White Tailed Tropic Bird Giclee

This is a giclee of my "Koai'a" piece. There are two available sizes, 11" x 14" for $72, and 8" x 10" for $35. They are both matted, the dimensions are the sizes of the mats. This design is a lino cut. When I get an idea for a piece I research the animals and elements for the design, I will go on excursions with my family on hikes and wildlife journey's to see and photograph the elements I will be using in my art. I spend extensive time on my drawing and composition before transferring and carving into the linoleum block. I then print it onto Japanese rice paper, and carefully hand paint it.
The Hawaiian Islands are an Important nesting site for tropical pacific seabirds including the Koa'e Kea (white tailed tropic bird, paethon lepturus dorotheae). The bird can often be seen soaring above Kilauea crater at Hawai'i Volcano National Park. It nests in cliff faces and crater walls. The locals call them "crater birds." The tail feathers were used by the ancient Hawaiians to make headdresses and feathered standards called Kahili.
Ohai (sesbania tomentosa) is a woody beach plant with bean-like pods and orange, pea-like flowers. It is an endangered species. The southern cross constellation (on the right) can be seen over the island of Hawai'i during winter season.