Maui 2018-2019

POSTS DOCUMENTING MY YEAR ON MAUI

September 2018-September 2019

snapshots so far:

As I'm still in the in between doing my best to process and maneuver through the initial phase of my move to Maui...I thought I'd post the following photos and videos for you to see some snapshots of the life I've been integrating into here on Maui so far. They're not in any specific order of happening or of importance, but I thought you'd appreciate some getting to see where this Traveling Art Minister has landed. 

This was me flying across the ocean from Idaho to Maui

My new home on Maui

You'll hear me reference 257 a lot...it's where I live and it's also code for the Ohana (family) that lives there.

These are the shoes outside my door (my housemates and mine) at the front house.

The Waiau family has welcomed me into their Ohana. 

Here are the shoes at the big house in the back (mine are in there too!)

Upon my arrival I was welcomed with a lei and drinks by my house mates. And yes...that's one of my paintings in the background. 

My room

My art studio space

My sitting area

This Idaho girl has been having to get used to the heat and humidity and it's been quite the adjustment 

Did I mention that it's really hot here?

My housemates cooling off in the kiddy pool

A bit of worship practice at home

The family loves sharing meals together

hanging out together

learning together

conversation and relationship is a huge part of this community 

ummm....and bug spray is a huge part of my life here! 

grocery shopping together makes it fun too!

one of the many palms in the garden

The West Maui Mountains going towards home

Haleakala...upcountry towards the east

We experienced a full day of tropical rains and it was refreshing for all of us in this heat wave

With so many living at the house there are natural moments of mentoring that take place

and opportunities for encouraging each other as we learn new things

it cools off in the evenings so sitting outside as the day makes it's end is often part of life

I get to see palm trees every day! 

Ke Aha Vineyard church services are on Sunday evenings 

Here is a taste of some of the worship time

Ke Aha Vineyard church's autumn small groups just started up so I've decided to attend all 3 of them so I can get dive in and learn and get to know people more. This was the Tuesday night group.

This was the Wednesday night group. 

This was the Thursday night group.

Here is some after church service community happening at Ke Aha.

Oftentimes we like to go out to eat as a way of continuing our conversations after the church services.

If you look closely...there is a chicken convention happening in the Safeway parking lot. 

Speaking of chickens...the neighbors next door have roosters. And one of them (I've named him Russell Crow) likes to sit on top of the coop and stare into my bedroom window and crow at me. 

Part of living in community, we each have various household jobs to do...mine is to do some of the weeding near the mailbox area. I call it curb appeal. 

This is a place you'll find many of us at...the Boba Tea Cafe

Aunty Shelley and I like to frequent this frozen yogurt shop. 

I decided to get out and about on my own and so I took the bus to Paia (a small artsy hippie town).

I got to see some really cool murals

And lots and lots of stickers on poles

But what I really went to Paia for was to have a beach day! I walked on the beach and put my feet in the water and listened to the surf.

Here's a bit of the ocean to listen to

Yep...I really am here. My feet have landed on Maui

MUCH ALOHA TO YOU ALL! 

Thank you so much for your prayers and encouragement, for your love and support. We're in this together. 

Oh...and there will be art and creativity to come...I promise you that. In time. I'm letting myself settle in and adjust first. I need the time to listen in and let the island and the surf and  the people and Holy Spirit speak, that I may enter into the conversation as He leads so we can paint on people's lives. 

So...more to come...with time....

AND SO IT BEGINS:

I have paint on my hands and it's a beautiful thing! As a painter, when I'm not creating I am usually thinking about creating, preparing to create, and anticipating creating. Creating makes me happy. 

So with this move to Maui and all the planning and packing and goodbyeing and traveling and helloing and unpacking and prepping and adjusting...it's been awhile since I've had the ability to paint and create. 

Today was my second Sunday here on Maui. I painted live tonight during the worship service for Ke Aha Vineyard church and I have to be honest and say that it felt so good to be creating again...and creating with Ke Aha...for Ke Aha. 

This was my paint station on the stage. All of this pictured (and a lot that isn't pictured that makes up my art studio where I am now living at 257) are art supplies and equipment that I've purchased and brought over to the island or purchased once I moved here to the island for the purpose of painting live at Ke Aha and ministering through creativity. All of this was made possible through either my revelatorART sales or generous donations from art ministry supporters. We're doing this together. 

While here on Maui I will be offering my talents/giftings as a live painter and art minister to Ke Aha Vineyard on a regular basis. 

This is a photo of me painting live along with the worship team. I believe that as a live worship painter it's important to connect with the worship team, the leaders and the pastors...to be on the same page together...one heart, one voice...each bringing our talents and gifting to the conversation. It's a collaboration with God, with each other, and with the people coming to participate. So it's important to speak to the pastor ahead of time about direction, it's important to be there ahead of time to set up while the band is practicing, it's important to pray with the band and the leaders before the service. This is all a part of coming alongside them through creativity to visually lead in worship. It's not about me...it's about all of us together. 

Afterwards I had the opportunity to speak a bit about the painting's meaning. This image was screenshot from the live feed of the Ke Aha Vineyard services on YouTube. Sorry for the poor quality of my screenshot. 

If you'd like to watch this service or any of the Ke Aha Vineyard services...they are streamed live on YouTube and are archived there. Just go to: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=ke+aha+vineyard  to watch. Services are Sunday evenings, they start at 4pm Maui time. 

ho'ano 

(awe and wonder)

c. 2018 Lisa Marten

18x24 mixed media on canvas

we are to be like children letting God lead us, not losing our childlike wonder, filled with joy, dancing with Him out of darkness into the light.

I'm so very thankful for the opportunity to minister through art in this kind of way here on Maui. I'm looking forward to the journey ahead and where He will lead. 

CREATIVITY IS THE LANGUAGE:

I've been living here on Maui over a month now. Time is already moving at a fast pace...and yet I still feel in the in between. I'm still adjusting to a new culture and a new way of life, still trying to find my rhythm and my way. And that's okay. It takes time for a new piece of clothing to become a trusted comfortable faithful garment.   I may always be a sojourner...a traveler of the in between...as my heart and home are in so many places. This is who I am, this is being a Traveling Art Minister. 

One thing that seems constant amidst all this change is when I paint...this is where I feel the most grounded, the most centered...the most like me. And whether I'm painting live in front of others for others or painting in solitude in my studio for me...creativity is the language I feel the most comfortable speaking (especially in situations where I am fumbling daily to adjust like an awkward teenager in a new school). Creativity is a language we all speak. We may speak different dialects of it (I paint, she sings, he cooks, she dances, he plays an instrument, she photographs, he sculpts, she teaches, he designs, she gardens, he builds, she directs, he films, she writes, he acts, etc.)...but we each speak it. And the  more we let ourselves communicate in that common language, the more we draw closer to each other to learn and understand to grow and to change. And it's through this creativity that I am finding the open conversations with others here. Our common ground. And this is where I will find my footing here. 

Paintings I've created so far in my studio:

"hilina'i"

c. 2018 Lisa Marten 

18x24 mixed media on unstretched canvas

This painting is about Trust. It's inspired from countless conversations, word pictures, movies, and other paintings over that last few years. It's important that when the storms of life hit we gather together with courage and hope for one another and with one another. We're better together. 

"lanai'a kanaka"

c. 2018 Lisa Marten

18x24 mixed media on canvas

This painting is inspired by the words Jesus spoke about being fishers of people. With an outstretched hand, it's all about giving grace, mercy, peace, understanding, compassion, empathy, and the stick-to-it-ness of intentional relationship from the heart in love (not taking or owning or possessing from an agenda)...it's about staying open even in the messiness of life together with each other. 

Paintings I've created live at Ke Aha Vineyard so far:

"ho'ano"

c. 2018 Lisa Marten

18x24 mixed media on unstretched canvas

This painting is about being like children letting God lead us, not losing our childlike wonder, filled with joy, dancing with Him out of darkness into the light.

pre-service preparations

"ho'oponopono"

c. 2018 Lisa Marten

18x24 mixed media on unstretched canvas

This painting was inspired by a Hawaiian forgiveness ritual and by conversations about what it means to be image bearers of Christ (the Prince of Peace). It's all about being peacemakers amidst conflict and chaos, anger and hate, lies and slander, bitterness and rage, sin and despair. And in the face of adversity instead of reciprocated in like, speaking love and kindness, grace and hope, mercy and peace (represented by the plumerias). 

pre-service preparations

"hokule'a"

c. 2018 Lisa Marten

18x24 mixed media on unstretched canvas

This painting was inspired by learning about the Hawaiian star compass navigation (old school navigation via the stars (focusing on on a specific star) and by conversations connecting Jesus as the Word our main specific star to focus on in navigation of our lives (In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God). 

There will be many many more paintings coming from both places (my studio and live) as I continue to speak the language of creativity and find my way along my journey here on Maui. Stay tuned...

SPACE TO CREATE: 

An Artist needs space to create. It really is a necessity. How big that space is, what that space looks like, and what that space includes in it is as unique as the Artist and the situation and means given. 

Over the 20 years I've been a Full Time Working Artist, the 14 years I've been an Art Minister, and the 7 years I've been a Traveling Art Minister/Missionary, I have occupied and have worked in all kinds of art studio spaces. Whether it's a dining room table, a bedroom floor, a house living room, a city street alley, a concert stage,  a coffee house, a storefront window, a church platform, a grassy park, a convention center, a house patio, a vehicle garage, a back yard, an orphanage kitchen, a carpet warehouse, a community shared studio, or a new construction home studio....they've all been important parts of my creative process and artistic journey. 

I have a home art studio back in Idaho still. And though I've moved to Maui (for at least a year) it is still there for use by Artist friends and waiting for me if/when I return. 

But I'm currently here on Maui...so I need (and have set up) studio space here and now to work in and work with. I wanted to share with you what that studio space looks like so you can see what this looks like for me as I paint and minister here on Maui as a full time working Artist and as a Traveling Art Minister. 

HOME STUDIO ON MAUI

This is my home studio here on Maui. 

It's a much smaller space than my studio back in Idaho (which was specifically built as an art studio with a utility sink and great lighting and outlets and lots of shelves and special flooring and lots of space and is located in the garage)...but though my current studio is much smaller and basically takes up half my bedroom, I make it work and it's such a wonderful thing to be able to create at anytime (I can literally roll out of bed and go to work!) 

How did this studio space come to be?

The previous 2 trips to Maui I brought a large roller suitcase each trip filled with all kinds of art supplies that had been donated (including easels, drop cloths, acrylic paints, water color paints, brushes, paper, pastels chalks, pencils, pens, colored pencils, markers, crayons, clay, office supplies, etc.)  In preparation for my move to Maui I shipped over boxes with my personal tools, drop cloths, easel, and other art supplies, along with a small printer. I also ordered and had shipped to Maui a large roll (25 yards worth) of unstretched primed canvas that I could cut myself for numerous paintings whatever sizes I will need. And when I moved over in September I checked my black roller art bag on the plane, that carried my personal paint brushes (which in comparison they are to me as a chef's personal knife set would be to them). 

This prep ahead of time was a HUGE necessity and a HUGE blessing to do like that because it has saved me heaps of money in the long run and has basically given me a ready made art studio with art ministry supplies on hand to utilize at anytime. 

Once I arrived here on Maui I was able to use donated monies (from generous supporters of my traveling art ministry) to purchase the portable tables and plastic bins to store all the art supplies in, and purchase additional supplies to fill in any missing gaps. 

I'm still working out the kinks in this studio (it takes living and creating in a space for a time to know if you have the right   supplies and have things in the right place for efficiency and ease and flow for creative process). 

It's so nice to to have a home studio and I am so very thankful. 

most recent painting created in studio

malalo iho

(Hawaiian for deeper)

c. 2018 Lisa Marten

18x24 mixed media on unstretched canvas

painted in my home studio here on Maui

This painting is all about the work it takes to explore the depths of who we are. A diver must undergo hours and hours of instruction, training, and practice in order to go to the areas of the ocean where they can find beautiful worlds, hidden treasures, and exciting discoveries. But even with the licensed training and years of experience, probing the depths can be perilous if the diver doesn't stay alert, trust their instruction and their gages, and rely on wisdom. I see this as a great parallel lesson for life. 

