Born and raised on Oahu I had no idea that custom hand shaped glass was a thing. I first worked with the material when attending UH Manoa. I needed an elective and found the glass class. It was simultaneously the hardest and the most rewarding thing I've done. I continued with the glass classes and graduated with my degree in art. I realized that I was the only native Hawaiian glass sculptor. Both glass art and the Hawaiian people are very under represented in their respective fields. I am combining both together to create a platform with which I can spread the aloha.
My current Hānau (Birth) and Kai (Ocean) collections showcase Pele (goddess of fire) and her lava as well as the waters surrounding the islands and the currents there. These are how the Hawaiian islands were created.
The Hānau Collection is a very unique style that I created by combining multiple different techniques and adapting them all to create my vision. When I started to bring the idea to life I had looked for others doing something similar so I could ask for help and guidance. I could not find anyone so I went through a ton of trial and error with constant evolution until I got to this point.