This was the first pilot workshop before the Mele Murals series started in 2014. Estria and John Prime shared an art gallery in Kakaʻako called “Mahoa” and it was the gathering space for the four day workshop. Besides teaching the basics of painting a mural, this was the first trial of teaching students how to meditate, ground and reflect with their ancestors before starting the creative process. Keola Nakanishi from Mana Maoli lead the basic oli/chanting workshop teaching us the oli that became the theme of the mural “E ulu.”

The mo‘olelo of the mural is of an ʻulu (breadfruit) tree that is known to feed the nation of Hawai‘i. The ʻulu tree cries a sap that drips down to the ‘āina (land) and helps the kalo (taro) plants to grow, all in the goal of nourishment for our nation of Hawai‘i to grow. In the clouds of the mural, there is a formation of floating islands known as Kane huna moku. In folklore legend, it is said that the islands Kane huna moku will be seen if one paddles hard and far enough. In oneʻs ascension to heaven, you will see these floating islands.

With the success from all schools and teachers involved, this pilot workshop launched the Mele Murals series to start in 2014.

E Ulu

Translation from Nathaniel B. Emerson Unwritten Literature of Hawaiʻi:
The Sacred Songs of the Hula (1999)

E ulu, e uluKini o ke Akua

Ulu Kāne me Kanaloa

Ulu ʻōhiʻa lau koa me ka ʻeiʻei

Aʻe ami i noho i kou kuahu

Eia ka wai, he wai e ola

E ola nō e!

Grow, grow in the multitude of God

Grow with respect to the forest and sea

Grow with ʻōhiʻa, loa and ʻieʻie

Inhabit your place, O God

Here is the water, the water of life

Life forever!