PORTABLE STUDIO ON MAUI

This is my portable studio for painting live. That black roller bag I purchased back in 2000 and it has carried countless art supplies for me over the years and has traveled with me all around the world on art ministry travels and has seen so many different places and venues that I've gotten to paint live in. It's a trusted friend and companion and I'm so thankful for it being with me here on Maui. 

Because I have a home studio (set up with it's own supplies) and a portable studio (for painting live at Ke Aha and elsewhere) my black bag is always ready to go. It carries acrylic paints and other mediums (pastels, pencils, pens, charcoals, matte medium), paint brushes and tools, palettes and water containers and rags, drop cloths, a light and extension cord, matte fixative spray, and my easel. The other roller cart I purchased here on Maui at Home Depot and it carries my portable table and my painting board with unstretched canvas attached. Also...bungee cords and binder clips are awesome! 

Having this portable studio ready to go is so helpful in that I don't have to pack up supplies from my home studio every time I need to go paint live. It's already ready to go with me (whether I'm driving myself in Mak my Maui Cruiser or hopping into the back of one of the Ohana's pick up trucks or vans to get a ride). 

I'm still working out the kinks with this studio (it takes time utilizing it's portability to know if you have the right routine and supplies for efficiency and ease with set up and take down  and transport and flow for creative process). 

It's so fun to have a portable studio and I'm so very thankful. 

This is my painting station set up on the stage with the worship band at Ke Aha Vineyard in Kahului, Maui. This photo was taken this past Sunday evening as I painted live.  Being that Ke Aha doesn't own their own building space (they are renting from another church), out of necessity I need to have my art supplies portable (there is no space for storage for my stuff on site). As you can see, it's bare bones supplies but that makes for quick set up and take down. 

most recent painting created live

ho'ola pana'i

(Hawaiian for redeemer or healer)

c. 2018 Lisa Marten

18x24 mixed media on unstretched canvas

painted live at Ke Aha Vineyard church on Maui

This painting is all about restoration from devastation, light from darkness, life from death, beauty from ashes. Our God is the redeemer of the broken and the hurting, the bruised and the abused, the cast our and the oppressed, the misfits and the misunderstood. There is hope. All through the background of this painting is written the Scripture of Isaiah 61:1-3, "The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of the vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn and provide for those who grieve in Zion--to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor."

COMING ALONGSIDE:

A huge part of what I get to do as a Traveling Art Minister is to come alongside others in creative ways through creativity in what they're already doing within their communities. This is the kind of collaboration that I really enjoy...when it's not really about art itself (although the art does have purpose and meaning and is many times a way of opening up conversation) but it's more about the relationship that is cultivated between people in the process. 

Here on Maui this creative collaboration is looking as unique as those with whom I'm coming alongside at each step of the journey. 

ART ILLUSTRATION

Numerous transparent plastic grids, yards of colored plastic wire, and some scissors. I was able to collaborate on and prep an art project a couple of weeks ago for one of the small groups at Ke Aha Vineyard led by Auntie Shelley. It was a weaving activity representing the redemption and restoration of shattered shalom (peace). The art project was Auntie Shelley's idea. She asked me to be a part of it and together we collaborated on the supplies. Later I worked on a prototype that people could use as an example to work from, and I also prepped each plastic grid with black wire (representing sin and brokenness) woven in so each person would only be weaving the colored wires (representing the restoration of peace through Jesus) on their individual grid. I believe the art project would have been part of the lesson even if I hadn't been there to help...but I have to say...though it may have been a small thing to do...it was a lot of fun to come along side Auntie by working on it and lot of fun to experience the group engaging with it. 

CHRISTMAS PARTY FOR THE HOMELESS

Hundreds of toys, pillows, and backpacks...yards of wrapping paper, ribbon, and bows...pounds of kalua pig, roasted turkey, rice, and all the fixings of a festive meal...raffle gifts, games, candy, and live music. It was a massive Christmas party for the homeless, sponsored by one of the local churches on Maui. I joined a group of us from Ke Aha Vineyard as we came alongside many many other volunteers and faithful homeless shelter workers to serve the people of Maui who are struggling to live (especially at this time of year). I got to be a part of the team that wrapped the children's Christmas presents. It was one of the single most beautiful things I've gotten to be a part of...and to see the smiles light up the children's faces as they received the wrapped Christmas gifts with tags that had  their names handwritten on them...it brought tears to my eyes. This event has been going on for....over 12 years at least...it would've happened whether I was there or not, but the cool thing is that by being a part of it, I was able to work on cultivating relationships  with people and I was able to be a part of something that is so much bigger than any of us. Love. 

WREATH MAKING

Evergreen branches. Pinecones. Branches encased in lichen. Berry laden boughs. Wire and string.  I was able to join some friends for a night of door wreath making. Some of them had gone up country earlier in the day to cut evergreen branches and gather pinecones. We gathered for a festive evening of holiday snacks, eggnog, Christmas music, and crafting of the greenery. The friends I'm making here on Maui like to do stuff like this. It was a night that was going to take place whether I was there or not. The really cool part was that by being in the midst of it I was able to work on building relationship with them through conversations and through encouraging everyone's creativity as we worked side by side. 

Being an Art Minister can look like just about anything (when  you have the eyes to see that creativity is everywhere)...because it's never really about the "art"... it's always going to be about people and their hearts and cultivating relationships as you join the conversations that God is already having with people by coming alongside others in what they're already doing. It makes it even more fun! 

PAINTING PLANS:

The paintings I've been working on are part of 2 series that I'm creating during my time here on Maui. One series are the paintings I'm creating within my home studio. These are paintings that may or may not be a part of my personal journey but are speaking from within me and from my experiences here. The other series are the paintings I'm creating live at Ke Aha Vineyard Church during their worship services. These are paintings that are a part of the rhythm and heartbeat of what is being spoken and lived out for the people who are a part of Ke Aha. 

Many people have asked me if the paintings I'm creating here on Maui are for sale. At this point in time they are not. But I do have plans. 

Eventually I'd like to open things up for pre-order/pre-pay prints (this will require me sending the originals to my printer in Boise, Idaho so they can be digitally shot and archived and then they'll have to be sent back to me). It will take time and cost but it is my desire to have prints available for sale of these paintings I'm creating here on Maui. 

The original paintings I'm creating in studio I would like to be able to eventually have a featured art show somewhere at a local venue here on Maui where they can be on display and for sale (along with prints). This would be a way of gaining some income here. But it probably won't be for awhile and nothing is planned yet. 

The original paintings I'm creating live at Ke Aha Vineyard I would like to also be able to eventually have an art show possibly centered around a worship night or special event for Ke Aha where they can all be on display (as a Visio Divina experience...a creative way to interact with God's presence through visual art). Creating these paintings are a part of the art ministry I'm doing here on Maui as the Artist in Residence at Ke Aha Vineyard. I would like to be able to offer the originals for sale (along with prints) to those who are a part of Ke Aha. I'm still praying about how that all might look and trying to listen in on God's conversation about plans for whatever money that would come from the sales of the paintings (I want to be obedient in how He leads). But it probably won't be for awhile and nothing is planned yet. 

So, if you're interested in purchasing an original or a print...stay tuned...I will keep you posted as to when/how that will be possible. 

Here are the most recent paintings I've created....

PAINTED IN STUDIO

where I live on Maui

ulu i loko o ka naauao

(grow in wisdom)

c. 2018 Lisa Marten

18x24 mixed media on unstretched canvas

Using the metaphor of a bird in a nest, this painting is about the process it takes for us all to grow and change and become who we are meant to be. It's about being patient and allowing ourselves to do the hard work within in order to dare to dream bigger and gain those wings to fly. We're all at different stages of this process (and we can even be at different stages within multiple processes in our lives...yeah, we're complex like that). This is why grace is so important...with ourselves and with each other...the process takes time...and it's not easy. And this is why seeking wisdoms is so important...we need each other for support and guidance to help us gain all that we need that sparks the courage and hope within us to keep moving forward...that we may rise. This painting is not about WHAT to see...but all about HOW to see. 

maka maka

(friends)

c. 2018 Lisa Marten

18x24 mixed media on unstretched canvas

This painting is about friendship and life and all the stuff and things we go through (the joyous times and the really hard difficult sorrow times). When we allow ourselves to be real, to be open, to be intentional...to go through it together no matter what the journey looks like...life can be so beautiful...and together we can face it with courage and love and hope. 

PAINTED LIVE

at Ke Aha Vineyard Church on Maui

ala hana

(way maker)

c. 2018 Lisa Marten

18x24 mixed media on unstretched canvas

This painting is all about the God who sees us. The God who loves us. The God who wants us. Even the darkness isn't dark to Him. He intentionally tore the veil (that which represents anything that separates us and gets in the way and distracts and causes brokenness) so we can be free to live and free to love in relationship with Him and with each other. 

ka haahaa loa

(humility)

c. 2018 Lisa Marten

18x24 mixed media on unstretched canvas

The heart behind this painting is that Jesus lived the example for us as the humble loving God-man. We're to be the people of love and compassion, gentleness and kindness, we're to be the people of humble hearts willing to touch the untouchable, willing to be there for the broken-hearted, willing to get messy with those who are messy, to listen and come alongside, to give out of our abundance and out of our lack, to be the people of love and reconciliation. 

ART WITH HEART EVENT:

I was able to be a part of a creative event here on Maui bringing several local visual artists, musicians and live painters together to be featured for a night of meaningful artistic expression, creative collaboration, and connecting conversations. 

It was held at Made In Hope Cafe in Wailuku, Hawaii on Maui. 

I want to thank the owners of Made In Hope and all those who work there and helped make this even possible. And a big shout out and thank you to Danielle for being such a great event coordinator! It was truly a fun experience to be a part of. 

I love creative collaboration! 

One of my favorite things is when artists are gathered together to inspire each other and others through creativity. 

Local artists (including myself) displayed their visual art throughout the cafe. For some of the artists, this was their first time getting to show their work in public. 

Opening up the night was singer/songwriter Gabe Shaible and live painter Sarah Shannon. This was their first time collaborating like this together. They were really fun to experience.

Sarah Shannon created this stunning heart piece to Gabe's music. Sarah is the Artist in Residence at the Made in Hope Cafe and is currently working on a large mural that she has designed on a wall in the parking lot. 

Gabe Shaible sang to us songs she had written and helped set the welcoming atmosphere and tone for the night. 

As the night moved on more and more people came to enjoy the event (the first of it's kind at Made in Hope Cafe) entering into conversations and connecting in community. The energy was so fun.

People found themselves standing, sitting at tables, sitting on the floor and engaging with the artistic experience of the evening. 

photo credit: Sonny Waiau

Next up was the live music of singer/songwriter Isabeau Waiau Walker. Isabeau lives in the Portland, Oregon area but is a Maui native and was home for the holidays. Isabeau played all her own songs and has a style that incorporates storytelling and audience interaction. 

Here is her YouTube Channel: Isabeau Waia'u Walker

Here is her Patreon Site: Isabeau

Here is her SoundCloud Page: isabeau-waiau-walker

Here is her CD Baby Page: IsabeauWaiauWalker

photo credit: Sonny Waiau

I painted live to Isabeau Waiau Walkers music (it was the first time we had collaborated like this) and it was such a fun experience. I think we were all caught up in the moment and the set went by so fast.

photo credit: Lorie Yanuaria

I have traveled to Maui several times over the last 5 years painting live each time. And I moved here to Maui a few months ago and have painted live many times already...but this was my first experience painting live in a venue outside of a church here on Maui...and it was a blast! 

photo credit: Sonny Waiau

The night was such a fun experience gathering artists and art lovers together for a night of Art with Heart. 

