CRE8 Magazine | Issue No. 11 by Unique Art Hawaii Inc

W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 016

O N ISSUE

WWW.CRE8MAG.COM

CREATIVE

spaces

features 10

Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;o Farms

Carolyn Quan

Jennifer J Stephens

Todd Gildred

Androgynous

Reinventing Old Spaces

WINTER/SPRING 2016

No 11

contents 7

Our Mission

9 Contributors

Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;o Farms : Farm Tour

Maui Open Studios : Carolyn Quan

Captivity : Poem by Eden Zang

Todd Gildred : Lakeside Oasis

Jennifer J Stephens : Artist

Things We Love!

Androgynous : Fashion Shoot

Reinventing Old Spaces : Loft 145

ABOUT US -------------------------------------------------

CRE8 Magazine: a biannual Art and Lifestyle publication highlighting individuals, artists and businesses that embody the spirit of creativity, ingenuity and passion!

WE HOPE TO INSPIRE AND MOTIVATE OUR READERS TO CREATE.

No 11

OUR MISSION To showcase Maui to the world, and bring the world to Maui.

inspire :: create :: motivate

p ub lisher Unique Ar t Hawaii Inc. UniqueAr tHawaii.com

editor Eden Zang ede nzang@gmail.com

crea tive director Jennifer Stephens info@uniquear thawaii.com

wr iter s Lar issa Treese Lani Morr is Kr ystle Alcain

mar keting consulta nt Kr ystle Alcain

photog r a p her Amity Mason

www.CRE8Mag.com facebook.com/cre8mag Instagram @cre8magazine

ON THE C OVER

Todd Gildred - See Page 24 CRE8 Magazine, its publishers, its staff and its advertisers are not responsible or liable for any misinformation, misprints or typographical errors in any ads or articles which may appear in this publication. Readers are required to do their own due diligence before relying upon any information provided or advice or opinions given by CRE8 Magazine, its publishers, staff and advertisers shall not be responsible or liable for reliance upon the information provided in this publication. The contents of CRE8 Magazine are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without the express written permission of the Publishers. By submitting materials to CRE8 Magazine our advertisers warrant and represent that they are (a) the sole, legal owner or licensee of all rights or licensee of all rights including copyright, to each copyright, trademark, service mark, trade name, logo, statement, portrait, graphic, artwork or photograph of any person or any other intellectual property included in such design, (b) will hold CRE8 Magazine harmless from any claim that any portion of the design infringes upon or constitutes wrongful use of any copyright, trademark or other right of any third party.

C O N T R I B U TO R S •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Amity Mason Photographer Amity Mason received a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Photography, and since that time has been photographing anything and everything that inspires her. www.AmityMason.com

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Larissa Treese Writer • Head Aquarist - Maui Ocean Center Larissa is an avid outdoor and environmental enthusiast who is also considered “chef” to friends and family. She has worked in animal husbandry for over 15 years and is currently working at Maui Ocean Center as the Head Aquarist. Larissa lives on Maui with her husband and two dogs, and is always looking for her next challenge in life, country to visit or recipe to perfect.

Lani Morris Beauty Editor and Advisor - Holistic Esthetician Lani is a holistic Esthetician who has worked at Maui’s top resorts and spas including the Four Seasons. She now has her practice, Beauty by Nature Maui, located in Loft 145 Beauty and Style Salon in old historic Wailuku town. She offers healing facials, expert waxing and high- quality natural and organic skin care. She also teaches advanced esthetic workshops and classes and loves to be creative and inspired.

Krystle Alcain Marketing Consultant • Graphic Designer Krystle graduated with a B.S. in Landscape Architecture, and now focuses her creative energy as a freelance marketing/P.R. consultant and graphic designer/owner of Alcain Design, LLC. She is a lover of miniature things and pitbulls, and has a passion for inspiring others to live a healthy and creative lifestyle.

Bringing the Table to the

FARM STORY by Larissa Treese

PHOTOS by Amity Mason

“Love For The Land”

Starting the tour with guide Ancil Clancy.

