🌺 KIRALOHA by Kira Nakamura

about the artist
Not born, but raised on the island of Maui since 1998, I am so lucky to call this my home.
At the age of 4, I joined a hula hālau (school), which connected and immersed me into the deep Hawaiian culture and history which became a large part of my life. I  am so grateful for the opportunities I've been able to be a part of, and for all the knowledge passed on from my kumu hula (teacher). Now, over 20 years later, I get to teach and dance hula as an occupational hobby - and I love every minute of it!
 
In 2018, I moved to San Diego and graduated with a Business Admin degree in 2021 - although I originally enrolled to study Fine/Graphic Art, one of my long-time passions. During COVID-19, I moved back home and needed a creative hands-on project with all the newfound free time I had. I tried emroidery, acrylic painting, and gardening but they just didn't "stick". The idea came when I was searching for the perfect jewelry piece for a gift, and became frustrated when I couldn't find anything I liked particularly - so I decided to make my own, and it "stuck"!
 

Fun fact: aside from dancing, art, and crafting, I also love photography, traveling, riding motorcycles, surfing, and (roller) skating!

 
 
where it started
Growing up, both my parents always had a camera around and loved taking photos, so naturally I was interested in photography and cameras. In high school, my loving mom pushed me to do something with it. I would print my photos, glue them to cardstock, and sell them at a local farmer's market.
 
I attended Kihei Charter for middle & high school, where I learned a STEM-based curriculum (and loved it!). I really enjoyed our tech class, where we learned video editing, graphic design, and (basic) coding. I would create logos for my friends and family's small businesses just for fun and to build up my graphic design portfolio. 
 
My passions have always been anything creative: drawing, painting, sketching, crafting. I really wanted to do digital art, but never have the resources for it. A few years ago, I got my first iPad which allowed me to practice and create, and Kiraloha was officially born!
 
 

mahalo nui loa for stopping by!