Pacific Island Dancers -- Sharpie on Cotton

These images are part of an ongoing series. There is an incredible Pacific Island community here in California. I have been privileged to know and learn about the dances and culture form many friends I have met over the course of my life, beginning at 11 years of age.

I have always been drawn toward the ancient dances of Hawaii known as Kahiko, the Samoans Siva and fire knife, as well as the Ori of Tahiti. I decided to create drawings of the California Halau members. California is home to many Hawaiians; second only in population to Oahu. That is significant. Many of the younger generations have never seen the Islands of their ancestors. There are many organizations which perpetuate the traditions of Islanders. It is through the Halau’s (hula schools) where the children of all backgrounds are introduced to Island culture, food and ways. These drawings are mostly Californian dancers.