 In Karen's Words : For the past 20 years I have been lucky to be here, on Hawaii and be able to record, in paint, my observations. The beauty of this ocean, the 'aina and it's people have been well documented over the decades. Yet we never tire of seeing them again and again. If "Beauty is Truth" (which I have heard many times), then Hawaii must be the most honest place on this tiny planet.
To see a hula, or graceful surfers, or children holding hands while walking home from school. What sights! Add to this a simple life, trees laden with sweet fruit, the warm inviting waters of our clear ocean. All this to wake to each day, in gratitude, and think, "We so lucky to live Hawaii". Our wonderful reef system, too, is a garden. It is populated with vibrant, colorful fish, swaying in the current like windblown flowers. Flowers and fish are our gems of land and sea, which I try to capture with my paint brush. I think of Kenji, with his home-made goggles, marveling at the same creatures that hold us in thrall today. Yes, Hawaii is a dream destination for good reason. I'm going to set aside some proceeds from sales of my work to benefit reef preservation. |
