Today we’d like to introduce you to Addison Kanoelani
Hi Addison, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve been an artist for as long as I can remember—creating has always been an essential part of who I am. I pursued that passion academically, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts with an emphasis in portrait painting. But over time, I found the traditional rules of painting too rigid. I wanted more freedom, more expression, so I started experimenting—first with spray paint, then returning to oil painting, focusing on atmospheric nightscapes.
At one point, I had to step away from art due to personal challenges. But when I returned, I felt a pull in a new direction. I needed my art to be more than just an expression—I needed it to be healing, both for myself and others. I asked myself: What has always brought me peace? The answer was clear—nature. It’s been my refuge, my constant source of healing throughout my life. So I found a way to merge that deep connection with my art, incorporating organic materials like flowers, sand, and crystals. Now, my work is not just about creating something beautiful but about offering a sense of peace, grounding, and restoration to those who experience it.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, it hasn’t always been a smooth road—far from it! My art has been a constantly evolving journey, one of self-discovery and growth. And like any journey, there have been moments when I had to pause. While creating has always been a core part of who I am, it can also be labor-intensive and emotionally demanding. Over the years, I’ve realized that I tend to put a lot of pressure on myself. Sometimes, I need to step back, reset, and switch gears before diving back in.
One of the most incredible parts of being an artist is connecting with people who truly resonate with my work. It’s an amazing feeling when someone sees a piece and feels something deeply. But on the flip side, art can also make people uncomfortable, and they’re often just as vocal about that as those who love it. Learning to navigate both the highs and the challenges has been a big part of my journey.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My work is a fusion of painting and nature, designed to create a sense of peace, grounding, and connection. I specialize in mixed-media paintings that incorporate natural elements like real preserved flowers, crystals, sand, and mica. I blend these organic materials with layers of acrylic paint, plaster for texture, and resin to create immersive, multidimensional pieces. My art is deeply inspired by my own journey—nature has always been a refuge for me, and I bring that energy into my work, hoping to offer others the same sense of tranquility and healing.
I think what sets my work apart is the way I bridge the natural world and the depth of the cosmos, with fine art. My pieces aren’t just paintings; they’re tangible experiences that invite people to feel something—whether it’s calm, wonder, or a sense of connection to something bigger. I take pride in the fact that my work resonates with people on an emotional level, and I love when collectors tell me my art brings a sense of serenity into their space.
I’m especially proud of the way my art has evolved to reflect my own healing journey. For a long time, I felt like I had to follow certain artistic “rules,” but when I allowed myself to break free and create in a way that truly aligns with my soul, everything changed. Now, my work feels more authentic than ever, and I hope that authenticity shines through to those who experience it.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Being an entrepreneur—especially as an artist—means constantly taking risks. It’s a necessary part of the job. Art requires vulnerability because that’s how we connect with others and find our people. But not everyone will resonate with what you create, and that can be uncomfortable. Art also reflects where we are as individuals and as a society, and not everyone is ready to dive into those depths.
Beyond emotional risk, there’s also the financial side. Investing in yourself—whether it’s through materials, exhibitions, or new opportunities—always carries some uncertainty. But I’ve found that the biggest breakthroughs happen when you take those leaps of faith. To me, financial risk isn’t just about spending money; it’s a calculated investment in yourself and your vision. Sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn’t—but you’ll never know unless you try.
Better to risk, and find out, than constantly wondering “what if?”
Pricing:
- Commissions start at $1000+
- Workshops: $2000+
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kanoelaniart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kanoelani_life
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AddisonKanoelani
