Ka Po'E Kahiko O Ke Kai. ~ Ancient Fisherman of the Sea
I was inspired to paint 'Ka Po’E Kahiko O Ke Kai' because it brings back the memories of the days when I fished the many reefs of Molokai." The colors of the ocean floor are illuminated by the strong daylight. "For me, portraying this diver and the shark is an invigorating experience that helped me depict a time when time stood still; when man was one with the environment."
This painting depicts an ancient Hawaiian diver in the depths of the sea with his Aumakua. There is an ancient village on the northern coast of Molokai at Pelekunu bay. In that village there lives a family who’s Aumakua is the shark, known to all as "Mano. Legend tells that the ancient Hawaiian fisherman could withstand the strong turbulent conditions of the ocean. It was said they were as strong as those who dived with nets. Being one with the environment, it was told that they could reach depths of over two hundred feet or more. They would take the oil from the kukui nut and spit to form a bubble in the palm of their hand and then carefully place the "bubble" on their eyes so they could see as they dove deeper.
There has always existed a mutual respect between the fisherman and the shark. Together they co-existed in harmony within the sea. Because of this unique relationship with the shark, the fisherman swims and fishes with a keen sense of calm and confidence in the sea. If you look closely you can see the faint image of the wa'a, a canoe on the surface of the water. Look to the corals and sea plants under them; you will find numerous fish that hide until they pass by.'