Description
This “postcard” was inspired by my dear friend and client, author Marjorie St. Clair, who tragically lost everything—including her beloved cats—in the devastating Lahaina fire on Maui in 2023. The fire was a stark reminder that even Hawaii, often romanticized as paradise on earth, is not immune to disaster and loss.
Hawaii’s history is marked by natural and human-made challenges. From the attack on Pearl Harbor during World War II to the eruptions of its iconic volcanoes and the relentless battering of hurricanes, the islands have faced more than their share of trials. Yet, these struggles are often overshadowed by its breathtaking beauty and cultural richness. The effects of colonization and commercialization further complicate Hawaii’s story, altering its landscapes, traditions, and communities in profound ways.
In this artwork, I sought to capture the layered complexities of Hawaii by incorporating symbolic elements that reflect its beauty and its pain. Among the palm trees, you’ll find subtle and overt references to these themes: Japanese bombers representing Pearl Harbor, burnt-out jeeps and cars from the Lahaina fire, the structure of a building consumed by flames, and hints of the island’s natural wonders—a sea turtle, coral reefs, fish, and a longboat—some hidden, some visible. These details invite the viewer to reflect on Hawaii’s resilience and the delicate balance between its paradise-like allure and the vulnerabilities it endures.