Tucked away off a small road and at the edge of changing climates, Oò Farm in Kula, Maui is a rare and educational find. The tour, which includes a farm-to-table lunch experience, starts with a breathtaking view of Central Maui and ends with satisfied taste buds, all while learning about their diverse flora hands on. Wide open spaces where the elements and temperature can vary so greatly aren’t meant for everyone, but working under these conditions, the dedicated staff at Oò farm have built a thriving operation. Covering eight and half acres at 3,500 ft. elevation, this location has the best climate to provide for one of the most diverse farms. In 2000, Louis Coulombe and Stephan Bel-Robert purchased this basically untouched land with the dream to provide local produce to restaurants. They currently do just that by providing 60 different crop selections to several well-known Lahaina, Maui establishments: PacificÒ, Feast at Lele and Aina Gourmet Market.

Chef Paul Goodwin prepares our fresh-picked veggies.

Beautiful Maui views from Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;o Farm. 15

While the produce grown is available only to these restaurants and Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;o Farm, they do offer a variety of tours and private events for you to experience. While on the gourmet lunch and farm tour, the 3-hour experience can start with meeting Ancil Clancy, orchard manager and knowledgeable tour guide, who shares his love for the connection between land and food. You follow him around the grounds, tasting and smelling a variety of edibles along the way and learning what it takes to maintain an organic and sustainable farm. You then meet a chef who picks everything himself to serve for your meal that day and adds to it with sustainable fish and organic chicken. Harvesting the salad for the meal is where you get more involved. During this experience, you learn the importance of each ingredient while sampling along the way. You find yourself introduced to items that you may not have discovered before. You might build a salad with nothing but lettuce and flowers, with each special flower tasting exactly like garlic, radish or ginger. The combination of everything freshly picked and organized onto one platter is as beautiful as it is tasty. Sitting down to this fresh, gourmet meal wraps up your tour. When we visited, our meal was prepared by Paul Goodwin, the Executive Chef of Pacific`O restaurant. He chose and picked everything that was prepared for us with care, leaving us full and content after exploring and learning about this impressive farm.

“We don’t grow produce, we grow a culinary experience”

The future of O’o Farm includes delivering on their “100 mile lifestyle.” All of the produce from the farm supplies the needs of 3 local restaurants, and all of the items brought in are purchased within 100 miles of the farm. They are continuously building on that concept by planting 50 olive trees to make their own olive oil for their homemade focaccia bread, installing bee hives, and promoting education of organic and local produce through the tours. The dedication behind this farm is something worth experiencing; the adventure of participating in building your meal and learning about it along the way make you appreciate the value of where all of our food comes from. “We don’t grow produce, we grow a culinary experience.” Clancy stated. At O’o Farm, they are inspired to educate the community on sustainability, to promote wellness, nutrition, fresh local produce and to preserve the ’Aina (land), and Hawai’i as a whole for future generations to enjoy. Maui Style.

CONVERSATIONS WITH THE ARTIST Carolyn Quan - Maui Open Studios INTERVIEW by Lani Morris

Photo of Carolyn Quan by Mark Gebhardt (Artwork by Carolyn Quan)

Here at Cre8, we get very excited at the opportunity to get to know the artists we feature. I had the pleasure of interviewing the delightful Carolyn Quan, fine artist, former gallery owner, and Maui Open Studios (MOS) founder. Carolynâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s story is an inspiring one, using her artistic gifts as a contribution to humanity and the world.

WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND? My ethnic background is Chinese. My grandparents came to the U.S. and Canada almost 100 years ago from Canton province in China. My Dad’s side went to Canada and Mom’s side to the U.S. Dad grew up in Toronto and Mom in New Jersey. I’m a dual citizen of both countries. I have an associate’s degree from the Ontario College of Art and Design, which is Canada’s largest and most prestigious art college located in downtown Toronto. I did a major in Communication and Design, and a minor in Photography. I was born and raised in Toronto where I lived until I was 24 which is when I decided to move to New York City to pursue a career in the music (recording) industry. I landed a job as an Art Director at Arista Records and then started my own design studio that specialized in the music and entertainment industries. I had the honor of working with many famous celebrities on their branding, packaging and marketing materials. My clients were major record labels, independent record labels, artist management companies, video and television clients. In 2000, I moved to Maui, and then shortly after the tragic events of 9-11, I picked up my camera after years away from it and began creating my fine art. Little did I know that it would lead to owning two art galleries and establishing a successful art career in fine art that has lasted over 14 years. After 7 years on Maui, I moved to Oahu to open the second gallery and be closer to family there, but when the U.S. economy took a nose-dive in 2008, I decided to move to the San Francisco Bay area where I had always wanted to experience living. I now travel the western states showing and selling my art at art festivals and photographing nature for my image library throughout the year when I’m not producing open studio events. In between shows, I am creating my art out of my home studio in the Napa Valley.

