*This is the Open Edition of Makali’i Rising

Makali’i Rising was inspired by the Makahiki, a yearly, months-long period of peace, leisure, art and abundance that started when the Nā huihui o Makali‘i, or the Pleiades, rose over the horizon at sunset, usually in late October.  That was when the god Lono returned to Hawai'i pausing war and giving everyone time to feast, dance hula, play sports - an enrichment of culture. Not only was balance achieved through this pause in fighting, but certain plants and fish were forbidden to be gathered, allowing things to grow back and not be overtaken, sustaining the rhythms of the natural world.

Featured in this painting are five endemic Hawaiian birds - the Pueo front and center and the honeycreepers: the extinct black Hawai'i Mamo, endangered gray 'Akikiki and red I'iwi and the threatened yellow ‘Anianiau.  Also featured are the kinolau of Lono - hanging ipu, ama'u fern and `a`ali`i leaves.  In Hawaiian culture, kinolau are natural body forms of the gods and being with them was being with god. 

• Open edition, 16”x16”, hand signed

• Printed on 300 gsm, 100% cotton rag with archival inks

• Shipped rolled in a sturdy tube