a note from the artist

Sometimes the work that changes your life is made before you know your life is changing.

I made this photograph during the four years I lived in Hawaii, long before I understood what my voice as an artist would eventually become.

There was a trail most visitors to Hanauma Bay never saw. It wrapped around the back of the bay and climbed the ridge overlooking the coast. I returned to that ridge again and again at sunrise, usually on Tuesdays, when the bay was closed and I could experience this place without the crowds.

I became convinced that the best photograph happened in a matter of seconds: that first moment when the sun broke the horizon and the landscape seemed to wake with it.

On this particular morning, I reached the top and realized I'd forgotten my tripod.

So I ran back down.

Then I ran back up.

It was roughly a mile round trip, and my back injuries were still relatively fresh. I paid for that decision afterward, but I made it back before the sun appeared.

And for about five seconds, the world looked like this.

Of all the photographs I made from this overlook during four years in Hawaii, this is the only one that remained in my portfolio.

It also became one of the photographs that changed the trajectory of my life.

When I shared it, people responded. It created some of the first real traction around my photography and gave me something I hadn't quite had before: evidence that perhaps the way I saw the world could become more than something I did for myself.

Looking at it now, I can see pieces of the artist I would eventually become. The absence of people. The solitude. The patience to return to the same place until it revealed itself differently. The belief that somewhere between what exists and what I imagine exists a photograph worth waiting for.

This piece was originally released as an edition of 300. Early in my career, I reserved the first five editions for previous collectors, charitable donations, and fundraisers. As my practice evolved, my editions became much smaller and I stopped reserving work this way.

Those five editions were never released.

Until now.

Five remain from one of the photographs that started everything.

And I think I especially like that ending because you're not manufacturing scarcity. There's an actual reason these five exist. It makes their availability part of the history of the artwork rather than a sales device.

Are You considering Hanuama Sunrise?

I’m happy to mock it up in your space so you can see the scale before deciding!

Most collectors revisit a piece several times before acquiring it or need to see a mock-up while considering size. If that’s you, send me a message on FB Messenger or text me at 808.321.8643

You can also use the form button below and I’ll reach out to you.

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There is a HUGE world of frame options available. I typically frame with Roma moulding and Larsen Juhl. My lab will take care of framing for you, so you don’t have to stress about anything aside from putting the art on your walls once you receive it. If you would like to discuss framing your artwork, write me via the form below or text me at 808.321.8643