WHEN DID YOU BECOME AN ARTIST OR AN ART LOVER? The moment I was born. I have the good fortune of being born into a very artistic family. My mom was studying journalism at New York University when she met my dad. She discontinued her studies to marry my dad and moved to Toronto and had and raised us kids (like so many women of her generation). During that time she taught the hula out of our home in Toronto and performed with her troupe at cultural centers and shopping malls. Her stage name was Leilani. She didn’t have any Hawaiian blood, just a love of the Hawaiian culture. My dad was an artist and a graphic designer for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation for 45 years and was one of the first graduates of the Ontario College of Art (that’s what it was called when he and I both graduated from it). My two brothers and I were constantly exposed to music, dance, design, art, theater, galleries and all things creative. My parents were SO supportive of us kids expressing ourselves through art forms which was very progressive considering most Asian parents back then put pressure on their kids to be doctors, lawyers, accountants, etc. Not us, we had the complete support of our parents to pursue whatever our hearts desired and that ended up being the arts for all three of us. My older brother became a professional musician performing with some of Canada’s top musical groups and artists, as well he became an award-winning film composer. My younger brother got his degree in architecture and became an established architectural renderer/illustrator with his own studio and now works in the 3D printing industry.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU MOST ABOUT ART? Art is a window into possibilities. Possibilities come from the unknown that can be tapped into using creative energy. When an artist expresses themselves and when it’s combined with a purposeful message, the result is an opening up of possibilities for the viewer and the artist. It is limitless. It can shift emotions and therefore shift awareness and ultimately shift consciousness on some level. I can’t imagine a world without creativity or imagination. Art is a form of communication regardless of what the art form is. It speaks to people one way or the other. Art gives us hope that there is more to this reality than what already exists. Artists (i.e. writers, musicians, actors, visual artists, etc.) can create something that never existed before. That to me is very inspiring.

WHAT PROJECTS ARE YOU CURRENTLY WORKING ON? Two open studio events: The 6th Annual Maui Open Studios Event happening in February and the 1st Annual Toronto Art Blast, which is Toronto’s first city-wide artist open studio and exhibition event launching in July. For my own art, it’s application season for the juried art festival circuit, so I am sending in my applications for a number of juried art festivals for the spring and summer. I’m also working on a number of new mixed media paintings to add to my collection and to send to the gallery in Palm Springs that I’m represented by. I’m also promoting my new art wall hangings/bed covers that I recently launched and attempting to secure an annual show that I’ve been doing in Mexico over the past few years. Long term projects include completing my Inspiration Deck - a card deck of over 60 inspirational cards that combine text with my photo collages and starting a book, which will be an extension of the professional development workshop for artists that I currently teach.

TELL ME ABOUT MAUI OPEN STUDIOS? MOS is now in its sixth year. It is a series of free selfguided tours of artist studios and exhibition spaces island-wide that runs every weekend in February every year. The event kicks off with a festive Opening Celebration and Preview Exhibition. This year we have a new venue, the Pa’ina Culinary Arts Center at UHMC, home of the Maui Culinary Academy. At the Opening Celebration and Preview Exhibition the public is invited for free to come and meet many of the participating artists, preview a few pieces of their work, talk story with them, enjoy live music, cash bar and food options. It is also where visitors can pick up copies of the MOS printed guidebook which includes artist profiles and maps to the artist locations. Every year we have enjoyed 500 - 700 guests at the Opening and hope that the tradition continues. Art lovers can also go green and do all of their planning from our website www.MauiOpenStudios.com - where they will find artist profiles, Google maps, and a PDF version of the printed guidebook. During the event, artists place signs and Artist Brian Persha : Photo courtesy of Brian Persha

directional arrows on streets to lead visitors to their venues. Many artists serve refreshments and some do live demonstrations. It is an inspiring and educational adventure for art lovers and it gives the art buyer a unique opportunity to purchase art directly from the artists while experiencing a more personal connection with the artist. Artists benefit 100% from the sale of their artwork as the event does not take any commissions. For the past six years, MOS has had over 80 participating artists each year and has generated more than 8,000 individual studio/exhibition visits every year and over $100,000 in art sales each year.

