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PACIFIC ISLANDS REPORT Pacific Islands Development Program/East-West Center |
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The Contemporary Pacific About The Artist: Solomon Enos
Solomon received his first commission as a sixth grader, illustrating curriculum materials for younger elementary students at Mākaha Elementary, and he has been on a roll ever since. Among other books, he illustrated Akua Hawa‘i: Hawaiian Gods and Their Stories (Bishop Museum Press, 2005) and the centennial edition of The Epic Tales of Hi‘iakaikapoliopele (Awaiaulu Press, 2006). Solomon has worked for and with many organizations on O‘ahu’s Leeward side, including Mākaha Elementary School, Nānākuli Intermediate School, MA‘O Organic Farms, Ka‘ala Cultural Learning Center, Hoa‘āina O Makaha, and Wai‘anae Coast Comprehensive Health Center. Each of these organizations has given Solomon an opportunity to see in concrete ways how art, the land, and the people can all take care of and inspire each other. He has also done artwork for the Sheraton Waikiki, Royal Hawaiian Hotel Royal Beach Tower, Aulani-Disney Hawai‘i Hotel, and other commercial spaces. For more information, see http://www.solomonenos.com/ [End Page vii] |
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Solomon Robert Nui Enos is a native Hawaiian artist who was born and raised on the west side of O‘ahu, in Mākaha Valley. His family is active in the community: his father, Eric, is founder of the Ka‘ala Cultural Learning Center; his mother. Shelly, works at the Wai‘anae Coast Comprehensive Health Center; his brother Kamuela works at MA‘O Organic Farms and was recently named as a commissioner for President Obama’s
Advisory Committee for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders; his brother Kanoe is a social worker; and his brother Kanohi is an artisan and wood-worker who makes indigenous tools and implements. Solomon is proud of his family and credits them for much of his original inspiration and for their support for his becoming an artist.