Cinnamon Soup

Update... I've had Requests

2011-12-08T16:26:00.000-08:00

Art with Aloha

I've had a few requests to find the Maoli Arts Month link for the interview I had on the Papa Mu art gallery last May. Not only is it an excellent article, but it features many interesting aspects of art here in Hawaii. Because it is now archived... you will need to navigate a bit to find it. Once on the link, click on the News / Events and scroll over the the article titled Maoli Arts Month. Although my section is toward the end 17:30 it is fantastic to see all the creativity. Here is the link... http://www.oiwi.tv/live/live
Enjoy!

Space... The illusion of depth

2011-11-27T13:50:00.000-08:00

Space... by art definition is the illusion of depth. Here is parts of my latest collection. I rarely do black, but in the spirit of space... as in stars and magical nights, here are a few tiny treasures I thought you may enjoy.

Earring Goodies of Late...

2011-11-12T13:21:00.000-08:00

Vintage Lucite and Bone Lotus Flower

Silver, Blue Gold Stone, and ruby

Bone, Blue Coral, quartz

Here are a few new earring things that you may enjoy...

Gearing up for new ideas

2011-10-15T18:20:00.000-07:00

Its about that time to renew and refresh... Lately I have been filled with lots of new creative ideas. All of which I am trying to carve out time to complete. I am always amazed at how people are able to create wonderful images on line, shops, items... and I can't seem to get it all together. So how do I get this done and keep my sanity? There needs to be a change in my focus. I was having a great visit with a close friend the other day and we were taking about actually taking time out. Yes time out! Like that of Georgia O'Keeffe and her trips out to the deserts of New Mexico. Maybe I need time away to just focus. Yet with kids and work ( where I get paid ) it seems selfish to do. Humm, what to do. For now the only option is BOTH! Discipline and a firm schedule is gonna be key. I will keep you all posted. So for now I'll let the ideas flow and plan my attack.

Zazzle... An Expansion With Art

2011-06-21T17:14:00.000-07:00

Tropical Kitty

Well the time has come, we have expanded our art on to Zazzle. Although we like to share our original art, many have asked about cards, mugs, stickers and accessories. Today we have opened a shop on Zazzle and have begun to add our art to many products. Tropical Kitty is our first line we have added to the shop. Here we hope you can find our art and use it in gifts, greetings, and in your daily life. Let us know what you think and check in with the new shop to see what new art is uploaded. You can find us by clicking on the side bar or clicking on this link... http://www.zazzle.com/cinnamonsoup*

An Artistic Interview...

2011-05-23T15:25:00.000-07:00

Hale o Laieikawai

Meleana

Hoaloha

I wanted to share an amazing link to an interview I did during the busy and fun filled week in April. ‘Oiwi TV on digital Channel 326 did this great segment on Hawaiian Art. This interview is special because it shares many important aspects of Hawaiian Art and its revival. Click on the ‘Aha‘i ‘Olelo Ola Maoli Arts Month. {sorry for the misspelling of the Hawaiian words, but the font just won't work for the macrons} I hope you enjoy it too! Bonus... I have my moment in the sun. ;) Soon after the PIHA Exhibit is announced, they share a clip of the show and all my paintings are featured. My interview is toward the end so hang in there. Lots of goodies in this segment.

PIHA Art show

2011-05-19T13:12:00.000-07:00

Mahina‘auli‘i

This year we were able to participate in the PIHA Art exhibit. I wanted to focus on my portraiture and color. It was a fairly busy week filled with the fashion show, jewelry show, hula show, and the art opening. As with any busy time, things get really fun. I received great reviews and am already planning next year.