Artist Ed Lane : Photo by Diane Lane

HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED/CREATE MAUI OPEN STUDIOS? When I moved to the San Francisco Bay area, I was searching for opportunities to show and sell my artwork and was introduced to the open studio events by my resident manager who managed the live/work lofts where I lived. That was my first ever knowledge that events like this existed and I participated that year. After participating in it and having such a great experience, I thought to myself, “Wow, Maui needs to have an event like this!” and so the plans for the 1st Annual Maui Open Studios event began. I had the skills to make it happen. Graphic design, for the printed materials; web design to create the online presence, marketing experience, publicity, social media - it was all coming together. I had also maintained my connections with my art colleagues and fellow artists on Maui and had a nice foundation to begin artist outreach.

Worcester Glassworks : Photo courtesy of Worcester Glassworks

WHAT DO YOU WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW MOST ABOUT MAUI OPEN STUDIOS? That it shouldn’t be taken for granted. I am basically a one-woman operation (with the generous help of volunteers) and funding the event is always a challenge. I don’t have a team of fund raisers and I can’t afford to hire an ad sales representative and I am so busy producing the event to be able to add these duties to my list. If I don’t continue to have close to 100 artists participating every year then the event is operating under budget. Thankfully, the County of Maui and the Hawaiian Tourism Authority have sponsored the event over the years, which has helped with the budget, but that funding program is not indefinite. That could change at any time. If MOS could secure more fiscal partnerships in the future that would be very helpful and very much appreciated. I need the artists of Maui to understand that this event is for them (as well as the art-loving public) and that their participation is important for the event to continue.

For more information or to view this year’s tour schedule, visit www.MauiOpenStudios.com

CAPTIVE A Poem By Eden Zang A spirit squandered.

A woman staring in the mirror, a little girl, abandoned and afraid, reflected back. Reaching for her, longing to hold her and tell her she is safe. But she stays imprisoned in the past.

Held captive by my thoughts,

Suspicious of my own intuition,

A heart hardened by the actions of another. Enslaved by fear.

Anxiously trying to control the pain, Trusting no one.

This world is a scary place. And I need a body guard.

Suffering spills over.

Affecting you and me.

My heart aches to love and be loved, but I assault it when it gets too close. I wish I could let go.

Continually searching for the antidote for my anger. Fantasizing about being free.

I will fight for this life. I will fight for that little girl. Breaking the chains of the enemy.

Creating

Oasis A LAKESIDE

Design By Todd Gildred

Photography : Paul Dyer Location : Lake Tahoe

concept

The design concept for this 1934 lakefront compound was to bring one back to this time when people first experienced and celebrated the beauty of Lake Tahoe. This included an emphasis on leisure and social gathering, a revival of Nordic inspired architectural detailing, the lost grace of lacquered mahogany and chrome boats once gliding across these glassy waters, and a communication with the natural surroundings within the designed spaces. The unique setting for this exclusive residence is located directly on the lake, completely isolated on grandfathered private property in the middle of a protected national forest. The raw nature available in the immediate surroundings is vivid with centuries old redwood trees, untouched white sand beaches, massive granite boulders from a once erupted ancient volcano, snow-peaked mountains, and an alpine lake shimmering with a soft turquoise along the shallow waters that transitions into a deep cobalt blue as it reaches the seemingly endless depths. Each of the homes embraces the color palate of its surrounding natural environment. The compound is comprised of a boat house on the lakeshore taking in the shallow turquoise waters and cream colored sand, the main home on a bluff overlooking a panorama of the lake absorbs the cobalt blue of the deep water in the distance and soft grays of the volcanic boulders, a small guest cabin nestled among towering Sequoia and Redwood trees embraces a whimsy of mossy greens and the cool white of the morning mist above the nearby trickling stream, and a second lofted guest cabin embracing the saturated gold and blood orange sunsets visible at dusk.