The evening was closed out with some original spoken word given by poet Zander Chasen. 

photo credit: Shelley Waiau

pu'uwai ho'ola kahuna 

(hawaiian for Heart Healer)

c. 2018 Lisa Marten

18x24 mixed media on unstretched canvas

painted live at Made In Hope Cafe 

Wailuku, Hawaii

This painting was created to the live music of singer/songwriter Isabeau Waiau Walker. It is about surrendering to the process of healing the deep woundings we may have experienced throughout life. That process looks different for all of us, as each of our heart journey's look different from each others. But ultimately the process is a surrendering to the One who brings the healing. It's letting it be an exploration, a conversation, a collaboration, a partnership of risk and trust that can lead us on a new path bringing restoration and life to the dead places, the woundings, the brokenness, the hurt, the pain, and the blockages. That surrendering isn't easy...but it can bring healing. 

MOUNTAIN TOP EXPERIENCE:

The Mountain: Haleakala-Halemahina-Kahalawai

(Hawaiian for House of the Sun-House of the Moon-House of Water)

c. 2018 Lisa Marten

acrylic on canvas

This painting utilizes the imagery of the mountains combined here on Maui. On the west of the island sits Halemahina-Kahalawai (the West Maui Mountain)...House of the Moon and Water. I live at the base of this tropical lush, green, river and waterfall laden mountain. On the east of the island sits Haleakala (the dormant volcano)...House of the Sun. This mountain rises over 10,000 feet from sea level and features all various terrain and climate on the way up to the top. This painting is about the journey that is our lives and the calling we hear to ascend onward and upward. 

During the first week of this new year I was invited to join a group of the Ohana on a road trip up to the summit of Haleakala to see the sunset. And though for a portion of my first trip to Maui in 2014 I stayed in the town of Kula (which is part way up the mountain) I have never been to the top. So this would be a first time experience for me and I was excited for the chance to go and to share with some of my new friends here on Maui. 

Technically and relatively speaking, Maui isn't very big. It's only 48 miles long and 26 miles wide (728 square miles). Driving time to places around the island can vary though depending upon where your starting point is and where your destination point will be. This is due to the varying terrain and limitations on roads and vehicle reliability. Sometimes going from point A to point B can be within 15 minutes or half an hour at most. Other times going from point A to point C or D could be a couple of hours or more. If you're mainly staying in Central Maui (where the main city of Kahului and the airport) then traveling time to things in the central area can be in the shorter range. If you're staying in areas like Lahaina (on the west side) or Kihei or Wailea (the south side) or Hana (on the west side)  and need to travel to other places...then your travel times will be longer to get to those other places on the island. And typically if you're planning trips on either the west side or the east side of the island (from the opposite side) especially to the mountain areas...it's gonna be on the longer side of the journey no matter what. 

Our plans were to be at the summit so we could watch the sunset on the horizon of the ocean. We carpooled in a reliable pick up truck from a central spot at one of the shopping areas in Kahului (central Maui). There is only one road up the mountain from that side and it took us an hour to get up to the top (going through the towns of Pukelani and Kula). 

It was a beautiful drive. To my amazement we drove through all various kinds of terrain and climates on the way up to the summit (from forests lining the road that made think of the Pacific Northwest in the US and also Ireland where it rained on us, to rolling hills that made me think of the high desert in my home state of Idaho or even the Scottish highlands, and finally up above the clouds to what felt like a Mars scape of  red volcanic rock at the top). 

I'm a science/space geek...and waiting for me at the top was the Haleakala Observatory housing the Mees Solar Observatory, the Pan-STARRS Telescope (observing asteroids, comets, stars), the Faulkes Telescope North, the TLRS 4-Laser Ranging System, the Zodiacal Light Observatory (SOLAR-C observing the Sun's corona), and the Maui Space Surveillance Complex (housing several telescopes observing deep space). For me, it was exciting  to see these very important scientific instruments up close (or at least within walking distance). 

The summit was 10,023 feet up and the view was spectacular!!!

A 360 degree view of nothing but ocean and clouds. 

My feet have been all around this beautiful globe. It was a thrill for me to step foot on ancient lava rock at the top of that volcano. 

And it was really cold up there! Very different from the tropical heat and humidity down below where I live. 

I'm so thankful for the opportunity I had to share in this mountain top experience with some of the Ohana here on Maui. 

Getting to watch the sun slowly set off in the distance beyond the horizon of ocean and clouds at that elevation with that view was so incredible.

And as this new year begins I took a moment at the top of that mountain to listen. I heard God speak to my heart in a very Lion King kind of way. "Everywhere the sun touches is yours to go and touch". I heard him say that there is so much more for me out beyond what I can see. We journey together, He and I. Creatively partnering to come alongside others in the conversations He is having with them. 

I'm here on Maui for a specific time and for a specific purpose with some very specific people. But it's not my stopping point. This traveling artist will have other travels to other places for other people to embark on. My future is not known...but what I'm experiencing and learning and giving through living here and ministering here on Maui for this year with these people is important for this moment...and also for the moments to come. O Haleakala....you were my mountain top experience....

"I was calling out your name. before I knew from where you came. A spirit big a spirit strong. I could hear that spirit song. O Haleakala. My mana grand mama. You say you open up and live. Let that sweet love come in. Ocean bottom mountain sky. I and I and I and I. I go forth into the heart. Aloha spirit through the dark. O Haleakala." (lyrics by Trevor Hall)

mao anu

(Hawaiian for beyond)

c. 2019 Lisa Marten

18x24 mixed media on unstretched canvas

This painting is about the choice we have to risk all and go beyond what is predictable...to step out the door and onto the road, climb through the wardrobe, fall into the rabbit hole, take the blue pill, get out of the canoe, go off the map, head into the black hole...this painting is about what is beyond that calls us forward into the adventure of uncharted territory that is our life. Do we have the courage to find out what's on the other side?

COLLABORATIVE PAINTING:

One of the things I love about what I get to do as an Art Minister is to be able to implement collaborative art with groups. These are intentional creative moments for small or large groups, young or old, creatively experienced or non-experienced to work together on a painting or an art activity for the main purpose of allowing the act of creativity to be a way of opening up conversation and connection (sometimes freeform and sometimes focused on a topic or theme). 

Oftentimes I will prep a canvas with a pre-designed image ahead of time. The participants then are given the opportunity to paint the image however they feel led. I typically will also prep all the supplies needed for the activity (paints, brushes, water containers, rags, drop cloths, paper plate pallets, spray bottles, paper towels).   Then I give some basic instructions to the participants with a main stipulation that they can create however they want to and they are encouraged to not destroy what someone else has created but can choose to add to it to as an enhancement.  They are given freedom to choose the colors  of paint to use, the size brushes or even their hands to use, the painting techniques and textures to use, and they even can include writing words or adding mixed media to the image. I adjust these instructions depending upon the size of group I'm working with and their ages and purpose of the gathering. 

This week I was able to lead a collaborative painting activity like this with the teens who live in the house here at 257. Since my arrival on Maui in September they've each spoken to me that they have wanted to do some painting with me and we were finally able to do it. I had brought a 3ftx2.5ft piece of unstretched canvas with me from Idaho that I had primed for painting (not knowing what I would use it for) and chose to use it for this collaborative activity. In talking with their mom, who is homeschooling them, I found out what the youth have been learning about lately in their Bible study lessons and I was able to predesign the image based on that information. While we painted together I asked them questions and had them share with me about what they were learning. 

They were learning about the topic of True Repentance and what it means to choose to turn away from the things that would separate them from good relationship with God. The image is of hands washing up at a faucet. There is another set of hands around them helping out. This is representing the partnership we have with God in relationship. It is our choice to turn towards Him, but He is right there actively involved in our lives, taking us by the hands and helping us come into change. 

It was a lot of fun to connect through creativity and conversation with these teens. It was also a good lesson for them in learning to work together (figuring out how to compromise in the painting process and respecting each others' ideas and styles). I love how creativity can open up doors for multiple layers of conversation and learning. And really...no matter how old we are...It's good to be reminded of what it takes to work and play along side each other in unity. 

NEW PAINTINGS FOR A NEW YEAR:

Here are the most recent paintings I've created so far at the start of this year:

ka kehahi

(the one)

c. 2019 Lisa Marten

18x24 mixed media on unstretched canvas

This painting is about the decisions we can sometimes find ourselves up against in life...how we can all too often get caught up in all the busyness of all the stuff from all the expectations of all the doing of all the things that we deem important and urgent and yet there's always the one that is out there that seems unreachable, unattainable, it is our prize...our hearts long for it...it is the one that resounds with our hearts...because it is the one that is us. This painting is about letting go of all that isn't who we are, and choosing with courage and determination to embrace our true selves. It's a choice...and that choice must be made intentionally.

ke alualu la'a kea

(chasing light)

c. 2019 Lisa Marten

18x24 mixed media on unstretched canvas

This painting is about being light in the darkness like beacons in the night, about spreading that light to each other (especially when one of us is struggling and there's discouragement and the light seems dim, we can help point to the One who is our heart light, the one who is our love light when all hope seems to diminish, we can encourage and help set the fires in each other ablaze once again because we are the people who understand what it means to be in darkness and to feel no hope but we are now people of the light and together we are to shine that hope to others who are struggling in the dark. We need each other. Be courageous. Shine Love boldly. Help others see in the dark. 

mao aku

(beyond)

c. 2019 Lisa Marten

18x24 mixed media on unstretched canvas

This painting is about the choice we have to risk all and go beyond what we already know, beyond what is comfortable, beyond what is predictable...to step out the "door and onto the road", climb through the "wardrobe", fall into the "rabbit hole", take the "blue pill", get out of the "canoe", go "off the map", head into the "black hole"...this painting is about what is beyond that calls us forward into the adventure of uncharted territory that is our life. Do we have the courage to find out what's on the other side? 

malama pono a kokoke

(faithful and near)

c. 2019 Lisa Marten

18x24 mixed media on unstretched canvas

This painting is all about the closeness and nearness that the God who "sees us" desires with us. It's faithful, it's trusting, and it's relational. No matter the pain or the brokenness, no matter the anger or the hurt, no matter the fear or the anxiety, no matter the questions or the doubts...no matter how we come...He wants to be close to us. 

hou hanaia'na 

(new creation)

c. 2019 Lisa Marten

18x24 mixed media on unstretched canvas

This painting is inspired by the pounding process of making poi from the taro root. Poi is a purple pounded starchy paste-like Hawaiian food (that is sometimes fermented sour) and is a staple to most meals, or enjoyed eaten on it's own...in community from the same bowl (sometimes eaten with hands). Not everyone likes it, it's an acquired taste (I personally like it) but it's actually healthy for the body. It's an example of unity and being all in together. Being in that bowl together is like being in life together. It can mean sacrifice and struggle at times but the result is so beneficial. We're all different and we all bring something unique to the mix. We need each other. We learn from each other. Sometimes it's hard. But we're better together. 

COLLABORATIVE CREATING WITHIN KITCHEN RENOVATION: 

A creative collaboration effort implementing a long time in coming blessing for the Waia'u family has been underway over the last month as numerous people have been involved in the renovation of the kitchen in the back house at 257 Mohalu here on Maui where I live with the Waia'u Ohana. This has included the un-installment and retrieval of a full kitchen from owners of a condo that were doing their own renovations, the complete demolition of the old kitchen at 257, electrical work, plumbing work, drywall installation, texture, priming, painting, installment of all the new cabinets, appliances, counters, lighting, flooring.....

The following photos are snapshots of the process...

The old kitchen

The family took time to write Scriptures, words, quotes, and songs of worship and praise on the walls and floor before the renovations began.

photo credit: Shelley Waia'u

Special thanks to TEAM PRUITT for all their hard work and organization! 

photo credit: Shelley Waia'u

I was able to add some brushstrokes as I helped the painting crew add some color to the walls and ceiling.

photo credit: Shelley Waia'u

The new kitchen...still needing a few appliances installed and the flooring.

PppppPAINT...

I was asked to create paintings to help cover the backside of a cabinet and the side of a cupboard, both part of the new kitchen renovations and protruding out beyond the archway that opens from the kitchen to the dining room. 