Nakeu Fashion Glitters

2011-04-26T00:55:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday, April 22nd, Nakeu Awai held his annual Easter fashion show. I was fortunate to not only participate in the fashion show as a model, but to have a table of my own jewelry on sale as well. This show is always an "Eggstravaganza" because it always falls just before Easter and gathers bonnet contestants, lei makers, a seasonal feel. The event is quite unique as it is not your typical runway show, rather an unwrapping of a story. This year, "A Duet with the Queen", shared a beautiful view into the story of Queen Liliuokalani. Through the creative eyes of Nakeu, models, were transformed into performers, dancers, and actors. It is truly something wonderful to participate in as well as witness.

As for the jewelry??? Well, my husband and a close friend, sis, helped out so much with the set up and sales that I felt that I missed out on all the excitement. Thank you to all who helped make the day a success!

Prom Time

2011-04-04T15:55:00.000-07:00

Yes it is that time of year where you get all gussied up. Here is a special necklace for such an occasion. Made of vintage lucite it is asymmetrical and custom... would I do anything different? I love creating unique wearable pieces for people. I hope she truly enjoys this special time.

Although this particular piece was created especially for this event, Cinnamon Soup loves to consult and find that "just so special and unique" piece to create and design for you.

New Paintings....

2011-04-01T00:47:00.000-07:00

Milolii

Aloha Kai

Here are two new oil paintings of the ocean, one south side and one north... You can find these on sale at the Papa Mu Art Gallery.

Its All About Color

2011-03-07T14:02:00.000-08:00

In looking at which element is my favorite... Color comes to mind... When thinking about color and which to use when I am painting, glazing, or creating jewelry pieces, it some times can all be overwhelming. Depending on my mood, or music that I'm listening to will determine the outcome. So I thought I would share with you some of the defining things about color. These are definitions that I use with my students when I am teaching. I hope this helps you with your color explorations.

Color

The wavelengths of light reflected off objects. Color has three main characteristics: hue (red, green, blue, etc.), value (how light or dark it is), and intensity (how bright or dull it is). Colors can be described as warm (red, yellow) or cool (blue, gray), depending on which end of the color spectrum they fall.  

Examples:

Value describes the brightness of color. Artists use color value to create different moods. Dark colors in a composition suggest a lack of light, as in a night or interior scene. Dark colors can often convey a sense of mystery. Light colors often describe a light source or light reflected within the composition.

Intensity describes the purity or strength of a color. Bright colors are undiluted and are often associated with positive energy and heightened emotions. Dull colors have been diluted by mixing with other colors and create a sedate or serious mood.

There are Primary Colors: Red, Yellow, and Blue… These colors cannot be mixed or made from other colors.

Secondary Colors: Orange, Green, and Violet are colors that can be made by mixing two primary colors together.

When mixing a primary and a secondary color together you create

Intermediate Colors: Red orange, Yellow orange, Yellow green, Blue Green, Blue violet, Red violet. (Note the arrangement of words, the Primary color always comes first.)

What is your favorite color?

Mine is indigo… it reminds me of the sky early in the morning.

Spring is just around the corner..

2011-02-09T12:19:00.000-08:00

Green Rose {Sold}

Yes I said it, spring will be here soon... although the weather boasts differently it will come. The busy air around me has already started to swirl. There are many things cooking in the soup. If you haven’t seen the new ceramic jewelry on etsy, you need to check them out with the Jewelry holders, and soon new bowls! Yeah!!! I’ve been busy with other things and haven’t been focused on line as much and I apologize, but the Papa Mu art gallery is doing well for me and I now have better balance in keeping stock up with them and now the web. So keep an eye peeled for all the new goodies coming from the soup! ~Aloha

{Mahalo Nui for the support of great friends ;) }

Sold...

2011-01-21T00:36:00.000-08:00

Just to keep you updated with sales at the Papa Mu gallery,

These two pieces have found new homes this week!

"Wilderness"

Acrylic painting

"Waimanu"

Ceramic Tile

Happy New Year?!? Already?!?