main

HOUSE The main home engages the Nordic architectural

features of log beams and mountain cabin aesthetics while embracing a contemporary layer of understated lake house elegance. This is accomplished through the use of compelling indigo and cobalt blues complimented with charcoal grays and bright whites. A continuation of lacquered woods and reflective metals are maintained throughout each home to unify the separate structures. Quartzite stone kitchen floors are reminiscent of the massive gray granite boulders of a once erupted volcano speckling the white sand beaches. High gloss lacquered redwood counters showcasing swirling wood grains reflect each cycle of seasons passed. The master suite exudes a monochromatic palette of biscotti and cappuccino to create serenity in such an intimate space. Surrounding nature is visibly inspired throughout the home, and an open plan combining the expansive living room, dining room, and kitchen invites social gathering.

boat

HOUSE The boathouse is directly inspired from the vintage

wood boats popular of the time. Italian, Riva, and American, Gar Woods, handcrafted golden mahogany

and

polished

metals

into

sleek

speedboats enticing sun seekers and joyriders to experience the lake in style. The two-tone teak and holly striped floors common of old sailboats and woodies, have been abstracted by being lifted and placed on the walls horizontally in the main room. The traditional black stripes and chrome detailing were also implemented in the space. Turquoise tile work and cream stone flooring reflect the shallow lake water and sandy beaches nearby.

top

SIDE

The experience of dusk on the lake is the concept for this home. As the skies fall into sunset, heavy blood oranges, shimmering golds, shades of gray, and the ominous black of the approaching night sky fill the horizon. Nocturnal creatures emerge in the form of bats skimming the lake shore in search of food, owls perched on tree limbs, and wolf like predators hunt for prey. All of these instances in nature are introduced into the designed space creating a tribute to its surroundings and an intriguing dynamic conducive to drawing a social presence.

chickens

NEST

This tastefully restored cabin paints an aesthetic of a whimsical forest of toadstools, trickling streams lapping over rounded stones, ancient trees covered in green moss, and light mist drifting through the endless thicket of branches. Frosted glass,

reflective

metals,

whitewashed

walls,

mocha floors, and soft green complexions invite this experience into the home. Intricate patterns and light wooded antiques are implemented to compel the Nordic origins of much of Lake Tahoeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s early architecture.

Todd Gildred Brooklyn, NY â&#x20AC;˘ 805.451.3150 â&#x20AC;˘ tcannong@gmail.com tcannondesign.com

My favorite activity growing up as a child was playing with Legos. Even at a young age, the concept of creating spaces and constructing buildings with my own hands felt innate to my character. My grandfather, originally from Lima, Peru, began his career as an engineer and transitioned into a significant land developer of commercial and residential projects in Mexico City. After many years of familial apprenticeship, my father took responsibility of the company and further expanded with building projects in Mexico City as well as Southern California. I was always concerned I would take over, not because I had a passion for it, but because I had been groomed as the most eligible son to continue the legacy. At the young age of sixteen, my father was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, one of the most aggressive and rapidly spreading forms of cancer. He passed only three months later and with him ended a lifetime of professional and paternal guidance in my life as well as the family business, as I was too young to take responsibility of a development firm. It was at this time I realized my passion for building must be hereditary, since I finally had the freedom to pursue any of my interests and solely resonated with the same field of my father and his father before him. My entire life was geared towards building a professional career in land development. From attending the University of San Diego for their highly esteemed business program, to commercial real estate experience with Grubb & Ellis and property management with Pacifica, I ultimately broke into residential land development with Capital Pacific Homes. My goal has been, and continues to be, a career that boasts a high level of professionalism, inspires passion while paralleling my talents, and provides a canvas for my creativity. After working in the field of my aspirations, I realized the creative outlet has shifted out of the land development field and solely into the branches of architecture and interior design. I realized interior architecture made more sense than becoming an architect, as I was able to focus on the concept and creativity as a designer, rather than dwell on the tedious realities of engineering and construction documents as an architect. After researching many schools from the West Coast all the way to Europe, I chose the Academy of Art over all others, because I liked the concept of being exposed to both architecture and interior design. I may be new to the field of interior design, but have spent my life building a strong foundation in professionalism and am excited to have the opportunity to express my creativity to its potential

DissĂŠquer Les Insectes Digital Collages by Jennifer J Stephens

Jennifer J Stephens was raised on the island of Maui, and has been inspired to create art since an early age. She attended H.P. Baldwin High School where she began developing her style under the tutelage of instructor Janet Sato in the AP Art Program. Leaving Hawaii after high school for travels in the U.S. mainland and Europe, she broadened her interests in photography, mixed media and assemblage. She has since created many works in paint, photography, found object and digital media that capture her unique and whimsical perspective. Her work has been displayed in galleries on Maui and the U.S. mainland. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2039;n 2007, Jennifer opened her graphic design studio Unique Art Hawaii, and more recently in 2012 she founded CRE8 Magazine, a publication devoted to art & creativity. Jennifer currently resides in Kihei, HI with her husband and assorted critters. www.JenniferJStephens.com

Things We Love..

