I'iwi and `Opelu by Melissa Chimera
Regular price $12,000.00/
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Oil on canvas
58" h x 26" w
Melissa Chimera studied Natural Resources Management and painting at the University of Hawai`i, a world epicenter of plant and animal extinction. She is inspired by rare species of the remote wilderness. Melissa’s years as a field conservationist confirm the relative obscurity in which these life forms live, subjects she continually catalogs as a painter. Melissa keeps a studio in Hawaii Island. Her work is in national and international exhibitions, collections and publications.
Melissa is the recipient of local honors and awards as well as international grants and commissions. In 2009, Melissa was commissioned with her mother, Adele Ne Jame, to create Inheritance: Reclaiming Land and Spirit, a joint poetry-painting project featuring rare Hawaiian species for the Sharjah Biennial 9, United Arab Emirates. In the annual Malama Wao Akua exhibit featuring native species of Maui Nui she has been awarded juror’s choice twice (2008, 2015) and recently served as a co-juror. In 2016, she was selected to appear in two nationwide juried shows celebrating the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service: Flora of the National Parks, Art of the Capitol, Washington D.C and Hawai`i’s National Parks, Maui Arts and Cultural Center.
Shop Melissa's available works below or visit MelissaChimera.com.
7 products
I'iwi and `Opelu by Melissa Chimera
Regular price $12,000.00Oil on canvas
58" h x 26" w
Breaking Open: Kamehameha Butterfly by Melissa Chimera
Regular price $2,000.00Oil, kozo paper and stitched photo transfer silk on linen
17" h x 17" w
Breaking Open: Koa Butterfly by Melissa Chimera
Regular price $2,000.00Oil, kozo paper and stitched photo transfer silk on linen
17" h x 17" w
Puakala ele by Melissa Chimera
Regular price $10,000.00Oil on canvas in white frame
36" h x 48" w
"The Hawaiian poppy called pua kala (thorny flower) has sharp spines at the tips of the leaves. It thrives in some of the most dry and desolate areas near sea level. Archibald Menzies, a visiting botanist in the 1800s, found a Hawaiian woman manipulating the flowers of this native poppy. And when he asked what she was doing, she informed him that by taking the `ehu, that is the dust, the pollen from one flower to another would increase the number of edible seeds. This is a glimpse of the intimacy of the empirical science of the Hawaiians and their living landscape.” -- Dr. Sam Gon
Provided by Melissa Chimera
Violet Cyanea by Melissa Chimera
Regular price $7,000.00Oil on canvas in white frame
30" h x 48" w
Cyanea macrostegia is known formerly from Lāna`i but now found only on Maui. Dark velvet purple-black curved flowers emerge from this rain forest tree. The nectar of these unusual flowers and the orange berries are food for Hawaiian forest birds. These palm-like trees with paddle-shaped leaves are evocative of a pre-historic jungle. The species is now only found in a healthy and diverse rain-forest. Lobelioids are one of the most spectacular examples of island evolution in flowering plants with curved flowers matching the bill of their bird pollinators. - Melissa Chimera
Ma'o Hau Hele by Melissa Chimera
Regular price $3,000.00Oil on canvas in white frame
24" h x 36" w
There are perhaps as many as 300 species worldwide in the genus Hibiscus. However, ma`o hau hele (Hibiscus brackenridgei) is found only in Hawai`i and federally listed as an endangered species. According to botanist David Lorence, “Hibsicus brackenridgei has been adopted as the official state flower of Hawai`i. Showy blooms of brilliant chrome yellow first catch the eye. [The species has] five delicately creped petals and a column of stamens tipped by five stigmas." The plant was once found on all the main islands except Ni`ihau and Kaho`olawe, but is threatened by alien animals, fire and weeds. - Melissa Chimera
Renting your home or love a work but would like to spend less? Ask about a giclee.
Looking for something just the right size? Consider commissioning an artist. We can help.
Discover the stories and inspiration behind the art in our Contemporary Art Talk Story series.
Experience the latest available works and receive invites to our special events though our monthly newsletter.