The Kilauea lava flow currently threatening the town of Pāhoa reminds us that we live on fragile islands. Our ancestors knew this and taught us that we mortals are mere stewards of the land. Lava is the manifestation of Tūtū Pele, and Hawaiians accept that she will reclaim the land if she sees fit. Stephanie Schoening has tried to capture that awe and power in her paintings, Hū Ka Pele (To Pour Forth).

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Meet the artist: Stephanie Schoening

Hū Ka Pele

(click the images for a larger view)

Credits: Photos courtesy of ʻIokepa Badis