COOL SHIT THAT THE STAFF OF CRE8 LOVE!

NO HANGOVER

Prosecco http://www.lamarcaprosecco.com

OFFICE STUFF

Lani’s Picks

LaunchPort http://www.iportproducts.com

FEELING BEAUTIFUL

Blinc Mascara http://www.blincinc.com

AWESOME SHOPS

Aloha Boards http://www.alohaboards.com

Amity’s Picks AMAZING PLACES

Rapa Nui https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rapa_Nui_people

SKIN CARE

FAB Lotion http://m.sephora.com/product/P386611

CUTE MINI STUFF

Miniature Gardens 65

Krystle’s Picks

Things We Love..

COOL SHIT THAT THE STAFF OF CRE8 LOVE!

UNICORNS OF THE SEA

Narwhals https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narwhal

COOL ART

Ming Ong

Jenn’s Picks

http://www.ming-ong.com

EVERYTHING TINY

Mini Bug Playing Cards http://www.jenniferjstephens.com

SUPER SOFT STUFF

Bamboo Sheets http://www.bamboobedandbath.com.au

NOT BURNING THE HOUSE DOWN

LED Candles http://www.potterybarn.com

Lara’s Picks

KEEPING IT COOL... OR HOT

Hydroflask http://www.amazon.com

An dro gynous

Location: King Kamehameha Golf Club, Frank Lloyd Wright Clubhouse Waikapu, Maui Photography: Amity Mason Makeup: Jessica Waite Freelance Makeup Artistry Hair Styling: Anna Marie Cua Art Direction: Jennifer J Stephens Video: Todd Mizomi Wardrobe Provided by: Panties in Paradise & Alonso Martinez Models: Jamie Gay & Alonso Martinez

An dro gynous ABOUT THE LOCATION Frank Lloyd Wright is acclaimed as one of the greatest architects of the 20th century. He designed buildings that live in balance with their surroundings, taking advantage of the landscape’s best features and using nature to drive his self- described style of “organic” architecture. In 1949, American architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, drew the original plans for the clubhouse as a concept for a 7,0 0 0 sq. f t. luxury home in Fort Worth, Texas. However, the plans were never used. It wasn’t until 1988 that the archived plans were enlarged and adapted to build the 74,0 0 0 sq. f t. clubhouse on the slopes of Waikapu, Maui. It was completed and opened for business in 1993. The former owners and operators closed the golf course and clubhouse in 1999, due to the downturn of the economy. The property was abandoned and neglected for nearly six years. However, during this time, the large rooms were still used for banquet functions. In July 20 04, the property was purchased by the current owner. Renovation of the golf course and clubhouse took approximately 18 months before it reopened in May 20 06 as Maui’s first 18 -hole member golf club.

STORY by Krystle Alcain PHOTOS by Bailey Rebecca Roberts

Wailuku i ka malu he kuawa, a Hawaiian saying meaning “Wailuku in the shelter of the valleys”, describes the location of Maui’s second-largest town, nestled at the base of the West Maui Mountains. Traditional Hawaiian communities thrived off the fertile land, abundant in fresh water from the flowing mountain streams, and it is in this region where great battles once ensued and some of Hawaii’s greatest rulers resided. The face of Wailuku initially transformed after Christian missionaries arrived in the mid-1800’s. Then, as sugar cane grew to be Hawaii’s number one crop export, the area attracted sugar businesses for its access to water from the Iao, Waihee, Waiehu and Waikapu streams. The boom in the sugar industry spurred an influx of immigrants from the Philippines, China, Japan, Korea, and Portugal who made Wailuku their home and worked in the plantations. The mix of different cultures caused various businesses to surface in Wailuku’s central downtown area. Then, in the early 1900’s, government offices were established and the townspeople felt a surge of success and wealth flow through the town.

