From Spear to Canvas – Kimi’s Work is Special

We first noticed Kimi’s work on a local TV commercial.  There’s a lot of Hawaiian art throughout the islands.  We look for artwork that’s unique, special and incorporates the artists influences of Hawaii.

Kimi is unique in her approach to her artwork. She combines a love of the ocean, both on top and under it in her work.  She is  ranked #1 in World Championship spear fishing and is the 2008 National Champion.  Her father taught her many things in life while growing up on Maui.  He used to dive to put food on the table, and his lessons about the ocean sparked Kimi strongly .  Having never actually caught her own dinner, she picked up a spear about 4 years ago and well, she’s now making history.  “My time spent underwater is my time and that’s why I love it so much.  I feel that it’s important to capture that essence and those colors while painting, but more than that, its my way of paying tribute to the fish I hunt.  I have a degree in culinary arts, and so naturally the first reason I hunt is for food.  I love taking fresh ingredients from the ocean and turning them into a gourmet feast for my loved ones.  After that, I like to paint the fish or the memory of the underwater scenes I’ve experienced, that’s my way of paying tribute to the fish’s spirit and saying thank you for feeding us.”

Kimi’s artwork is available at select shows and restaurants, and of course her website! (opens a new window)