2011-01-18T10:28:00.000-08:00

Ok, It feels like I blinked and now the Holidays are here and now they are gone. {Blink}!!! There have been so many things going on, busy doesn't cover it. Although I have continued to create pottery, paintings, and jewelry, I haven't been posting them up and now we have gone all the way to December!!! Whoosh. There are a few things that are new in the Soup. I have truly given in to the creative bug and gone big! In Paintings and Ideas every thing is enlarged. I believe that a few key and very supportive friends have encouraged me in one way or another to jump in to it and do it. Thank you! Papa Mu Gallery has given me the ability to not think so much about the weight or height of pieces. I have been truly inspired to focus on my portraits and paintings. It's very freeing to share my art that I have kept to myself for all these years. I am still working on putting myself out there but this year has truly been one of growth for me. I'm still searching, growing, and learning. As for those conversations that I have with myself, I’ve been listening more.

How to be an inspired artist...

2011-01-11T16:40:00.000-08:00

1. Keep a note book with you at all times... for unexpected ideas

2. Carry a camera or camera phone so you can always take pictures of things that inspire you

3. Try new foods you never know what may give you inspiration

4. People watch... I find people are so interesting

5. Try to use all your senses when you create art... it will make more of an impact on the finished piece

6. Every once in a while its ok to give into cravings... it may lead you to rich memories

7. Take a walk or visit places to refresh yourself

8. Watch old movies... It will help you rekindle moments in you life

9. Breath deeply often

10. Find your joy in everything you do

Pottery Sold but not forgotten...

2010-12-15T11:52:00.000-08:00

Mauna Kea

These bowls have found happy homes... Visit Papa Mu for the latest pieces from Cinnamon Soup.

Ahi

Sold!!! Rustic Umber!!!

2010-09-29T15:19:00.000-07:00

Sold... What a wonderful day! Not only am I celebrating my birthday, but I am happy to report another sale at the Papa Mu Gallery! Excellent. This time Rustic Umber, a beautiful pot, is now on its way to its new home.

Oli Kahea... SOLD

2010-09-23T09:53:00.000-07:00

Ohmgosh!!! Got a call form the Gallery and Oli Kahea sold! My first ever with the gallery! I didn't know what to do with myself when I got the call. I jumped up and down, did my happy dance and... Texted all who I knew would be proud of me. I usually give away my paintings an drawings as they are so personal and connected to me. It feels weird and good to know that someone whom I don't know has connected with me through my art. Way cool... More paintings are down at the gallery now and planning on taking more pottery too. Mahalo Papa Mu! Oh here is the link about the opening I promised Papa Mu

Papa Mu

2010-09-02T00:57:00.000-07:00

It opened today!!! Papa Mu, an art gallery for Native Hawaiian art Created by Native Hawaiians. The art gallery is located in Hilo, Hawaii. It is a powerful moment for me to be included in such a fantastic adventure. Terri Napeahi is the Director of the gallery and encouraged me to take this huge step in my artistic career. Although I couldn't be there for the opening, this evening I did stop by and share my joy with her. I am truly proud of her following her dream and feel so fortunate to be a participating in a fantastic idea. I promise that soon I will include photos of the gallery and new information about the art and beginnings of this special gallery. ~Aloha

Keeping it fresh

2010-07-01T13:47:00.000-07:00

One of the inexpensive ways that I like to keep things fresh in my home is to paint a room. Over the years I worked my way around the house from room to room by painting, re-decorating, and refreshing each room. I am fortunate to live in the house that my parents designed and built. I was raised in this home and now feel blessed to have the opportunity to raise my own children here. Today my kids and I painted my youngest bedroom. She picked out the colors and told me what she wanted painted on her walls. We had a blast! I just love her color vibe. Now that the paint is dry, all that is needed is to rearrange the furniture and add new window coverings. I love to sew… and have a few scraps of old prints that will work just fine for curtains. The best part is the smile my kiddo face! Whalah… new room!

Newest Blue Ear Candy from Cinnamon Soup...

