afterlife. Ka Lā (Sun deity/God) is in the realm of aō (light), and Mahina (moon deity/goddess), is in the realm of Pō. While sailing to our eldest and last island, Hōlanikū, which I had the rare privilege to live on for a couple weeks, I met a distant cousin who I instantly clicked with. This relationship held much significance to me, because my hānai father through marriage would share stories about his papa who was a canoe builder. It was significant because they shared that same ancestor. From that moment on, we continued to see wa'a (canoes) in the clouds, and I knew from that moment on we were protected. I chose the naupaka flower as the outline of the 'Iwa bird because naupaka flowers were seen throughout the Northwestern Hawaiian islands that I was able to visit. Birds are seen as the messengers of the gods, the 'iwa and koa'e ula are two Native birds that hold deep cultural meaning, and who I turned to for guidance while I was there. This art piece highlights the importance of the different realms that we co-exist in, and my personal journey that inspired this print.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/4465140188/a-journey-through-p-iwa