Life is a Muse Artist Häwane Riosfor Shares Her Soul’sSachi Purpose By Fern Gavelek
S
achi, the artist formerly known as Karla Musacchia, has been an award-winner since the 1970s. Before that, she mingled with celebrities in Malibu, was Playboy magazine’s first surfer girl centerfold, and appeared in Hollywood movies. The 74-year old Kona resident has lived in Hawai‘i on and off since 1977, and her life has taken many twists and turns. What’s at the top of Sachi’s mind and world now is how she healed herself during a three-year learning journey after being diagnosed with a host of maladies including pancreatic cancer. “I can now remember things, do 60 pushups—I have the energy of a 25-year-old!” exclaims Sachi. “My brain is bursting with all I’ve learned and succeeded at. I feel on the verge of good things for the future.”
KeOlaMagazine.com | January - February 2021
Destined to Be Creative Born in 1946, Sachi was diagnosed as having highfunctioning autism when she was young. She grew up in California, among artists including her mother, brothers, and several fraternal family members. Her Aunt Evelyn of Laupāhoehoe, a rock painter, was featured in the May–June 2013 issue of Ke Ola.
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“My family was all on the same page when it came to the arts,” Sachi recalls. “It’s kind of strange to have this genetic creative energy.” Sachi claims she got a “sensational creative education” after she ventured out on her own and moved to Malibu in 1962, as she wanted to know who she should be and what she should do. “I was supporting myself, working as a waitress, and saw famous people all around me,” she remembers. “I met artists like the writer Henry Miller, actors, and other creative people. I walked around and talked to these amazing people and learned a lot about their art and music—I was friends with some of the Beach Boys.” What fascinated Sachi about those she encountered was they were successful, but “not even trying.” She says they were doing their craft because they loved it and the intent was simple and pure. “I became the person I am now from the people I encountered in Malibu,” Sachi emphasizes. “It was their enthusiasm that most affected me.” The oil painting Amazing Grace is a vision Sachi had of son Aaron asleep atop a sea turtle.