2010-06-17T13:55:00.000-07:00

I will be posting these new earrings on SpicedLife at Etsy very soon, but thought you'd like to see the latest creations in the Cinnamon Soup jewelry lines. I've been working in blues and greens in glass and shell. Here are a few ear candies from my blue group...

Gift of Painting

2010-05-16T12:47:00.000-07:00

This spring one of hulas well known Kumu hula passed away, Ray Fonseca (1953 - March 20, 2010), was not only a hula dancer but also a master. His Hilo based school, Halau Hula O Kahikilaulani, integrated Hawaiian culture, language and traditions in to its hula. Now, I was never able to meet this wonderful teacher personally, but have witnessed his teachings through a colleague of mine. At school, I can see first hand the love of culture, dance and movement my friend has for Hula. I was so honored that I was asked to do a painting of his Kumu, Ray, for his birthday by his good friend and hula brother. After receiving a picture to work from and deciding what colors to use, I went to work on it immediately. I wanted the painting to truly show the energy and love Ray had for his art. Remarkably it only took me a week to complete the rendering. At first I wanted to paint the painting in my style, but as I continued to add the color to the canvas, a true realism began to emerge. I followed the form and allowed the painting to take shape on its own. I don’t often say I am completely pleased with the out come of my work, but this time I can truly say it worked out perfectly. What a wonderful gift to have participated in. Thank you for the opportunity. ~Mahalo

Inspirations

2010-05-10T14:17:00.000-07:00

What inspires you??? This is a question that I toy with all the time. It changes from time to time, as I believe it should. (Keeps things fresh) I find that living in Hawai‘i I am continually inspired by its nature, culture, and people. These inspirations affect my art and my focus. Recently I was able to experience my first canoe blessing of Kaihekauila. It was an event that I will always remember. I have been blessed to participate in various cultural experiences before with hula, but nothing like this. I am sad to say I haven’t been around the ocean as much as I used to in my younger days... since the birth of my children, the ocean has been on the back burner. I miss being in the water, hearing the waves and the crackle of the water when you are immersed in it. It’s an environment that touches all your senses. While sailing Hilo bay, I looked up to the sky and admired the contrast of the clouds against the sail of the vessel. I was lost in a moment of appreciation… one for being in the moment and two for having the opportunity to experience the day. It was a beautiful day. The sun was cool, there were many breezes and the ocean was lovely. At times I wished that I were alone on the canoe so I could feel the quiet of the air, softness of the water, and smell of the salt. I was fortunate enough to get to ride on the canoe twice after its blessing. Thank you to the staff for coordination of this event and to the captain for a wonderful day... I would have liked to ride on the water forever. The view of the bay was lovely… a view that I don’t get to see often. Ideas of paintings, ceramic embellishments, and jewelry designs flood my brain... and are still coming to me in dreams. Mahalo!

Keeping your Day Job...

2010-04-21T11:39:00.000-07:00

Keeping your day job these days is critical. I like to call it juggling. Wanting to do what you’d like to do and do what you need and do what you have to, it all mixes together to create quite a spectacle sometimes. When people ask you “Where do you find the time?” then I would have to say you are doing your juggling act. As for myself I find that I juggle everything everyday. Teach-ing, Mother-ing, Wife-ing, Daughter- ing, Friend- ing, and finally Me-ing, the latter of which would be doing art for me. I am so thankful that I have the support to carve out what little time I have to do just that. Of course I wish I had more… we all do wish for more time especially with age… so I’ve found that sleep is an area which I can do just that. So I haven’t been sleeping all that much to upload the latest pieces. {Not going as smoothly as I’d like} I did change the website {huge pat on the back}. It has been something that I’ve been trying to do for sometime. Now with that I have been trying to get the new shop up and running. Last night I stayed up till 11:30 trying to get the settings, shipping, photos… all set. Well one item is up… I will try to get at least 6 earrings, and a few components by Friday. I am also working on a much-needed catalog. I Promise by mid May it will be ready. {Peppercorn} So as far as a Day job, I am thankful that I have one in this trying economy, and more thankful for the time that I can find to do the business I love… Keep on juggling

New Web Pages for Cinnamon Soup

2010-04-15T14:34:00.000-07:00

I hope you like what I've done with the web design... Now to upload all the new pieces to the shops... yes SHOPS... Cinnamon Soup has expanded on Etsy to have a Spiced Life Shop. Jewelry and components... Wearable art... Although it was quite a fiasco in getting the new design up (My tech savy-ness) It is up and running... Yeah!

