This series of nine kapa pieces, mounted on monkeypod wood boxes, explores the concept of home. The simple symbols molded from paper mulberry grown on my Kumu, Roen Hufford’s farm, reflect the ancestral wisdom that shapes us. Being part of the year-long process of caring for the grove, harvesting, and beating kapa honors the connections between nature, community, and the concept of home. The DNA of this mulberry tells a story of heritage that has traveled the world and been embraced by many oceanic cultures. Through Roen’s teaching, the kapa hui has also become home for us all, as we learned and grew together bringing our various cultures and traditions. The monkeypod, also known as rain tree, complements this tradition; sourced locally from Kamuela Hardwoods, monkeypod is native to Central and South America, reflecting the diverse influences that shape the cultural landscape of Kamuela.

Each box serves as a vessel—some open to light, while others are solid and closed—exploring stories of land, water, and the interconnectedness of communities that create home. Kapa making, through the slow, intentional process of creating together in community, evokes the simple elements that shape our lives and have defined my return home. This series invites viewers to explore their own relationships with heritage, home, and the natural world.

Recognition Award - Purchased 2024