Kaulana Mahina by Tina Ah Puck

Acrylic on canvas
18" h x 48" w

Currently displayed at the Mauna Lani, Auberge Resort, 6th floor south hall.

"This piece captures the phases of the moon, each one decorated with symbols that reference the Hawaiian practices traditionally performed during that moon phase," shares Tina. "Behind all, the new moon Muku reminds us to leave all that does not serve us with the new moon."

Tina Ah Puck's work comes from listening - to dreams, to place, and to the quiet pull that keeps asking her to paint the stories. Hawaii is fortunate to have her documenting and sharing its stories.

Art has always been a place where time disappears, where I can be soothed by the process, lost in the story. My quiet nature thrives where stories form without needing words. In my early days, art got me through hard relationships and unsettled years. Even when I was working other jobs, art stayed in the background. 

In my twenties,  I won a trip to Maui. Afterwards, I started having a recurring  dream every night for a year - glassy waves opening into entire worlds inside. This had to mean something. Eventually I listened. I moved. I discovered a community. I started painting professionally on a dare, and I realized I loved this new direction my life had taken.

Later when my kids were small, painting fell away. I was busy, needed, successful but anxious - and quietly trapped. So I set up a tiny studio and started again, and realized - Painting wasn't optional, it's how I breathe.

Today I tell the stories that move me, the stories of the places and people I love, stories that feel important to not forget. Mahalo for being here, for supporting local artists, and for believing in the power of storytelling through art. - Tina Ah Puck