The Big Island of Hawai'i is known for its active volcanoes. The "Kilauea" painting was made in memory of the unexpected May 2018 eruption that changed the Big Island landscape and impacted so many families on the Island. The Kilauea was the world's longest continuously erupting volcano until it ended the lava flows in the fall of 2018.
The 'Ohi'a lehua (flowering evergreen tree) depicted represents life in the midst of devastation. Lehua is the official flower of the Big Island and is endemic to the Islands of Hawai'i. The 'Ohi'a trees grow easily on lava rock and can grow as large as a tall tree or a small shrub. Preserving this endemic species is crucial to maintaining other species that depend on it.

Acrylic on canvas mixed technique
50.8 x 106.6 cm (20" x 42")