After reading the story of the Hokule'a in Stuart Colemen’s Eddie Would Go, I became inspired to sculpt a figure of a Hawaiian Voyager with the intent of honoring the renaissance voyagers of the Hokule'a. Borrowing the image I saw of Eddie Aikau on the cover of Honolulu Magazine, I began sculpting_ using Eddie as a guide for capturing a strong male figure. The intent of this sculpture, which is still to be named, is to create a visual remembrance for generations to come that will educate and inspire all who view it of the heroic acts of all of the voyagers of Hokule'a.
Eddie Aikau is a Hawaiian hero. His legacy as a famed waterman and big wave surfer forever will be a part of Hawaiian history. Eddie lost his life in a brave act of heroism to save crew members of the capsized Hokule'a in 1978. Years later “Eddie Would Go” bumper stickers have become a mainstay of local culture. What better way than to honor his legacy and the voyagers of the Hokule'a while educating the public about what it means to be a Hawaiian waterman, than through a commemorative sculpture? This sculpture (as pictured in clay) stands 30 inches tall and is 20 inches wide at the shoulders. The wooden dowel will be removed and replaced with sailing ropes and a block rig when the sculpture is cast in bronze.
Commemorative sculpture is priceless when one considers that the sculpture creates a visual legacy that will educate and inspire all who view it for generations to come. Imagine the busload of keiki, tourists and, community members who upon viewing local commemorative sculpture and learning Hawaiian history will come to share what they thus learned with others. Commemorative sculpture is a meaningful approach to honoring not only an individual’s life but an era in human history. All of which is good both for commerce and for educating people about history and culture.
As a Kama’aina and an educator, I believe we draw inspiration from history. It is through honoring the people, places and events of history that we remember those who came before us and who contributed something meaningful that resulted in making our present world a better place to live in. I believe that when people look at sculpture and learn about that person, era or historical event that it represents_ an alchemic “passing of knowledge” transpires. When present and future generations are inspired by these heroic individuals and their legacies, to the people of Hawaii, an enhanced sense of community pride emerges, bringing with it positive energy, education, and community pride.
Next month, Part 2 will examine how sculpture can honor a particular period in time.
