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Meet Addison Kanoelani of Kanoelani Art in Tempe

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Addison Kanoelani.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Addison. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’ve been an artist my whole life. I took the AP Art classes in high school and was constantly doing projects and working to improve my artistic capabilities. After high school I was shown in art shows across the downtown LA area. I attended college in Idaho where I received a Bachelors in Art. However in school, I studied classical portrait art. After graduating I moved to the Phoenix valley with my husband while he attended ASU.

It was here in Phoenix where I decided to start painting landscapes, particularly fantasy landscapes and scenes of galaxies. I also started showing my art in galleries throughout the valley and participated in chalk art events. And eventually started live streaming my art from my studio on Twitch.

Besides live streaming, I also sell my originals as well as taking commissions and creating custom paintings for clients.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Art school was somewhat challenging during my time there. As much as I loved it, and enjoyed learning so much, it very much felt like there was a particular set of expectancy. I did love traditional art, but creating what felt like the same thing over and over again, made me feel like I lost a bit of my passion for art. Once I graduated I realized I had free reign over my life and artistic choices. But I had to get up the courage to decide to branch out and paint things I hadn’t tried before. Experimenting was probably one of the best choices I could have made and it got me to where I am today.

Along the way we faced many personal challenges. My husband and I moved from Idaho to Phoenix and were practically homeless when we first got here because a previous arrangement had fallen through. If it wasn’t for the support of my family, I have no idea where our lives would be at. And as soon as we moved, I was faced with health challenges and financial challenges. But we kept moving and pursuing what we knew was right for us, and now looking back on the years I am glad we endured what we did because I am who I am today because of the things we faced.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Kanoelani Art – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I am an independent artist. I do not have a large company behind me, or a group of staff. Unless you count my two overweight shelter cats. I create paintings from my heart and every piece is unique and created for a certain owner in mind. If I am creating an original that hasn’t been commissioned, I create a painting knowing that this is meant for someone out there, and I have the hope that it will be with who it’s meant to be with some day.

While I specialized in portraits at school, currently I focus on night scene and fantasy landscapes. Most pieces incorporate the Milky Way, or other galaxy images. I can also incorporate silhouettes taken from a clients provided photo. Often times these represent memorials of passed loved ones. My pieces are made to hopefully inspire others, or bring feelings of happiness and peace within the home it is displayed in. I myself suffer from severe anxiety. And sometimes all I need is a visual representation of a better scene to lure me out of my dark times. I hope that my paintings can prevent or help those that suffer from the same darkness that I do.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I hope to eventually someday, have my own gallery and sell prints and originals worldwide. Currently my husband and I are looking for work for him and are anticipating a move, but where to? We have no idea. But where ever we go I plan to continue my art until I can’t paint anymore. And I hope to continue to meet those who are meant to have my art in their homes, or would just benefit from seeing a piece of my art.

Pricing:

  • Custom commissions start at $100 and increase from there particularly due to size and subject.

Contact Info:

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.

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