ARTIST BIO
Kanohi Enos was born and raised in Wai'anae, O'ahu. Early on, his family taught him how to respect and appreciate the special beauty and spirit of their island home's traditions, culture, and art.
Raised in a family of artists, Kanohi has been working with his hands for as long as he can remember. At a young age, his father taught him the basics of Hawaiian craft making, and Kanohi helped supply implements to people wanting traditional Hawaiian tools. He then began exploring his culture through different tactile media. In addition, Kanohi has worked as a carpenter for many years, and applies this knowledge to his artistic skill set. These experiences have honed his skills to a level that allows him freedom of creativity without the limitations of specific techniques. Kanohi believes that Polynesian art is constantly evolving, and works to weave the integrity of his ancestors with the aesthetic of the urban Hawaiian movement.
Kanohi grew up in Wai'anae, an area which, despite its strong Hawaiian character, has a myriad of social problems; however, through culture and his art, Kanohi was able to pull himself away from many of the wrong roads he was traveling. Kanohi strives to reach freedom from all forms of conformity and show people that there are ways to sustain yourself while practicing your culture and expressing yourself artistically.
Working out of his studio, in Makaha, O'ahu, he draws from the elements that surround him--Mount Ka'ala and the Wai'anae Range, its many shades and moods, and the rural countryside's flora and fauna. It is nature's forms, both mauka and makai, overlaid with its traditions and culture, that Kanohi uses as the foundation of his designs.
Kanohi also loves spending time with his children and raises them to share the family's passion for Hawaii's natural beauty.
Some organizations Kanohi has supplied products to include Ka'ala Farms, Kamehameha Schools, Queen Liliu'okalani Childrens Center, Disney Aulani, Nohea Gallery, Namea Hawaii/Native Books and the Department of Education Hawaii.
Raised in a family of artists, Kanohi has been working with his hands for as long as he can remember. At a young age, his father taught him the basics of Hawaiian craft making, and Kanohi helped supply implements to people wanting traditional Hawaiian tools. He then began exploring his culture through different tactile media. In addition, Kanohi has worked as a carpenter for many years, and applies this knowledge to his artistic skill set. These experiences have honed his skills to a level that allows him freedom of creativity without the limitations of specific techniques. Kanohi believes that Polynesian art is constantly evolving, and works to weave the integrity of his ancestors with the aesthetic of the urban Hawaiian movement.
Kanohi grew up in Wai'anae, an area which, despite its strong Hawaiian character, has a myriad of social problems; however, through culture and his art, Kanohi was able to pull himself away from many of the wrong roads he was traveling. Kanohi strives to reach freedom from all forms of conformity and show people that there are ways to sustain yourself while practicing your culture and expressing yourself artistically.
Working out of his studio, in Makaha, O'ahu, he draws from the elements that surround him--Mount Ka'ala and the Wai'anae Range, its many shades and moods, and the rural countryside's flora and fauna. It is nature's forms, both mauka and makai, overlaid with its traditions and culture, that Kanohi uses as the foundation of his designs.
Kanohi also loves spending time with his children and raises them to share the family's passion for Hawaii's natural beauty.
Some organizations Kanohi has supplied products to include Ka'ala Farms, Kamehameha Schools, Queen Liliu'okalani Childrens Center, Disney Aulani, Nohea Gallery, Namea Hawaii/Native Books and the Department of Education Hawaii.