So here is the evolution of both mural paintings that I created on a couple of pieces of plywood (that were specifically cut for me to do this project). 

The painting that is going to be attached to the left side of the archway on the backside of the pantry cabinet is about hospitality and community (two themes that are held dear to the Waia'u Ohana). I chose to incorporate a pineapple and a pomegranate (as they both symbolize hospitality, generosity, and abundance) and a lilikoi (passion fruit) representing love. I included the bowl of poi and the poi pounder as they are well known to local Hawaiian culture (the process of pounding taro root into a paste like substance to be eaten with meals) and represent gathering in community (being willing to go through the hard stuff of life together to experience the good stuff). 

The painting that will be attached to the right side of the archway on the side of the dishes cupboard is about the importance of listening and following the call of God. "Put a bird on it"...that's what Auntie Shelley asked me to do (this is a reference to the TV comedy Portlandia). She chose the Pacific Golden Plover (a bird that migrates nonstop from Alaska to Hawaii every winter and is called kōlea in Hawaiian). She chose this bird in symbolism representing many of the Ohana who migrate to Maui from the Pacific Northwest. 

The following photos are an evolution of both paintings. The final photo is to give you a view of how the paintings will look once they're attached to their cabinets. 

Ppppppppp............

Pineapple, Pomegranate, Passion Fruit, Poi, Pounder

Ppppppppp......

Put a bird on it.

Pacific Golden Plover

The renovation is in the final stage this week...closing in on the finish line. 

It's been such a blessing for the Waia'u family to get a new kitchen, and it's been so cool to watch this all come together (so many people have contributed to this answered prayer). It's been fun and an honor to be able to be a part of it. God gets the glory for this one! 

MORE PAINTINGS:

Painted Live at Ke Aha Vineyard:

na'au

(Hawaiian for the gut, the intestines, the bowels, the center of a human, the heart, the mind, the feelings, intuition)

c. 2019 Lisa Marten

18x24 mixed media on unstretched canvas

How do we know if God is speaking to us? Can we know? What does it sound like? What does it look like? What does it feel like? This painting is about exploring the process of what we might experience when we hear the voice of God. Whether through Scriptures, audible words, music, imagery, conversations with others, dreams, visions. repeated messages, physical sensations, the physical world around us, or by a million other ways. The feeling in your gut that you know in your knower. The multiple paths of conversation (within and without) that bring about confirmation, that bring about revelation. Are we open? Are we listening? Are we seeing? Are we wanting to hear? Our God is relational and is continuously conversing with each of us. The real question isn't is God speaking to me? The real question is am I listening? 

malamalama i loko o ka poule

(Hawaiian for Light in the Darkness)

c. 2019 Lisa Marten

18x24 mixed media on unstretched canvas

This painting is about shining our light together in the darkness...it makes a difference to the dark. The dark isn't dark anymore. May we all recognize the importance of this. We are the  light of the world...and it's about putting that light into action through acts of kindness with obedient hearts working to do good, shining love and being peacemakers in times of conflict and division. Jesus is our contender. This is how we fight the battles. Also...the light is stronger when we work together in unity. This is what we're called to be as followers of the Christ. 

Painted in Studio: 

i ka luli ole 

(Hawaiian for Not Wavering)

c. 2019 Lisa Marten

18x24 mixed media on unstretched canvas

This painting is about firm footing and assurance within identity, within decision making, within living fully from love (not swayed by the tide of ever changing opinions) much like feet not moving, dug into the sand as the surf pushes and pulls with each wave that comes and goes. No matter the force either way...being solid in who we are, being solid in the choices we make, being solid in living fully, being solid in loving much and loving well...not wavering. 

PERMANENT SANCTUARY ART:

Recently I was given the opportunity to create a piece of art to display permanently in the sanctuary space of the building that Ke Aha Vineyard Church rents to meet in. I took a couple of months to pray about imagery and what I might create, being intentional to listen in on the conversation that God is having with the people of Ke Aha and being mindful of what kind of message would come forth from the painting. 

I didn't know exactly what size of canvas I would use to paint on. But when I came upon a 3ftx3ft canvas at a local charity thrift shop for a very reasonable price I quickly decided that would be the size. The canvas had an aerial view landscape photograph printed on it. I needed to prime over the top of it so I could start fresh, but decided to utilize the topographical lines from the rivers in the photograph as part of the abstract painting I would create. I then began the lengthy layering process of mixed media and texturing using acrylic paints, charcoal, graphite, chalk pastels, gel ink pens, paper, ink, and water, rags, paper towels, brushes, palette knives, faux painting tools, and matte medium. This took the majority of two days to complete, working hours at a time. 

Here are photos of some of that evolution and progression....

Once I was finished with the painting I wrote and printed an artist statement and was able to take it in to be placed on the easel in the sanctuary space of the building. 

Here is the Painting that is on permanent display:

keia mea i ke ala o ke aloha

(Hawaiian for This Is The Way Of Love)

c. 2019 Lisa Marten

3ftx3ft mixed media abstract expressionist painting

 on gallery wrapped box canvas

Painted for Ke Aha Vineyard Church, Maui, Hawaii

In the midst of all the beautiful mess of life, we are meant for relationship (with each other and with our Creator). It's worth the intentional time taken to listen to the heartbeat of the conversation that God is having with each of us, and to enter into that conversation in real and authentic ways. We get to be in each other's lives...in the good and the hard places...and that is a privilege and gift given by God. 

PAINTING ON PEOPLE'S LIVES:

As I travel this big beautiful world loving on people through creativity, I love it when I get to meet and connect with other artists and art ministers. Since being here on Maui I've been able to connect with many through art...and recently I was able to have a hang out time with one particular artist that (like me) has a calling on her life to minister to people through creativity in such fun and even powerful ways. 

Introducing 2 Artists...

There's me: Lisa Marten of revelatorART

from Idaho, currently Artist in Residence at Ke Aha Vineyard Church, Maui. 

And there's her: Sarah Shannon of Love Transforms

from Maine, currently Artist in Residence at Hope Chapel and Made In Hope Cafe, Maui. 

BOTH 

*full time working artists 

*live painters who love to worship Jesus

*art ministers connecting with people through creativity

*fluent in speaking the language of art cross-culturally in communities around the world for the purpose of partnering with Jesus and loving on people 

*found our way here to Maui at this very moment while the other is also here on Maui and through all kinds of various mutual relationships connected through art

Recently we got together to hang out and collaborate on a painting while connecting through conversation. 

The best way to spend a Friday night for any artist is getting to do what you were made for. And an even better way to do that...is with another artist! 

We've painted live at an art event together this last December held at the Made In Hope Cafe ("Art with Heart") but we were each painting separately accompanying separate musical acts. So this was the first time we had gotten together to collaborate and paint on the same canvas (and though collaborative painting is a frequent normal part of the art ministry that I embark on, for her it was the first time to do this). As with any first time doing something, like creating a painting together, it can start out a bit awkward and clunky (as each person is used to speaking their own voice through the paint, techniques, and styles) but with willing hearts to listen and learn together it can become like a harmonious dance or electrifying conversation (each person engaging in the painting adding in and responding to the other in rhythm. 

We started with a blank canvas. Both of us like to experiment with abstract expressionist techniques and we like working in acrylic paint...so we started by applying color...me with a squeegee tool, her with a large brush. The image evolved and morphed throughout the evening as we collaborated together, sharing stories and asking each other questions and learning together as we painted. 

There was incredible peace in the little studio room we were painting in, as we joined the conversation that God has been having with each of us separately. With each brushstroke we put on the canvas and with each topic we embarked on in conversation, we were given opportunity to speak encouragement into our life stories. It was an open door for God to shine light on the redemptive moments within those stories and to speak life into the calling on each of our lives as artists and art ministers. 

2 Artists who are different ages and come from different places and backgrounds and experiences but with very similar callings on their lives (to partner with God to go love people using the language of art) brought together at this very time and in this very place for a very specific intentional moment to learn from and encourage each other to continue on the journeys that each of us (separately) are called to embark on as Artists, Art Ministers, Art Missionaries. 

That's how much God loves us...that's how much God loves people. He's a God who sees us...knows us...and in very detailed ways pursues us...speaks to us from the depths to remind us of who we are...reflects His redemptive light in our lives...lifts us up and calls us out...and invites us into the adventure. 

And we can encourage that relationship and that commissioning within each other. That's what being a part of the Body of Christ is all about. We need each other, to help remind each other of WHO we are. 

One of my mentors in Idaho likes to call this kind of interactive conversation between us and God and others, "painting on people's lives"

ka naar hooeueu ae la i hanau i hanaia 

(Hawaiian for The Heart Stirred and the Birth was Created)

c. 2019 Lisa Marten & Sarah Shannon

18x24 mixed media on unstretched canvas

Dreams being co-created birthed. 

May God be glorified. 

MORE COLLABORATIVE ART:

A huge part of what I love to do is come alongside others in what they're already doing in relationship with people and through creativity I'm able to help enhance that relationship. Collaborative art is one way of being able to do that. 

What is collaborative art? It's anytime creativity is being expressed through a joint effort of 2 or more people for a unified purpose. Oftentimes that purpose can be to open up conversation and dialogue amongst individuals, along with holding space for discussion and learning. 

Recently I was asked to help in this kind of collaborative way with the kids who attend Ke Aha Vineyard Church on Maui. I joined them during their Sunday School time where they've been learning from Auntie Shelley, through the combination of the Bible and medical science, how special and unique humans are created. 

We had about an hour of time together. So I prepared a 3ftx3ft canvas ahead of time with a design of DNA strands, along with the verse Psalm 139:14 for us all to paint together. 

While we painted we engaged in conversation. We asked the kids questions about the lesson and they shared with us what they had been learning. We also had snacks and there was much laughter and other antics interspersed throughout our time together. 

Here is the finished painting.

It was a fun time together and a great way to learn some cool stuff. 

Yep, a bunch of fun artists right there! 

MORE PAINTINGS:

Painted in studio:

ka maluhia 

(Hawaiian for peace)

c. 2019 Lisa Marten

18x24 mixed media on unstretched canvas

This painting is about having peace even when the struggles and hard stuff of this life seem to take over and we feel anxious, hurt, angry, confused, worried, fearful. Like a cooling fan on a hot and humid day, Peace can be always present (whether gently on in the background filing a room with a refreshing breeze or pointed up close in a specific direction for immediate temperature change) no matter the circumstances around us, it can help change the atmosphere. Peace isn't a feeling based on idyllic circumstances and everything seeming calm and serene, it's more like a response in the midst of the chaotic messes of life. Although this isn't always easy. But there is Hope. We can choose it. 

Painted Live:

mauo

(Hawaiian for stability, unbroken, continuity, enduring in a healthy state)

c. 2019 Lisa Marten

18x24 mixed media on unstretched canvas

This painting is about being as strong as a three stranded cord...it's not easily broken. This is the picture of unity, connection, harmony, tenacity through the ups and downs. It's in the great joys and the really hard stuff of life, and it's faithful through the ages. It's the love within community, relationship, family, friendship, Ohana, Tribe, it's our people. It's who we are when we're fully in communion with each other in Love. Our Creator offers this kind of communion with us. It's the kind of relationship that is stable, unbroken, continuous, with enduring health and wholeness and it's what is desired for each of us. 

LARGE GROUP COLLABORATIVE ART AND WORSHIP:

As I've mentioned before in other posts...I really love creative collaboration. And like a verbal conversation...I find that these kinds of artistic worship expressions are a beautiful way of showing people how important they are as unique individuals to the bigger picture of life lived in relationship and community. Everyone's voice is important, everyone's imperfections and gifting are important...everyone matters. 

This past Palm Sunday I had the opportunity to facilitate a large group creative collaboration with the people of Ke Aha Vineyard Church on Maui. Everyone from babies to Uncles and Aunties (roughly about 50 people all together) got to participate in creating a painting together during a time of worship and testimony sharing. 