The bustling energy eventually dissipated, away from Wailuku, to the island’s south and west coastlines. As tourism to Hawaii became more popular in the 60’s, businesses slowly migrated their operations closer to the attractive tourist destinations. As a result, many downtown Wailuku buildings were left unoccupied. After many years of neglect places will eventually fall into decay, but time seems to stand still in some ways in this historic town. And while Wailuku has one foot rooted in ancient Hawaiian history and the plantation era, the other foot steps forward into the future. Still standing beneath the shadow of the iconic Iao Needle is the nearly 200-year-old Queen Ka‘ahumanu Church. Just beyond, one can still see old plantation homes from over a century ago, while a resurgence is occurring in downtown Wailuku, where ingenuity, creativity and entrepreneurship is driving the revival of the sleepy town.

Main

and

Market

Street,

rather

than

new

developments, relic buildings are getting a new breath of life. Aged structures that are nearly 100-years-old are juxtaposed with new businesses retrofitted into the existing architecture. Loft 145 on Market Street and Vineyard is just one of the many new additions to the neighborhoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s evolving character. Originally built in the early 1900â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, the building was first occupied by the family-owned and operated Wakamatsu Fishmarket. The fishmarket was well known for its fresh ahi sashimi and survived even through the recent major economic downturn, but eventually closed for business. The owners of Loft 145, Marc Tolliver and Karli Rose, took the space over in July of 2015 and brought in featured holistic esthetician Lani Morris, after another salon, Shuga, turned in their keys completing a six-year business venture. In two short and intensive months, the team at Loft 145 transformed the existing space into a rustic, yet polished place to relax and get pampered.

Photo : Jessica Pearl

The entrance of Loft 145 maintains the vernacular architecture of the early 1900’s Wailuku style. Back then, only the fronts of buildings had detailed features due to the high cost of construction materials. The same type of facade, which is rich in ornamentation and true to the plantation era is still there, but through the window panes, you can see Rose creating flattering hair do’s. “The inside of the salon is inspired by Wailuku,” explains Tolliver. A set of retro black hair styling chairs comprised of old and new pieces line the perimeter of the room. Mirrors that hang from the walls were specifically chosen for their clear glass to reflect true-to-color hair dyes. In the back, a chic and modern color lab (where hair dyes are mixed) is outfitted with a standing bar counter accentuated with eclectic light bulbs hanging from the ceiling. The lab feels like the atmosphere of a contemporary coffee shop, and like Wailuku itself, brings contrast of past and present to the space. In the corner of the salon, a large set of wooden barn doors draw your attention. Morris tells the story about how the area used to be the freezer for the fishmarket and points out the floor level change at the threshold of the doors, demarcating the previous freezer confines. Now, the doors slide open and close separating the main salon floor from a peaceful private area for one to receive relaxing spa treatments by Morris, a seasoned holistic esthetician. It is hard to believe that this space that was once used as a fish market would turn into a space used to enhance beauty and attract a new demographic to the area. Just as the original city designers had intended, Loft 145 stands along a tightly knit wall of buildings, where outside, pedestrians can feel safe to walk about the environment. Just a few minutes down the walkway, a diverse array of mixed uses have also begun to pop up in town; restaurants, health food bars, music and clothing stores, yoga studios, offices, and more are just a few of the other businesses that are filling the void. Wailuku is just recently making its comeback. As time goes on, the distinctive streetscape and the eclectic charm of old and new will keep the energy flowing as it once did -- making social gatherings, town parties, and urban gardens to hang out in a possibility. For more information about Loft 145 Beauty & Style, visit Loft145.style

About The Photographer: Bailey Rebecca Roberts is a photographer and Maui girl. Like many kids raised on an island, Bailey spent her teen years dreaming about traveling the world and the wonders of New York City. For the better half of the past decade, her photographic profession has taken her to that very city and around the globe. Trained at Parsons in Manhattan, her work has spanned the worlds of advertising, fine art and fashion. However, she hails Maui as her true heart home and always returns to the islands to create imagery that tell the story of this magical place. Bailey Roberts • (808) 205 7236 • www.BaileyRebeccaRoberts.com

Digital Collage by Jennifer J Stephens.com

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