Everyoneʻs Creative. Everyoneʻs Welcome.

I like to consider myself a life-long learner. Whether it's my four year old teaching me about animals and their biologic dispositions, my teenager teaching me about Spanish conjugations, or learning new painting techniques from legends, each wholesome moment unlocks this world of new possibilities. This mural was no exception. When I was asked to fill the last open spot in The Barn at Salt in Kakaako, I immediately asked Melon, Chicago native graffiti writer, to collaborate with me on this one. Not only was this the tallest wall I've painted, it is in one of the most well-known parts of town to visit to see murals.

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Melon and I conceptualized this one to tell the story of navigating to the heart of Kakaako on behalf of CreativeMornings. CreativeMornings is a monthly breakfast talk free and open to the public. It's meant to inspire and connect like-minded individuals. Each month it attracts people from diverse backgrounds yet they're able to relate to one another through the unique messaging of the program. When my husband, Noah, and I brought CreativeMornings to Honolulu, we wanted to breakdown the barriers of competition and nurture the warmth of community. The part of the manifesto that has always spoke to us is, "Everyone's Creative. Everyone's Welcome." This had to be a piece in the mural but we wanted it to speak to its sense of place. We asked Kumu William Cook to help us with the translation — He noʻeau kākou. E kipa mai nou kahale.

The text seeks to emphasize the importance of individual contributions and creative collaboration within a community. It acknowledges the value of building upon predecessors' expertise and foundational work. Additionally, it highlights the significance of creating a supportive and nurturing environment for gatherings, focusing on hospitality and the concept of a welcoming home. Although not directly translating the intended English phrase, it plans to capture the essence of attaining skill through theory and praxis in a welcoming environment. - Kumu William Cook

Melon and I incorporated the grid of Kakaako represented through an abstract constellation. The navigators used the manu o ku (white ferry tern)to guide them to land. The waves represent Kakaakoʻs close proximity to the ocean. Fishermen often gathered in Kakaako for kanikapila. Because the CreativeMornings platform is educational, we wanted to incorporate the tamarind tree — which Princess Pauahi planted in her backyard as a symbol of education.

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During the painting process, I was able to utilize the techniques I learned in Mike Meyerʻs sign painting class I took a few months back. Melon helped me to trust my instincts and embrace change.