And yes, once again it was a beautiful experience of people joining the overall conversation that God is already having with them as individuals and as a church family. 

Let me take you through the process (which from start to finish took about 10 months due to getting the idea and starting the prep for it when I was still in Idaho, shipping it to Maui during my move to the island, praying and waiting out timing for implementation, conversations with pastors and leadership about details, continued preparation to have it completely ready, and then actual facilitation with the church)...

I took a thick white sheet and primed it with a tan colored indoor/outdoor latex house paint (it took 2 coats).

I taped painters plastic drop cloth on the back as a backing protection layer. Then I stuck on heavy duty velcro strips all around the back edges (this would allow me to hang up the canvas easily onto the carpeted wall that is in the sanctuary where Ke Aha meets for services).

Because of the size of the canvas and the limited space I have to work in, I rolled it out onto my bedroom studio floor. After coming up with the design I wanted people to paint I spent time drawing it onto the canvas with pencil and then tracing over it with black sharpie marker. 

Here is the final design based on the Scriptures that reference Jesus gathering his disciples and calling them to be "fishers of people" with Him. 

Once the design was ready on the canvas and all the supplies were purchased and gathered together (paints mixed and in covered cups with saran wrap and rubber bands, spoons to administer paint, all various brushes in different sizes, paper palettes, rags, water containers, jugs of water, 5 gallon bucket for dirty water, spray bottle, paper towels, drop cloths, painters plastic drop cloths, painters blue tape, scissors, paint pens, garbage can) it was time to do it! 

Here is the canvas set up 

Here is the paint table

It was a beautiful time of worship together...

And many shared from the mic stories of their scars and tattoos...giving testimony to the life changing relationship each has experienced with God. It was a beauty from ashes kind of time of sharing in our humanity and our need for Jesus. Everyone engaged as they were comfortable and able...

Uncles and Aunties...

babies and children...

and everyone in between...

The final painting is unfinished because there is always room for MORE PEOPLE to join the conversation and be a part of the Ohana of Ke Aha.

pu makou e heleaku ka lawai'a 

(Together We Go Fishing)

5.5ftx8ft acrylic on canvas

painting live during worship and sharing by Ke Aha Vineyard Church, Maui on Palm Sunday 2019

Here is a link to an Instagram video compilation set to music of the people of Ke Aha painting together: 

VIDEO OF KE AHA PAINTING

Thank you to Uncle James for your help in set up. 

Thank you to Dani for your help during the facilitation of the painting and for your help during clean up. 

Thank you David for your help during clean up. 

And thank you to everyone of Ke Aha for your participation! 

It was a joy to be a part of something this beautiful! 

TAKING A PAUSE:

Recently there was a death amidst the Ohana that I'm immersed in here on Maui. A dear Uncle died from a long battle with cancer and his absence among the Waia'u family and the people of Ke Aha Vineyard (which reaches here on Maui but also the other Hawaiian islands and all the way to the mainland) has left a void for so many.  

The depth of the loss has even reached this Traveling Artist who has been so graciously grafted into the Ohana. Though I didn't know Uncle Keala as long or as well as so many of the others who are mourning his absence...who I did know, was a man who was so kind and so personable, who made me feel so welcome and loved....and seen. I'm so very thankful I knew him. And I miss him. 

I feel compelled to take a pause and recognize that a huge part of being who I am and doing what I do as an Art Minister is to come alongside people in relationship...getting to be a part of the daily realities of life through the good times and the hard times, through the celebrations and the sorrows. I would be remiss if I didn't take this moment to say that though I absolutely enjoy all the creative art stuff I get to do and be a part of on these art ministry travels... it's this every day relationship part of the ministry process that I feel the most honored and humbled to be a part of when I'm coming alongside others. 

The Memorial Service and family celebration gatherings were held this last weekend. Getting the opportunity to live here in the midst of the Ohana and be a part of these kind of sacred moments (when appropriate for me to be so) has been a blessing and a privilege. 

Listening to stories. Giving hugs. Sharing tears and laughs. Helping out. Being present. Pouring out grace. 

The last few months I've been able to create various paintings and creative experiences for the Ohana that have focused on the conversation that God is having in the midst of our questions and our yearning hearts for hope in this time of sorrow and it's been meaningful to us all. 

I just wanted to take the pause...and recognize what Coming Alongside really looks like. It' not really ever about the Art (art is sometimes the language used)...but it's always going to be about the Heart (seeing people, hearing them, loving them). 

This is why I do what I do. This is why I go where I'm called to go. To love people in creative ways. 

It's in relationship that we learn from each other. This is who I experienced, but it's also who so many others experienced in Uncle Keala. This is the way of Love. 

Keala Waiau

keia mea i ke ala o ke aloha

(this is the way of love)

MORE PAINTINGS BEING SPOKEN:

Painted In Studio

hamama

(Hawaiian for Open)

c. 2019 Lisa Marten

18x24 mixed media on unstretched canvas

This painting is about being fully human...to be open to recognize we are mind, we are heart, we are body, we are spirit. We can't compartmentalize (saying "today I'm only going to be thoughts and intellect" or "today I will only let myself be emotions and feelings" or "today I will only be a physical body" or “today I will only respond spiritually”). We are all those things integrated together at all times...incredibly complex and yet beautifully simple. And the really cool thing is...we ALL share in this.

heleuma i 

(Hawaiian for Anchor)

c. 2019 Lisa Marten

18x24 mixed media on unstretched canvas

This painting is about recognizing not only our need for stability in the midst of shifting and difficult times but our ability to reach out and take hold of it, trusting and knowing that it is there to anchor us strong. The image of the anchor is actually representing "us" reaching out...if you look beyond it you can actually see that there is already a “bridge” attached to “us” that secures us to the solid ground. One of the big lessons of life is realizing that there is so much more beyond what we see on the surface. May the hidden be revealed. May we have eyes to see that who we are is anchored to our Creator. It doesn’t nullify the storms or the struggles of life...but we can trust that we’re not alone and there is hope beyond. 

 Painted Live

kintsugi: koa hoi na hemahema

(Hawaiian for Courageous Imperfection)

c. 2019 Lisa Marten

18x24 mixed media on unstretched canvas

This painting is based on the Japanese tradition of Kintsugi. Taking cracked pottery and filling in the cracks with gold to redeem it with even more beauty. This painting is about recognizing that we all have imperfections and weaknesses. And we’ve all been wounded and even shattered due to the realities of life. Did you know that your brokenness tells your story. It’s a part of who you are. Oftentimes though its all we see when we look at ourselves...the brokenness, the imperfections and the weaknesses. But that’s not the whole story of who we are. We are so much more. And there is redemption waiting for us. There is beauty that can shine forth from those imperfections. It takes surrender. The courage to lift up the mirror and let the healing begin. If we’re willing to let our Creator/Redeemer work within us there is incredible beauty that can shine from us from the very places that have been broken. His Love is the gold in us. This is the good news!

e huli Ke Akua 

(Hawaiian for Seek God)

c. 2019 Lisa Marten

18x24 mixed media on unstretched canvas

This painting is using the metaphor of the process of opening a coconut to the process of seeking God with all our heart, mind, soul, and spirit. To ask, to seek, to knock and there will be an answer, you will find, the door will be opened. The process of opening a coconut in order to enjoy the coconut water and soft white cocunut meat within is fun to experience but can also require persistence. There are layers and you need to be tenacious at getting through...breaking through the outer husk to expose the inner nut and then cracking open the nut. I sensed that through this metaphor there’s the prompting to not give up when we are seeking Truth. We will find it. And He is good.

e pi'i hohonu no ka'ohana 

(Hawaiian for Go Deep for the Tribe)

c. 2019 Lisa Marten

18x24 mixed media on unstretched canvas

This painting uses the metaphor of the Imu (a Pacific Islander cultural tradition of an underground oven dug to cook Kalua pork). It's a lengthy process with the whole tribe involved from hunting the wild boar that is sacrificed for the good of the tribe, preparing it properly, digging the pit, finding the correct rocks and wood for the fire, gathering the tea leaves for smoking layers, wrapping the animal and laying it in properly, and then the amount of time for it to cook. When it’s ready the pork will help feed the tribe. I’ve likened this to the human process of self awareness in going deep to die to ourselves within repentance and forgiveness (it’s the hard and lengthy process of letting go of old selfish thought patterns or harmful and toxic behaviors or false belief systems,that not only hurt ourselves but hurt others). This self sacrifice which allows for us to unlearn, grow, learn, change, look outward and move forward isn’t just for ourselves...it’s for the good of all who are in our circles of influence. And those in our circles (as they too are going through their own deep work) are also doing so for the good of us. We need each other...to do the work within that we’re meant to do to become who we’re meant to be (individually yes, but for the good of our tribe, our family, our friends, and all those we connect with). This is the way of love.

PEACE TANK:

One of the Ke Aha Vineyard small groups I was able to be a part of while I've been here on Maui was a small group led by Pastor Shelley Waia'u (wife of Pastor Kaleo Waia'u). Most of us who are a part of Ke Aha or a part of the Waia'u Ohana call her Auntie Shelley (it's an islander cultural tradition of a term of respect and acknowledgement for elders, along with Uncle, regardless of if you are related by blood).

Auntie Shelley chose to call the small group "Peace Tank". Peace Tank became a creative think tank and a safe space held to discuss and share in a conversational setting about Peacemaking. Each of us who attended helped to make the discussions and conversations. There was no one perspective or viewpoint voiced or taught over another...it was a group meant to have discussion based around the topic of Peacemaking and open conversation about how we each can become Peacemakers within Ke Aha and amongst the spheres of influence in our personal lives. 

We live in a time where all various points of views and opinions along with  personal experiences and convictions can be difficult to maneuver through and can cause conflict when we connect with others.  And whether we are the type to repress our feelings and keep quiet or express our opinions outwardly (sometimes even through intense emotion), conflict is there. The potential to become polarizing and divisive (even amongst well meaning Christ followers) is an everyday occurrence (especially in our fast paced informational social media age). It is so needed for all of us to learn better ways to communicate and also better ways to advocate for Peace through Love no matter what the topic or issue we are confronted with, no matter what the situation or circumstance we find ourselves in. This group was an opportunity to deconstruct what Peace  and Love really is and discuss authentic healthy ways (from the example of Jesus) of being peacemakers in our personal lives, with others, and in our world. 

We first learned about and discussed what is peace and where did it originate.

Peace is wholeness, completeness, fullness. 

Peace was never "created", Peace IS. 

Peace in Hebrew is Shalom. Shalom is Jesus. Jesus is part of the Triune Godhead. We are created to be image bearers of the Godhead. Unity AND Diversity are the bi-products of Peace. 

Peace was shattered through the introduction of conflict by God at the beginning of time (because of allowing for free will, given out of love for relationship with all of creation). Jesus (through his death and resurrection) brought restoration to the shattered Peace and relationship between the creation and the Creator. 

We get to be image bearers of Peace (if we choose to). 

Mending the Divides: Creative Love in a Conflicted World by Jon Huckins and Jer Swigert.

This book was utilized as a starting point to spark our topical conversations throughout the time we met. We didn't approach it as a "book study" but rather allowed it to become a catalyst for our conversations. 

In the book the author uses the Parable (Story) of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) as an example of what Peacemaking can look like and what it can require of us. We often referred back to the Parable as we discussed various Peacemaking situations and scenarios (hypothetical and real). 

A quick summary: a Jewish man was beaten and robbed on a road and left for dead. A Jewish Priest and a Jewish Levite (an assistant to priests) both walked by on separate occasions but chose not to help the man. A Samaritan man (also a Jew but of a different doctrinal theology and was hated by the Jews mostly spoken of in the Bible) came upon the man and chose to go out of his way to help the man and bring him back to health). 

In our discussions we learned from the book that the what the Samaritan chose to do could be seen as 3 steps to Peacemaking...Auntie Shelley added the 4th.