PIHA Art Show

2010-04-09T10:52:00.000-07:00

So I took the plunge and participated in my very first Art Show. This show is special because not only is it my first... but I have made fantastic new friends because of it. One of my closest buddies forwarded this link of the opening ceremony. (Click on the Title PIHA Art Show) It’s a short video about the ideas behind the show and if you watch closely, at 4:44 minutes in to the clip, you will see two of my paintings. J Oh joy! Although I am very humbled and overwhelmed by the reactions to my art, it does feel good to be involved with such a special event. This all Hawaiian art show is only up for a few more days so if you have the chance and you are in Hilo for the Merry Monarch Hula Festival, check out this very special event. I am truly blessed with fantastic friends who support me and give me a good swift kick when I need it. ~ Mahalo

Color Pencil... the check list... To practice with...

2009-11-09T23:37:00.000-08:00

• Use the elements & principles of design in your drawings.
•  Try varying the hue intensity in your artwork. Use complementary colors and blend or/and burnish.
•  Use several layers of different colors together, to add some spice to your drawings.
•  To keep white or light areas, white and/or clean, try using a masque pen or masking film.
•  Start off with light pressure when adding layers of color and gradually increase your pressure.
•  Try not to use black to much, it draws attention to the black areas, make your own black by layering dark blue, dark red, brown and violet.
•  Make sure to add a diverse range of values throughout your drawing, the more layers and the heavier the pressure, the darker the color.
•  Make sure the cool and warm areas in your drawings are well balanced.
  •  Careful of over saturating your paper's surface with too much color, the color will start to no longer stick to the paper's surface. It will also start to wear and possibly tear the surface of the paper. It makes it very difficult to add to, you will need to thin the area if it does get to thick with wax.
• Be careful when applying heavy pressure, such as when you burnish, some pencils tend to flake. Remove the flakes by using a brush or tissue or blow and tap.
• Try creating different vibes and feelings, by using different colored and textured papers.
• Make sure to keep the surface of your paper clean.
• When working on a tonal drawing, work from dark to light.
• Keep pencil strokes even, and consistent in pressure and in direction. I like to use a circular motion for blending and adding layers of color.
These are some tips I share with my students. I thought I would post as it is always good to refresh your brain and share ideas. Some of the tips are from friends, trial and error, books, and the world wide web. I hope you can use some of these when sketching this month.

Sketchbook Journals... What can you do with them?

2009-11-04T11:27:00.000-08:00

• Plan on a regular routine of sketching and commit to it.
• Think of every drawing in your sketchbook as being disposable. If you wouldn't dare erase or scribble over drawings in your
sketchbook then those drawings are not serving the purpose for which they were intended.
• Work quickly to make on the spot records of subjects that interest you.
• Sketch out preliminary drawings for future paintings, collages, prints or other projects.
• Make hand written notes in your sketchbook that help you record details and ideas that are too difficult to draw.
• Record the date the sketch was made and the location. Make comments on the theme, idea, or subject in the sketch.
• Use your sketchbook to make spontaneous drawings (doodles) that have no predetermined subject.
• Record ideas in your sketchbook that come to you in a dream or just seem to appear out of the blue.
• Observations or learning to look is key. Developing the ability to notice and remember the defining qualities of an object will help you draw it later.
• Use your sketchbook to keep materials like color swatches, texture samples, photographs, or collage materials for future projects.