Born in Honolulu, Hawai'i, Harinani Orme
earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree at the University of Hawai'i, Manoa and her Master of Fine Arts Degree at the Pratt Institute in New York.

Currently, her works focus on the myths and legends of old Hawai'i.
For these works Harinani calls upon her printmaker and painter skills.
She believes this combination infuses certain graphic characteristics into her images and allows for a more fully expression of the narrative style she desires.
She sees her works as an ongoing process of experimentation, harvestation and assemblage until the emerging image takes a life form of its own.
Her inspiration comes from a diversity of sources: visions entertained, dreams remembered, elements of nature, personal experiences and facets of life her senses have subconsciously absorbed.

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The cultural richness in the stories which are passed down from generation to generation can be lost when time is not taken to insure the keiki (children) learn them well. Lessons and teachings are available for every aspect of life, even the simplest. They allow for the discovery of how some things used to be and why. I hope, through these images, people can gain
a broader understanding of a small portion of the wisdom
accessible to all of us.

   
    [Maui Snaring the Sun]         [Gourd of Constant Winds]

My two art pieces feature the demigod Maui. The first piece is titled, Maui Snaring the Sun, and represents the legend of Maui as he lassoed the sun to slow down its journey as it crossed the sky so that Maui’s mother, the goddess Hina, would be able to dry out her tapa (mulberry cloth).
The second piece, Maui’s Gourd of Constant Winds, depicts the gourd of constant winds (Ipu makani a ka maumau), which Maui got from the Kahuna (priest) Kaleiiolu in Wipio Valley so he could fly his kite.

The purity of our environment is of great concern. From the air we breathe to the water we drink are of great importance. We all must consider how our actions can contribute to its destruction.
Maui’s capturing of the sun and wind are whimsical reminders that there are greater forces are at work than we can ever imagine.
And while the gods of old may have had them to manipulate, we are but Nature’s pawns in the overall scheme of things.

Harinani Orme

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Harinani enjoys sharing her creativity and takes pleasure in offering classes in Assemblage Art or as some prefer, Art From Scrap! Assemblage art is recognized by many as a rich and complex art medium. It takes mundane articles, useless items and simple rubbish to construct unique, evocative, sometimes humorous and often thought provoking creations that can be appreciated in their own right. These classes offer the participants an opportunity to express their creativity and expand their imagination.

Harinani has participated with Rosalinda Kolb in a tandem art exhibition entitled, “Miracles and Malcontents.” These contrasting artists offer artworks that differ from each other in scale, content and form, but once juxtaposed and put into the same room, compliment each other.

The sense of connectedness comes from a sub-text of positive energy, Mandala-like iconographic images and the belief in the relationship of all things.

Harinani believes her works offer one an opportunity to pause, ponder or just giggle. Frequently, she uses small found objects, and unites various elements to create symbols with new meanings. Often, her works have a Hawaiian-based theme. They impose the colorful upon the textured feeling while displaying her creative and playful sensitivities.

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