Mahalo, 2023!
What a year it’s been! As 2023 ends, I look back with much aloha and gratitude for the many people who have made such a difference in my writing life. Mahalo nui loa …
Book Review: Aloha Everything
You know me. I lOVE books, art, and films that focus on the Native Hawaiian community and our Pacific Island cousins. I love them so much that my blog focuses on interviewing these amazing creators. As native peoples, our voices have traditionally been underrepresented. Thankfully, this is changing, with books by Native Hawaiian/Polynesian authors including Gabby Ahuli’i, Tammy Paikai, Malia Maunakea, Shar Tuiʻasoa, and Brook Parker entering the market. Kaylin Melia Georgeʻs Aloha Everything is a beautiful, sweeping introduction to Hawaiian culture and history, especially helpful for those unfamiliar with the Native Hawaiian people.
Interview with Artist/Illustrator Mae Waite
Artist Mae Waite is a master of color and texture. She loves to experiment with a variety of techniques and surfaces. Working in ink, oils, acrylics, and watercolors, Maeʻs work is a bold expression of the world around her. “I create for myself and for you,” she writes. We are so pleased to feature our talk story with Mae Waite.
Interview with Native Hawaiian Author Kaylin Melia George
Native Hawaiian author Kaylin Melia George has always been a storyteller. She began her career as a screenwriter and is now a children’s author. Her debut picture book. Aloha Everything, is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream: to share the rich stories she grew up hearing at her mother’s side. We are pleased to talk story with Kaylin today.
Interview with Artist and Author Patrick Ching
Popular Hawaiʻi artist, author and designer Patrick Ching is known as “Hawaiʻiʻs Nature Artist,” and with good reason. His beautiful paintings and designs reflect a happy childhood roaming the upland forests of Pauoa Valley on Oʻahu. Patrick counts his time as a ranger at Kīlauea lighthouse on Kauaʻi and living among sea turtles and monk seals as some of his most treasured memories.
The New Banner: The Three Birds
If youʻre a regular at my blog, you will notice something fun — a brand new banner! Itʻs not just pretty art (by talented local artist Dru Santiago.) Itʻs got some cool Hawaiʻi (and Hawaiian) features, too. To begin, weʻll look at just one: the three birds. Spot them in the banner above? Cute, right? But theyʻre not just any birds.