What Inspires You?

"To look at a thing is very different from seeing a thing. One does not see anything until one sees its beauty." - Oscar Wilde

My first design inspired by Koholā, (humpback whales)

When I was in college, my professors kept talking about this idea of concept. Thumbnail drawings were turned in because it was there that we developed our concept. What's your concept? Concept, concept, concept...like a broken record it is etched into my brain. Fortunately, through this process I learned the elements of design, but also on a deeper level, what the artwork was trying to say and convey to the viewer.

Hawaiian Quilts at Bishop Museum

When I looked at a Hawaiian quilt for the first time, I was

immediately drawn to it - the simplicity of the colors, the symmetry in the repeat pattern, and the beauty of the hand stitching following the lines and curves. I didn't actually see it though that first time. The design was deeper; it was saying and highlighting something about the land and the culture around me. When I actually saw its true concept and its story I got so excited. I wanted to see more. So much so that I went to the library and checked out a book full of Hawaiian quilt patterns venturing into the how of their creation.

From there, the Kamaʻāina Collection was born. A modern twist on the Hawaiian Quilt design that takes some liberties, and, more importantly, a tribute to the quilters of the world (shout-out to my aunts and cousins) and a springboard to dive deeper in to knowing and understanding the Hawaiian culture and the beautiful ʻāina (land). The inspiration for me still flows from this incredibly deep spring.