Aloha: Symbiosis

When I'm conceptualizing art or designs, I feel like the viewer develops a deeper connection to the message behind it when it's shared through a story rather than forcing the message directly. The request for this mural was to represent the aloha spirit as "the coordination of mind and heart within each person." When we learn to be mindful of ourselves and emote good feelings towards each other, we're able to find balance and grow together.

My concept is shared through symbiosis in nature. Symbiotic relationships embrace the elements of ALOHA. The mutualism supports balance within nature so both species can thrive.

Akahai: Kindness
Lokahi: Unity
‘Olu’olu: Agreeable
Ha’aha’a: Humility
Ahonui: Patience

Ohelo Berry: The plants that have the ohelo berries use the carbon dioxide released by the geese to use photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is used for the plants to get nutrients and survive. This is mutualism because the Hawaiian Goose benefits from the berries for food and the plants that have ohelo berries benefit from the carbon dioxide for photosynthesis for nutrients.

Nene Goose: The herbivore benefits from the nutritrients the ohelo berries provide. The symbiotic relationship of mutualism between these two biotic factors is that when the nene eat the berries, they release carbon dioxide in the air.