My journey to Hawaii began as a search for adventure but quickly transformed into a deeper cultural and environmental awakening. I moved beyond the romanticized images of the islands common in tourism to encounter the histories, communities, and land that define their true spirit. This exhibition reflects that shift, exploring the tension between idealized perceptions and lived reality.
Living on a farm outside of town, immersed in nature’s rhythms, I discovered a slower pace that revealed balance, simplicity, and connection— qualities often lost in modern life. This closeness also heightened my awareness of the fragile beauty of Maui's landscape, which demands respect amid ongoing exploitation, impacting both the environment and people. My work addresses themes of disruption and resilience. The concept of invasive species extends beyond plants and animals to include cultural and human forces that unsettle the island's delicate balance. My experience during a tsunami became a metaphor for the waves of influence, whether celebrity intrusion or systematic displacement, severing ancestral ties through painting and installation. I aim to honor the island's truth, challenge obscured narratives, and invite viewers to reconsider their own relationship to place and presence.