1. SEE: to truly see someone as a fellow human 

2. IMMERSE: to fully immerse into someones circumstance or viewpoint or culture through conversation or through action to gain perspective and understanding

3. CONTEND: to fight for (enter into the conflict) the good of (we are part of something so much bigger than ourselves...and we need each other, it requires coming alongside and coming together with others)

4. RESTORE: to allow for restoration and reconciliation in relationship when possible

Much of what we engaged in at Peace Tank also involved creativity and art through various mediums and activities to help us interact with each other and also understand the concepts of what we were discussing. 

An illustration of entropy: the trajectory of shattered Shalom...without Jesus we keep moving further and further away...but Jesus (through his death and resurrection) became the singularity that shifts the trajectory. Being renewed through Jesus can bring us back to Peace. 

An illustration of atonement (sacrifice, at it's core: is the act of giving up of something valued for the sake of something else regarded as more important or worthy). Fact is...no matter what we sacrifice or "die to" we could never fulfill the atonement. God kept his promise to restore Peace through Jesus. Jesus became the sacrifice of atonement and from that moment on Peace became possible. God has already made it possible for us and we get the choice (free will) and invitation to enter into a collaboration with him by becoming a Peacemaker. 

An illustration of Peacemaking through weaving. 

The black represents the darkness in us that is our brokenness, our woundings, our sins, our hurts, our fears and anxieties, all that can separate us from healthy relationship with God, with others, even with ourselves ...the red represents Jesus' blood that has atoned for us, the white represents Jesus' cleansing restoration of Peace in us, the blue represents our baptism into new life, the green represents our life growth process, the yellow represents new life lived in relationship. God has given freely to us.  

Some may ask (if Jesus has restored Peace and done all the work for us) why is there still sin, why is there still evil, why is there still conflict and darkness? 

Because this story is about relationship, and Jesus has weaved His story into our story. The darkness and the conflict is still a part of the story and we are still a part of this relationship (with God and with others and with ourselves) and we each have a part in it...through the Love of God in Jesus we get to have a choice each day to enter into Peacemaking or not. 

For our final meeting I prepped a collaborative painting for us to paint together. It's a depiction of the name of the group: Peace Tank. The tank adorned with flower lei represents the paradox of Peacemaking which requires entering into conflict (not purposely being conflictual or fighting each other and stirring up division) is about recognizing that in order to bring about peace, instead of moving further away from each other, we are to intentionally move closer towards each other. This may cause us inconvenience as we choose to see others like ourselves and take a stance of humility to enter into the messiness of that which is not our ideal in order to learn and understand from others point of view or to aid in a conflict that is dividing others. Or perhaps it's to allow our voices to finally be spoken which might cause us conflict within to do so or cause friction with others but will allow for a more healthy openness of conversation and the chance to learn and grow with each other.  As modeled from the Trinity that is in perfect relationship...Diversity that creates Unity allows for mutual dependence and influence, mutual yielding, and diversity in functions ..and that takes entering into the conflict as a Peacemaker. 

We need each other. We were made for relationship. We were made for community. And we are better together....in collaboration. Peacemaking is about restoring relationship. Diversity and Unity are bi-products. It's UBUNTU: I am because We are. 

I'm so very thankful for my time with those who came together for Peace Tank. Not only was it fun and I got to do some art stuff...but I learned a lot that I recognize I needed to learn...and I will be processing it for quite some time. I was challenged in my own thoughts, viewpoints, beliefs, and actions. I was encouraged to continue to be intentional to join  in on the conversation (moving towards relationship instead of away from). And with a heart that seeks to be humble and loving, with grace and mercy, I choose to actively practice and work on being a better Peacemaker. With the help of Jesus, I want to continue to learn to Love Much and Love Well...by being better at truly seeing people, at immersing myself in the heart of the story instead of isolating and defending myself with pride, at contending for hearts through Love...and helping towards restoring relationship when I'm able. 

flower in the gun

by Michael Franti 

We could be the healin'

When you're feeling all alone

We could be the reason

To find the strength to carry on

In a world that's so divided

We shall overcome

We could be the healing

We can be the flower in the gun

We could be the healing

We can be the flower in the gun

THE PROCESS OF LISTENING:

I'm often asked how long does it take to create a painting. The majority of people are asking about the actual time of paint on canvas from start to finish. But how I answer includes so much more in the process. 

I take the time to listen to the conversation that the Spirit is having with me and with those I'm going to create for. I try to prepare well for the paintings I create (regardless of if they are painted in studio, painted live, or painted as a commissioned piece). 

The process can take months of ruminating from the moment an idea has been birthed till actual implementation. Sometimes it's a concept or topic that comes first through inspiration. Other times it's an actual image or a color scheme that comes first. And still other times it's a Scripture text or a song or a quote that comes first.

Regardless of what comes first I then take the time to ask questions within, to research topics and imagery and to sketch things out. Once I have a rough idea I will play around with them in my computer programs to get a visual outline of the direction it is taking. This part of the process helps me see it from a viewers perspective and a lot of changes and rearranging and shifting takes place at this point. I'm always listening though. Paying attention.

Much of the time this is where an idea halts for awhile. Well...more like waits in a holding pattern for the right timing to be birthed onto canvas. 

As a live painter I spend a great deal of time praying, listening, paying attention, researching, studying, sketching, creating mockups, prepping imagery and supplies and waiting to sense (know in my knower) when will be the right timing for me to recognize that a particular painting is to be created. And when that timing is right...I just know. 

And yet...even up to the very moments before I put brush to canvas and during actual painting, I am listening in on the conversation. 

Recently I had an experience that stood out for me in this process. I had down all of the above...it had been months that I had been sitting on a particular painting imager and concept to implement live. I was unsure of when to create the piece. So I continued to wait. Finally there came a time when I believed I was to paint it live. Week of that date as I looked at what I had prepared...there were things in the painting that started to change for me (I sensed I was to add some different things, etc....and I needed to do more research and more prep work. I continued to work my mock ups. As I continued to listen and co-create with the Spirit right up to the actually painting it live during the worship service, the detail of the painting was being revealed with more and more clarity. And even as I painted and worshipped, the painting came to life in a way that was truly a co-creation with the Spirit (our ideas were merging). It was the original idea but fleshed out with such specificity and meaning that I knew this piece was something special. 

Once I completed it and the service moved on, I was able to explain the painting to the congregation. Later I had someone approach me that asked to speak to me about it. It turns out not only was the painting speaking deep meaning to the person, but there were some very specific details in it that only that person would find meaning (and it happened to be the very details that I had added in within all the new changes right before I painted it!) It was crazy amazing! And because it was so specific that person was able to receive the painting as a confirmation about some key elements to their relationship with Jesus. And that person had never been to the service before. It just happened that they came on the Sunday I was painting that very painting!

If I had not been so diligent to listen in on the conversation and  open to co-create with the Spirit, I would've missed that opportunity!

I love what I get to do...it's really and incredibly humble experience to listen in on the conversation God is having with others.   

Koa: ka hana ho'ola

(brave warrior: healing generation)

c. 2019 Lisa Marten

18x24 mixed media on unstretched canvas

This painting uses the Acacia tree (Koa is the Hawaiian name for Acacia) as a subject matter representing the older generations teaching the next generations opening up new growth for even newer generations. The Scriptures that I wrote on the initial layer say "for the Lord is good. His steadfast love endures forever and his faithfulness to all generation. One generation shall commend your works to another, and declare your mighty acts. So tell your children of it and let your children tell their children and their children to another generation. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones." An even better transition of the title is: e ola kakou ka ho'onakoa hanuana. Onakoa means brave warrior. 

N4: (N)IN KE AHA (4)FOR KE AHA:

During my year here as Artist in Residence at Ke Aha Vineyard church on Maui I've been joining the worship band on stage a creating paintings as part of our worship expression. I've also been creating paintings in my home studio and other venues through collaboration. 

This has been a very prolific time of work for me. So far since my arrival in September 2018, I've created 16 live paintings at Ke Aha, 11 in studio paintings, 1 live painting at an art event, 5 collaborative paintings (one with another artist, 3 with small groups, 1 with a large group), and 4 privately commissioned paintings (painted in studio), and consulted on 6 art projects by others. There will be a few more paintings to add to the list before my time is up here. 

Most of this work has been in ministry with and to those who are either a direct part of Ke Aha Vineyard church or are connected with those who are a part of Ke Aha Vineyard church. 

N4: (N)In Ke Aha (4)For Ke Aha

The paintings I've created live at Ke Aha and in studio I am offering especially to the people of Ke Aha. These paintings were specifically created with them in mind. The messages and imagery were meant to speak to them. So I am offering the paintings to them first before they become available to others. 

The Lord was clear with me about this...my time here on Maui has had a very specific purpose and ministry focus. I'm not to put a price on the original pantings like I would normally charge for the paintings I sell for my art business. I'm to ask the people of Ke Aha to pray about if there is a particular painting that is speaking to each of them that they would like to own and then to pray about if there is a specific amount that they could pay for it ($0-?) Whatever that amount...that will be the cost. I will donate all monies brought in through the sales of the original paintings right back into Ke Aha Vineyard church. I'm not taking any of that money for myself. 

This is a collaborative effort of us all for the benefit of us all. We are helping each other by creatively participating in the conversation God is having with each of us. 

So starting last Sunday and continuing throughout the summer, I will be displaying paintings in the sanctuary. As each painting is spoken for I will switch it out with another painting. My goal is to have them all spoken for by the time I move back to Idaho this September 2019. 

Support Local. 

Live Painting

my most recent creations

I created these during worship services at Ke Aha Vineyard Church here on Maui. 

loa'a i kou leo

(find your voice)

c. 2019 Lisa Marten

22x28 mixed media on unstretched canvas
This painting is about those of us who might struggle with deep shame, feeling not enough, long standing depression, grief and pain, or are at a loss of what to do in the midst of hard situations and conflicts. You can change the narrative. Do not despair. There is hope. Blessed are the peacemakers, the merciful, the poor in spirit, the meek, and those who mourn. Lay it all down. Cry out. Find your voice. Raise your voice. Call out to the Lord for help and he will answer with wisdom and understanding. He is the way, he is the truth, and he is the life. You can trust him. He can be your refuge. Find your voice and cry out. Don't be afraid. There is light in the darkness. 

 e ulu i ka mana’o

(grow in mind)

c. 2019 Lisa Marten

22x28 mixed media on unstretched canvas

This painting is about allowing ourselves to let go of what might be limiting in how we have thought or believed and conducted ourselves and instead being open to growth and change in our mind, our thoughts, our beliefs, our focus. I was studying coral reefs...as they grow coral polyps secrete skeletons, their skeletons protect the  coral animals from predators and offer a substrate for new polyps to attach. Coral reefs are made up of all different kinds of corals that come together to form one large entity. The reefs become refuge for countless species of fish and animals creating a whole ecosystem in itself. From death comes life. Growth and life flourishes from individuals unifying. This...this is us when "e ulu i ka mana'o" becomes our natural response. May we be like the coral reef. Oh...and another bit...the reefs are very delicate...over fishing, pollution, warming temperatures and many other factors can threaten and destroy the reefs. Just as there are many things that can threaten the natural growth and unity of us...we need to be diligent and intentional in cultivating life (the renewing of our minds through the love of Christ Jesus) in ourselves and for each other. 

Studio Painting
recent commissioned creations
I create these in the studio that is in my bedroom where I live here on Maui.

THE DARK ISN'T DARK TO YOU, O LORD

for Israel Prayer Mission. Wailuku, Maui.

5ftx8ft acrylic on canvas backdrop for photography and film

c. 2019 Lisa Marten

I was able to create this backdrop for some friends within Ke Aha who have a ministry to the people of Israel. They create teaching videos for on-line lessons.

LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS

for Maker Surfboards. Kihei, Maui.

4ftx8ft acrylic on plywood mural for glassing shop

c. 2019 Lisa Marten

I was able to create this mural for some friends within Ke Aha who have a surfboard making business, shaping and glassing boards sold locally on Maui. 

THE CONVERSATION...

