 When you shake a snow globe, the flakes rise up excitedly and slowly settle to the ground. Not in the same spots they were before, but in new pockets of peace. This analogy is one that I think of often when it comes to our experiences on the Big Island of Hawaii post volcanic eruption and consequent move to Salt Lake City, Utah.  Remember that time we moved to Hawaii to build a tiny house and the volcano erupted? This is how it began: Here we are sitting on top of our first lumber purchase to build what would eventually become our tiny home. A home in which, we would never have the opportunity to live in.  This ain't the Mainland! My first Fearless Abstract Painting party where some of the participants actually wore their bathing suits! What's not to love?! Our paintings took a heck of a long time to dry due to the humidity, but at the end of the night (and an amazing meal), we enjoyed an "art walk" featuring our works, using our phones as flashlights. I love painting in Hawaii. I think the dogs had a good time also... They just couldn't resist leaving their paw prints on the canvasses!  Painting on Maui is an incredible experience. I am grateful for every moment I get to do what I love in this stunning place. The humidity extends the drying time of my paints, enabling me to manipulate the colors and shapes for much longer than I am used to. When I am finally ready to step back and place my paintings in the sun, the Lahaina heat acts like a giant blow dryer, drying my paintings at record speeds. Everywhere I look, I am inspired by this tiny, impossible island, floating in the middle of the Pacific, brimming full of the kind of beauty I always knew existed, but never experienced until now.  Early this morning, I went outside to continue cleaning up the debris left by the hurricane: palm frowns, papaya leaves, broken branches, shingles, oranges, papayas, and avocados strewn all over the yard.  When my husband and I honeymooned on Maui nearly 2-years ago, we found this gem of a store in the quaint, little beach town of Paia, Hawaii. I have been imagining my paintings on display here ever since. For me, it doesn't get any better than this complimentary duo: Beautiful paintings & beautiful clothing. A heartfelt thank you to Sun Days Hawaii for supporting local artists in the community. I am both thrilled and honoured to be part of your talented roster of creatives.  Thank you for joining us! A huge, heartfelt Thank You to our friends, family and collectors who attended last night's opening reception. A special thanks to Art Project Paia for providing this incredible opportunity for local artists to showcase our work. At one point during the evening, I stopped to take it all in: The spacious, contemporary venue, the live music, the lights, the movement, the delicious food, the crowd, and my painting hanging on the wall. "This is really happening!" At that moment, I felt my body fill with immense feeling of joy and gratitude. This is what it feels like when we make our dreams a reality.  Thank you Maui for welcoming us with open arms & with open hearts. Pacific Home became my newest distributer, and I couldn't be happier! I am thrilled and honored to work with the best in my community.  A great time & a great cause! In support of local art & art education in my community, I have donated one of my paintings to be auctioned during Maui Art & Cultural Center's signature gala. I believe Oprah captured my sentiments best when she said: "In order to move forward, we have to give back."  Finding fountains, hidden courtyards, and plenty of inspiration at the Honolulu Museum of Art. Our next stop? Shaved ice of course! |