Kuleana 2016

Acrylic Mixed Media and Found Beach Plastic on Canvas, 18″ X 24 “.

Kuleana is a spiritual/life affirming concept of native Hawaiians that expresses responsibility and privilege (as in, we share the privilege of walking on the island of Maui, now we need to be responsible for that privilege for ourselves and others to come, in order to honor the land and Spirits.  Our actions and our intentions we put forward are important).   My definition likely is only a loose interpretation.  For more information, I encourage you to research the appropriate Hawaiian cultural resources.

I was SUP’ing at Launiupoko Beach Park in Maui, Hawaii, and my mom and I had the opportunity to pay it forward by tidying up the beach.  We found an assortment of worn plastic of various “sea” colors – like the dark blues, light blues and sea greens you see in this painting.  We later attended the Whale Trust Maui’s Whale Tales 2016 to celebrate World Whale Day.  It wasn’t until I arrived home did the idea for this piece strike me – in part by some dreams I had been having of whales.  So, here it is.  I also did research into plastic and oceans and will do a separate blog post on it.  I was very disturbed by the research and findings.  I am hopeful that more awareness of the ocean plastic issue, and revising our rampant use of plastics, will make a difference for the Beings who inhabit the oceans.