Over the next couple of blogposts I want to share with you a conversation that God has had me entering into while I've been here on Maui this year. It's a conversation that isn't unique to this time or place or people. It's a conversation that we all can relate to on some level and in some way. It's a conversation that is very...human. Each of us have been invited into this conversation and given the choice to be an active part of it, regardless of if we travel across the world or if we travel across the room. 

REACH

c. 2017 Lisa Marten

Being a Traveling Art Minister puts me in a unique position of uncharted territory as I traverse continents, nations, and states connecting in numerous cultures and cities and immersing myself within various communities and families. Joining the conversations that God is already having with people all around this world (through the universal language of creativity and relationship) allows me the ability to reach out across the table of all that can divide us and into the in-between of all that can unite us. Learning to listen to people's stories and hear their hearts (giving them the opportunity to express their joys and their pains alike) with humility without judgements and a willingness to understand, through the Love of Jesus, amidst all that makes up past, current, and future events (for them as a corporate people and as individuals) is to truly see people. 

LISTEN

c. 2017 Lisa Marten

I am convinced that no matter where I travel in this world...no matter who I am connecting with...no matter what the outward and initial circumstances and situations, no matter what side of an issue or argument that can divide us may be...the root of all that unites us all is the need to be truly seen. Seen. Heard. Known. Validated. 

SEE

c. 2017 Lisa Marten

My time here on Maui this year of living with and immersing myself within the Hawaiian Ohana of the Waia'u family and Ke Aha Vineyard as their Artist in Residence is reminding me of this important matter and giving me ample opportunity to practice this way of Love. At times it's been filled with excitement and celebratory expression and at other times it's been filled with sorrow and heartbreak. There have been moments that I've gladly set aside my own cultural references to learn and experience something different through others' cultures.  And there have been moments that have actually required me to painfully lay down my own preconceived views on issues to learn the valued lesson of cultural sensitivity (of human sensitivity) that my perspective isn't the only perspective and my culture hasn't always got the right view on matters. 

GATHER

c. 2018 Lisa Marten

I'm learning...this is what diplomacy is, this is what peacemaking is, this is what reaching across the table in humility and sensitivity, through hospitality and generosity to have the conversations (even if they are hard and require a shift in perspective), and this is the ministry of Love. 

How does this translate to here and now...

Recently there have been some circumstances in the news that many of you may or may not have heard of regarding things going on here in the Hawaiian Islands...circumstances and issues that are triggering deep rooted woundings from ages past, from not so long ago past, and from current affairs. From an outsiders view...emotions are heightened and these differences of opinions and ways of viewing issues and injustices brings divisions between races and cultures, governments and businesses, and between friends and families. It's brought heightened emotions for some and conflicted thoughts for others while causing still others to recluse  as to not make waves. But what's happening here in Hawaii isn't new to the history of Hawaii...nor is it new to the history of most nations and people's around the world...or new to human history going back all the way to origin stories. 

It comes down to the question of identity (who are we, where do we come from, who has rights to what land, water, or property, who has a voice to make decisions) and the question of truly seeing each other (our base human cry to see and be seen as worthy, to hear and be heard as valid, to know and be known as beloved).

keia mea i ke ala o ke aloha

(this is the way of love)

c. 2019 Lisa Marten

As a Traveling Art Minister I recognize that I am a part of this conversation that is initiated by The God Who Sees Us...who also desires To Be Seen By Us. I feel compelled to share some of my thoughts on this conversation with you over the course of a couple of posts (and specifically about some things in the here and now of my current post on Maui)...but ultimately this is actually a conversation that is foundational to all of us and I want to continue to return to it with sensitivity as I continue to travel and immerse myself in other cultures through creativity. 

to be continued...

e komo mai

(Welcome)

c. 2018 Lisa Marten

Before I ever moved to Maui I was already building relationships here. I've been traveling to Maui on a regular basis doing short trips since 2014 ministering to and with Ke Aha Vineyard Church here through creativity, but I've been building relationship with them even longer through initially meeting at a national conference on the mainland which sparked on-line conversations that led to connecting face to face on the island.  With each trip that I made to the island the welcoming embrace of Aloha continued to be extended to me. Relationship continued to be cultivated and the conversations continued to go deeper creating a heart bond that  became stronger. Staying with local Hawaiians in their home and serving through creative art ministry was an incredibly unique and, dare I say, sacred way to experience Maui differently, rather than if I had come like most, on holiday for vacation staying at a hotel or condo and only doing tourist activities.  I was getting to see Maui through different lenses. 

But even with all my yearly short trips, it's taken actually moving to Maui for this year to help me gain new sight. 

Living with the Waia'u family Ohana  (a large local native Hawaiian family)...renting a room from them and actually living in their house and eating with them and being present in the every day and talking story and doing real life with them through the really fun and the really hard stuff (basically the beautiful messiness of people living with people)....and integrating into the Ke Aha Ohana (a very small local church made up of all various cultures, ethnicities, ages, and economic backgrounds)...attending services and small groups and prayer meetings and gatherings every week and ministering through art and service and being involved in conversations and doing real life with them, basically the beautiful messiness of people in each other's lives...it's taken this for me to begin to see and to hear and to love them more clearly and to be seen and to be heard and to be loved more clearly by them beyond what a few short trips once a year will allow. 

hou hanaia'na

(New Creation)

c. 2019 Lisa Marten

Honestly...it's been hard and it's taken self sacrifice (time given, shifting biographical locations, physically taxing, financially straining, emotionally exhausting, relationally heartbreaking and heart expanding,  spiritually and ideologically challenging, and the need for intentional self awareness and hard inner work fostering growth and change, etc.). I'm not mentioning that as something to be awarded. In fact, just the opposite. 

I'm mentioning it because I've been learning that in order to really do this thing we call ministry (I mean really do it), I believe it requires allowing oneself to be at the mercy of God doing the real stuff within oneself first. Contrary to my past Bible College lessons, I've learned that ministry isn't a degree or a title or a department in an institution,  and it's not something you do on Sundays at a building or occasionally midweek......it's a way of life...it takes all of me fully alive and fully invested, in every aspect of who I am and what I do and where I go and who I'm with, to lay it all down and to reach, to see, to hear, to love. Ministry is lived out in ones personal life and it's lived out in community with others. It's lived out on a very human level (locally and globally). God is relational and He has made us relational and we're meant to do this life relationally. 

For each of us the "how" of ministry is going to be different (just as there are many parts of the body there are many giftings) but the "why" of ministry is going to be similar (because Jesus, because love) and we were never meant to minister alone, we were always meant to be in relationship. I believe everything is ministry...just like everything is spiritual and everything is worship...it is the way of life, it is the way of love...it is because God is. 

It's not about me saying "look at all the cool stuff I'm doing over here"...it's actually about what God is doing over here, and sometimes that's in others and sometimes that's in me, but always it's a collaboration. We do this together. 

Ubuntu Ohana

(I am because We are)

c. 2018 Lisa Marten

My time here has allowed for me to look beyond the surface of something or someone, to step beyond my own cultural  background and experiences and to gain vantage points other than my own...to recognize that the best vantage point is all of ours. Sometimes I've willingly welcomed and embraced the new or the different with open arms and other times I've struggled and had to intentionally fight an inner battle to let go of whatever I was holding on to as my own expectation or understanding of something in order to be respectful and more flexible and pliable as a minister and as a human. 

e pi'i hohonu no ka'ohana

(Go Deep For the Tribe)

c. 2019 Lisa Marten

So my time here on Maui hasn't been about the beaches and the sun or the mountains and the waterfalls. It's not been about the palm trees or the coconuts or the leis and the hula. Though yes, Maui is all of that...but please hear me...it's so much more. It's the people. My time here has always been about the native local people. It's been about living with them and getting to see first hand their culture and their heritage (which includes in so many ways how their food, music, dance, the land, their history and stories interact in daily life with deep rooted meaning and connection), through their celebrations and their struggles, through their families and their friends, and through their history and their present and their future. Entering into the conversations that God is already having here with them has been a beautiful messy incredibly priceless experience.  It's put faces to names, hearts to lives, meaning to stories. And somewhere in all the conversations I entered their story. I became a part of them. 

Ohana. 

This year I've been immersing myself in the conversations (Talk Story) with those in my Ohana. Learning about people's lives...people's stories...people's hearts. Reaching. Seeing. Hearing. And my views on all the stuff here (from the Polynesian culture of Pacific journeys and religion to tribal battles and unity, to the heartbreaking and controversial history of British, European and American Colonization and governmental takeovers and economic shiftings of big business, to modern tourism and the continued development of the 'aina: land, and how it all affects the kama'aina: people of the land) have been challenged. And in the process of learning to lay it all down so that I can respectfully and humbly reach across the table to truly see and to truly hear,  letting myself get messy (amidst all the varying viewpoints and perspectives that can so easily divide but also can empathetically unify)  to understand...culture to culture...people to people...heart to heart...human to human....one thing rings true for me: 

Aloha (Love)

Aloha Ke Akua: God is Love

It will always ever be about God's heart for people. 

He is the God who sees us and desires to be seen by us. 

All I see is people. 

All I see is Love. 

To be continued....

e wehe me ke ki

(the key to unlock)

c. 2019 Lisa Marten

Aloha (Love).

Aloha Ke Akua: God is Love.

It will always ever be about God's heart for people. 

He is the God who sees us and desires to be seen by us. 

All I see is people. 

All I see is Love.  

This is where we start. And this is the key that helps us unlock the metaphorical chains (the deep hurts and woundings that have held us back that have kept us in the dark that have kept us hiding....those things that have allowed false beliefs and ideologies, fears and insecurities, lies and confusion, shame and pride that    so often lead to isolation and separation from God, from others, and from ourselves). 

When we allow God to shine light on the keyhole for us we allow ourselves to to let Love in and the darkness is no longer dark...and we can see more clearly. We can see each other. 

I want to share with you some of the people in the Ohana (extended family) that I've had the privilege of immersing myself into their lives here on Maui. These are the people who I have been in daily creative conversation with over the years of travels and during this year of living here. They have helped me experience Hawaii in a very unique and deeply meaningful way. 

I want to introduce you to some of these dear people (though clearly not everyone I've been in connection with in the Ohana) through sketches I've done of them. I spent time praying for many of them (some who are currently here on Maui, some who now live on mainland in other states) and writing down any words the Lord would speak about who they are and how He sees them. In the photos I've blacked out their names (except the names of the pastors, Kaleo & Shelley Waia'u) and the words for privacy and confidentiality purposes here on-line. But I hope you get the "picture" that these are real people with real lives and real hopes and dreams and real pains and sorrows and they are just as real as you and me (no matter who we are and no matter where we're from and no matter what our circumstances). 

Each may have differing life backgrounds and life circumstances, differing ethnic makeups and cultural narratives, differing viewpoints and beliefs, differing personalities and giftings,   differing choices presented and outcomes to decisions made...but we're all Ohana. Each of us different from each other but each of us the same. In fact, I'd love to share some specific stories with you (each heart and soul has a story)...but to stay true to confidentiality here, because I'm sharing with you their faces, their stories are not my stories to tell (without their permission)...so at least for now at this moment in this post I will only share their faces with you. For now...I want to show you some for the Ohana through the language of art.

Because Aloha

I'm so thankful for the years of opportunity I've had to immerse myself into this Ohana here on Maui. I am forever changed because of the people I've been grafted in with. And no matter where I travel...they will travel with me in my heart. 

koa: ka hana ho'ola

(healing generation)

c. 2019 Lisa Marten

"For the Lord is good. His steadfast Love endures forever, and His faithfulness to all generations."

We are all a part of something so much bigger than ourselves. We are all here for each other. 

ho'onani i ke Akua

(glory to God)

THE CONVERSATION CONTINUES...

