Volume 3 of our artist series introduces our collaboration with Taína Larot.
Taína Larot
Based on the original artwork Untitled - 'Ocean Floors' and inspired by the land, sea and tides of Hawai'i, Taína Larot X State of Escape is the third volume in our artist series, a limited edition capsule approach to collaborations with creatives around the globe.
Taína Larot’s original artwork.
Get to know the California based artist, and learn more about Taína's deep appreciation for the power of the Pacific, her Hawai'ian heritage and how it has influenced not only her artistic works, but also her identity.
Can you describe the connection you feel to your Hawai'ian heritage and how it translated into your prints?
TL: Being born and raised in the Bay Area, I never had the experience of growing up on the islands and being submerged in the culture. My only connection was seeing my grandmother a handful of times when she would come to the mainland. Those moments with her were so special to me as a kid. I finally went for the first time when I was 17 and immediately felt at home. The spiritual energy of the land — the ‘Mana’. The colors, the smells, and the native people. Returning home I had this forever longing to be back.
TL: When I created ‘Untitled - Ocean Floors’ I was looking at this old photograph of a young hula dancer performing at Merrie Monarch in 1983 and thinking of my family and Hawai'ian lineage; what they experienced and felt on those islands. I thought of my grandmother as a young girl looking out at the ocean and my ancestors navigating those powerful waters. This vivid feeling brought me to my creative process and color scapes for ‘Untitled - Ocean Floors’.
Did you draw inspiration from any particular locations or landscapes in Hawai'i?
TL: There was this image that kept circulating in my mind of the volcanic crater “Diamond Head”. The vastness of this crater, the textures and ripples with orange highlights really spoke to me in creating the original piece. I was in constant thought and dreamt of the ocean and all her hues.
Can you explain the colour palette you choose for your prints and how it reflects your Hawai'ian influences?
TL: In my opinion there is no place like Hawai’i. When you arrive you are completely surrounded by forest and mountains cascading infinite amounts of green. As you drive along the outer lining of the land you are hydrated by the endless waters and ocean blues. You look up and the sky gives you different shades of air. The vibrancy of colors is magical. It’s breathtaking. I chose nature's color palette.
"When I think of escape I think of letting go. Being free of any fears or doubts. Finding peace in a special place with your feet in the sand or in the ocean. Returning to self and centering your spirit."
Can you share some unique aspects of Hawai'ian culture that you find particularly special or important?
TL: I love the connection my people have to the land. “Aloha ʻĀina” is a term that literally translates to “love of the land”. When you embrace that belief you navigate life differently, you are more aware of everything and everyone around. You become one.
TL: I think growing up without it has definitely shaped my identity…the absence inspired the reconnection to my ancestors. The first time I saw my father wear his thick round puka shell necklace his mother passed to him for good luck, I felt the power of significance. Or when my grandmother gifted me with the Hawai'ian heirloom ring with my name and her love engraved inside, I felt what it meant to be Hawai'ian. I’ve learned along the way how important it is for us to hold onto our traditions as a people and pass that down. If we don’t, the histories and sacred stories of our journey get lost.
Volume 3 of our artist series introduces our collaboration with Taína Larot.
Based on the original artwork Untitled - 'Ocean Floors' and inspired by the land, sea and tides of Hawai'i, Taína Larot X State of Escape is the third volume in our artist series, a limited edition capsule approach to collaborations with creatives around the globe.
Taína Larot’s original artwork.
Get to know the California based artist, and learn more about Taína's deep appreciation for the power of the Pacific, her Hawai'ian heritage and how it has influenced not only her artistic works, but also her identity.
Can you describe the connection you feel to your Hawai'ian heritage and how it translated into your prints?
TL: Being born and raised in the Bay Area, I never had the experience of growing up on the islands and being submerged in the culture. My only connection was seeing my grandmother a handful of times when she would come to the mainland. Those moments with her were so special to me as a kid. I finally went for the first time when I was 17 and immediately felt at home. The spiritual energy of the land — the ‘Mana’. The colors, the smells, and the native people. Returning home I had this forever longing to be back.
When I created ‘Untitled - Ocean Floors’ I was looking at this old photograph of a young hula dancer performing at Merrie Monarch in 1983 and thinking of my family and Hawai'ian lineage; what they experienced and felt on those islands. I thought of my grandmother as a young girl looking out at the ocean and my ancestors navigating those powerful waters. This vivid feeling brought me to my creative process and color scapes for ‘Untitled - Ocean Floors’.
Did you draw inspiration from any particular locations or landscapes in Hawai'i?
TL: There was this image that kept circulating in my mind of the volcanic crater “Diamond Head”. The vastness of this crater, the textures and ripples with orange highlights really spoke to me in creating the original piece. I was in constant thought and dreamt of the ocean and all her hues.
Can you explain the colour palette you choose for your prints and how it reflects your Hawai'ian influences?
TL: In my opinion there is no place like Hawai’i. When you arrive you are completely surrounded by forest and mountains cascading infinite amounts of green. As you drive along the outer lining of the land you are hydrated by the endless waters and ocean blues. You look up and the sky gives you different shades of air. The vibrancy of colors is magical. It’s breathtaking. I chose nature's color palette.
"When I think of escape I think of letting go. Being free of any fears or doubts. Finding peace in a special place with your feet in the sand or in the ocean. Returning to self and centering your spirit."
Can you share some unique aspects of Hawai'ian culture that you find particularly special or important?
TL: I love the connection my people have to the land. “Aloha ʻĀina” is a term that literally translates to “love of the land”. When you embrace that belief you navigate life differently, you are more aware of everything and everyone around. You become one.
TL: I think growing up without it has definitely shaped my identity…the absence inspired the reconnection to my ancestors. The first time I saw my father wear his thick round puka shell necklace his mother passed to him for good luck, I felt the power of significance. Or when my grandmother gifted me with the Hawai'ian heirloom ring with my name and her love engraved inside, I felt what it meant to be Hawai'ian. I’ve learned along the way how important it is for us to hold onto our traditions as a people and pass that down. If we don’t, the histories and sacred stories of our journey get lost.
What is one common misconception or stereotype about Hawai'i that you would like to debunk?
TL: The misconception that these islands are just a vacation place filled with beautiful resorts and golf courses. A retirement home for people to come to; land to take over. In turn, it leaves the native people in a despairing situation, unhoused and without resources. These lands are very sacred and special to Hawai'ian’s. Visitors should consider that before arriving and bring a high level of respect when walking on the land.
What does Escape mean to you?
TL: When I think of escape I think of letting go. Being free of any fears or doubts. Finding peace in a special place with your feet in the sand or in the ocean. Returning to self and centering your spirit.
What is one common misconception or stereotype about Hawai'i that you would like to debunk?
TL: The misconception that these islands are just a vacation place filled with beautiful resorts and golf courses. A retirement home for people to come to; land to take over. In turn, it leaves the native people in a despairing situation, unhoused and without resources. These lands are very sacred and special to Hawai'ian’s. Visitors should consider that before arriving and bring a high level of respect when walking on the land.
What does Escape mean to you?
TL: When I think of escape I think of letting go. Being free of any fears or doubts. Finding peace in a special place with your feet in the sand or in the ocean. Returning to self and centering your spirit.
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