The Lei Maker
A site specific installation of 28, 5’x7’ oil on canvas panels for the Honolulu International Airport, Hawaii
About The Lei Maker:
Lei are a physical manifestation of Aloha and an eternal metaphor for the generous and loving spirit of Hawaii. A unifying sense of oneness with man, nature and the divine is steeped in ancient Hawaiian tradition. Lei are made in the spirit of this interconnectedness. Each lei is its own work of art, uniquely crafted by the artisan lei maker through knowledge handed down from one generation to the next.
Leaves, seeds, shells, flowers and feathers are carefully and intentionally collected by the lei maker and fashioned into a wreath or garland as a token of celebration or reverence. The lei is offered as a blessing or ornament, encircling the recipient in a tangible symbol of joy, love and connection.
The Lei Maker is a narrative installation depicting the traditional art of lei making. A fourth generation Japanese American born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, Kristie Kosmides returned to Hawaii in 2011 after 15 years of living on the mainland. The Lei Maker is Kosmides’ meditation on the unique traditions of her heritage and an expression of love and care that she imparts on the viewer. It is her “lei” to the visitors of Honolulu International Airport and to those returning home to Hawaii.
Aloha, 2011
Oil on canvas
5’ x 7’
Flowers for lei are chosen with care and love by the lei maker. An assortment of hibiscus, plumeria, ginger and orchid flowers are carefully selected and abstractly rendered in this metaphorical depiction of the artist’s lei to the viewer. The flowers float in a pool of water, uniting their diversity.