Hā: Ke Akua i ka lewa

(God breathed into the open space)

c. 2019 Lisa Marten

This painting is depicting the Polynesian greeting of the Hongi (in Maori) - the Honi (in Hawaiian)...translated in English as to kiss but for Polynesian culture it actually isn't about touching lips or a romantic experience (like more Western thought can conclude) it's the human to human greeting of touching foreheads and noses and exchanging breath as a way of recognizing we are the same. The hā (Hawaiian)...the ruach (Hebrew)...the pneuma (Greek)...the spirit...the Breath of Life. It is shared by us all.  In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. He spoke and said prophesy to the breath. Say to the breath, Come from the four winds O breath and breathe that they may live. And he blew the breath of life. Yod Heh Vav Heh (YHWH)...it is the Name of God that is our breath. He is that kind of God...that intimate...that the very air that we breathe is speaking YHWH. It is God reaching out so close to us, touching, truly seeing, truly hearing, truly breathing in and out...sharing in that space and that air...that is Love...that is relationship. God to human. Human to human. I believe God invites us into that space just as we are (bringing whatever struggles, whatever insecurities, whatever pains, whatever fears, whatever thoughts) and releasing them, letting go as we exhale that we may receive life as we inhale. May we be intentional even in our breath. 

CON.VER.SA.TIONS

a night of art, music, and talking story

This weekend I was able to hold a special art event at the Made In Hope Cafe in Wailuku here on Maui with the theme of gathering intentionally to hold safe space for each other to share and connect together through creativity and conversations. 

pāpāʻōlelo

Most definitions of the word CONVERSATION have to do with a mutual verbal exchange between two or more persons. I want to challenge us to see conversation much  deeper than just the act of talking. Conversation involves so much more. It involves our bodies, our minds, our emotions, our souls. It is just as much non-verbal as it is verbal, just as much subconscious as conscious, just as much physical as it is spiritual. It involves our connections to our histories and our cultures. It involves our relation to ourselves, to all of humanity, to creation, and to our Creator. It involves our expressions of creativity and our work. It involves allowing ourselves to reach out with intention in order to see each other, to hear each other, and to know each other. Conversation is a collaboration of who we are intertwined into each others stories. 

Let’s TALK STORY. 

I hung up some of the paintings in the cafe that I had created during my year here on Maui...I worked them in with the art that was already hanging in the cafe. This way it was like the art was having conversations with each other. 

I set out paper and art supplies at the tables giving instructions for people to color, doodle, play with clay, and interact with each other through creativity. 

The place filled up throughout the night bringing a mix of the Ohana from Ke Aha and 257 along with others who came to enjoy the cafe and the live music. 

Kids and adults both engaged with the art and interacted with each other. 

The cafe served delicious Boba drinks and Acai bowls and kept things hopping. 

From my vantage point while painting I enjoyed getting to see people hanging out and conversing, enjoying the comfortable atmosphere, and just allowing themselves to be present. 

One of the things I love is when kids feel the freedom to play and dance. 

I truly find my sweet spot when I get to be in the middle of all this kind of creative collaboration. 

The first set of music was created by Ian and Dawn and Brandon 

                                          

Here is a snippet of the music

I enjoyed getting to play with them, it helped set the tone for the night.

The second set of music was created by Leo and Kylee and Joel

                                          

Here is a snippet of the music

I had so much fun playing with them.

Throughout the night I created a two part series of paintings. 

pāpāʻōlelo .01

(conversations)

c. 2019 Lisa Marten

22x28 mixed media on unstretched canvas

This painting is representing the conversations that are going on all the time throughout all creation. 

.01 : humans and creation : represented by the song of the humpback calling out and the sound of the conch being blown calling back. It is also representing the flow of conversation that calls out to all creation from our Creator. 

pāpāʻōlelo .02

(conversations)

c. 2019 Lisa Marten

22x28 mixed media on unstretched canvas

This painting is representing the conversations that are going on all the time throughout all creation. 

.02 : humans and humans : represented by the beat of the drum calling out and the dance of the hula calling back. It is also representing the flow of conversation that calls out to all creation from our Creator. 

I wish I had gotten a selfie with EVERYONE who came out to join in on the collaborative conversation last night...but I managed to get this one of those who lingered till the cafe locked up. 

It was such a fun night! It was a great way to begin wrapping up my year here on Maui.

O HALEAKALA: ascending the Mauna one last time

As a gift from some of my Ohana before I depart Maui...I was granted favor...I was given permission to do something that very few people are allowed to do (especially people who are not kahuna (priest, minister) and kanaka maoli (native) Today I ascended to the he what ki'eki'e (the high place) of the Mauna (mountain) to pray at the sacred kuahu (altars). 

Because of the relationships I have within my Ohana here on Maui who have the sacred right to go beyond the gates...I was able to go with them up top the summit of Haleakala volcano beyond the tourist viewpoint areas up to the restricted peak where the telescopes are (where the public is not allowed)....which happens to be where the sacred altars are. 

7 ascended to pray

We parked our vehicles outside the gate. We walked past the locked gate and onto the restricted road. We walked past workers changing shifts and exchanged Aloha as we greeted each other. We walked across a massive scientific and governmental complex, past huge telescopes and onto a dirt path.

Just past at the base of the largest telescope was the first altar. 

                                          

This is the first altar we gathered at was positioned at the east most part of the peak and faced east. 

Here on Haleakala...

Many who come to pray at the sacred altars are praying to the ancestors or to the gods of the old Hawaiian religion. But we came to pray to Ke Akua (the God of gods).

As we stood at the top of Haleakala and looked out over across the ocean to the Big Island of Hawai'i with it's 3 mountain volcanoes clearly visible to us. 

The mountain to the left, Mauna Loa. 

The mountain in the middle, Mauna Kea (where the Kanaka Maoli (natives) and Kapuna (elders) have gathered for a continuous demonstration of Kapu Aloha (Holy Love...only demonstrating kindness, peace, and love). They have gathered at the base of the Mauna and so many have joined them throughout the Hawaiian Islands and around the world (not just in protest of the building of the TMT telescope on top of Mauna Kea to protect the sacred 'aina (land) from further desecration...but also in expression to be a voice of change due to the painful history of the Kingdom of Hawaii).

To read my part of the Conversation...check out my previous 3 part post series titled The Conversation. 

And the mountain to the right, Kilauea (which is continuously erupting, and which last year had broken open numerous fissures that poured molten hot lava out upon vast areas of land).

We prayed to Ke Akua. The God of gods, the God who is Love and whose Son Jesus was sacrificed for us because of Love. It is His Mauna we ascend in our hearts every day. We prayed from our na'au (gut) with hearts that expressed much mahalo (thanksgiving and generosity), ho'oponopono (making amends), and ho'okipa (hospitable love and compassion) to Ke Akua for Kapu Aloha (holy Love)...for more of His Love to sweep through the people of Hawai'i, to sweep through all people of all nations. 

And my Ohana surprised me with more favor...as we stood there, they prayed FOR me too. They prayed thanks for my presence on Maui and for the Love they have received through me and through the creativity I've conversed through to them. And they prayed that I would continue to be Kapu Aloha to others wherever I go, speaking the language of creativity and giving Hope. 

Aloha Ke Akua.

Today I felt like Esther. 

For such a time as this. 

We gathered as 

Wahine na koa o Ke Akua

(Women Warriors of God)

                                          

and we chanted a kawele (a slow clear chant)

Ku Kia'i Mauna

(guardians of the mountain)

Ku Kia'i Mauna

(guardians of the mountain)

Ku Kia'i Mauna

(guardians of the mountain)

eo

(victory!)

eo

(victory!)

eo

(victory!)

Then we walked some more across the large scientific and governmental complex past more huge telescopes and scientific equipment and buildings to get to the second altar. 

This telescope opened up while we were there! 

This is what we walked through.

and this...

                                          

This is the second altar that we gathered at to pray at. It was positioned on the south side of the peak but faced the east. There was a dirt path to follow to get to it. 

                                                   

                                        

Lorie sang an Oli Mahalo (a song of Thanks)

'Uhola 'ia ka makaloa la

(The makaloa mat has been unfurled)

Pu'ai ke aloha la

(In love, food was shared)

Kuka'i 'ia ka Ha loa la

(The great Breath has been exchanged)

Pawehi mai na lehua

(The Lehua: flower:  honors and adorns) 

Mai ka ho'oku'i a ka halawai la

(From zenith to horizon)

Mahalo, e Ke Akua

(Gratitude and Thanks to God)

Mahalo, e na kupuna la ea

(Gratitude and Thanks to our beloved ancestors)

Mahalo, me ke aloha la

(Gratitude, Admiration, Thanks and Love)

When we finished praying we walked back through the complex and out the gate. It was getting close to sunset. We were parked in a small parking lot just outside the locked gate. Joey and Tiana heated up water and we made hot chocolate and saimin (ramen) for dinner. 

We were privileged to have the peak to ourselves (well, along with all the telescopes and the workers still manning them).

It's crazy cuz at 10,000+ feet up with the cold night breeze blowing, the hot saimin got chilled off fast! 

Across the way was the peak with the visitor/tourist lookout that everyone else was hunkering down at to watch the sunset. All the other times I've ascended Haleakala that was my vantage point...until this time. 

We had a vantage point that was very unique as we were snuggled up beside the most high and sacred place. 

The sky put on quite a beautiful show as Ke Akua brushed his colors on with kikiao (burst of passion). 

Mahalo nui loa

(Thank you very much)

A hui hou makou

(until we meet again)

Much Aloha to you O Haleakala

Aloha Ke Akua ia'oe (God Loves You)

This last Sunday evening was the last time this go round that I painted live during the service at Ke Aha Vineyard Church in Kahului, Hawaii here on Maui. I am now just about a week away from departing and moving back to the mainland (specifically Idaho) after serving for a year through creative art ministry. I immersed myself into the Hawaiian culture...I lived with a Hawaiian family (the pastors of Ke Aha, a very small local church made up of people of all ages of all kinds of ethnicities and from all kinds of backgrounds) and became grafted into their Ohana (extended family). During my year here I made sure to be intentional about listening in on the conversation God is having with them all. I spent time listening and paying attention as they talked story (shared stories from their past, lived in the moments from today, and shared hopes and dreams for their futures). I lived with them, ate with them, played with them, did life with them. I came along side them through creativity (live painting, collaborative painting, commissioned painting, and creative consultations). I laughed and conversed with them in celebrations, cried with them and gave hugs through painful moments, prayed for them in times of stress and sorrow, joy and anticipation. And perhaps the part that I find the most impactful on me...through a humbled heart that wanted to learn and open hands that wanted to reach out across the table (to truly see, to truly hear, to truly know)...I allowed myself to step into their story for awhile...on a daily basis I became a part of them...and that has made all the difference. ...because it wasn't about all that I "did"for them, it wasn't about the art, it wasn't about me. It was about them. God's love for them...and how I got to see them (even if through my own limitations) I got to see them through his eyes...and they are so beautiful. Each one. Like a flower linked on a lei. Individual beauty...and corporate beauty. 

aloha Ke Akua ia'oe

(God loves you)

c. 2019 Lisa Marten

22x28 mixed media on unstretched canvas

This painting is about LOVE. I used the imagery of the Polynesian tradition of the giving of leis, which are garlands worn around the neck (I specifically used the flower lei and the ti leaf lei, but there are many kinds) as symbols of generosity, hospitality, welcome, celebration, honor, and Aloha (Love). This painting is about the God who IS Love. The God who sees us, hears us, knows us so intimately and loves us so deeply. Jesus was asked what was the greatest commandment and his response confounded those who asked. He said it was to LOVE GOD and then he said the second greatest commandment was to LOVE PEOPLE. I wanted to express some of that Aloha, that God Love to the people of Ke Aha (as a thank you for the honor it's been to be their Artist in Residence this past year) by giving each person my version of a lei. I made them fishing swivel bracelets like the one I continuously wear (a symbol of being a fisher of people), with the call out to GO LOVE PEOPLE...love much and love well (Phil 1:9)

Ubuntu...I am because We are. 

We are better together. 

Oli Mahalo...Maui

Maui no ka oi

Mahalo Maui

Mahalo wai 

Mahalo 'aina

Mahalo Ohana

Mahalo Ke Akua

So much Aloha!

Mahalo nui loa!

a hui hou

All Pau.