Shay Wahl

"Heliconia Hiding" SOLD

Shay Niimi Wahl grew up in the small plantation town of Paauilo, on the Big Island of Hawaii. Her country upbringing on the slopes of Mauna Kea, surrounded by majestic sugar cane, soft trade winds and lush tropical landscape, shaped her awareness and appreciation of the beauty of her island home. Her mother's love of flowers and joy in everyday living, and her father's respect for nature have also found places in her art.

Shay received a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Studies and Sociology from Chapman University in Orange, California. She selected Asian Culture and Art as her independent study. Later she returned to Hawaii, where she received a teaching certificate and a Master of Arts degree in Education. Her thesis, "The Children of Hawaii", included a watercolor silk piece of local flowers representing the diverse culture in Hawaii. This painting was purchased and is in a private home in Spokane, Washington. Throughout her teaching career, Shay emphasized the creative and artistic development of the young children's personalities. She retired from a career in education, and now devotes her full attention to painting.

Art has always been a good friend to her quiet and patient nature. Seeing her potential, her father encouraged her by bringing home good bamboo brushes and rice paper from his visits to Japan. As a child she was satisfied to dabble; as an adult she enrolled in numerous art classes offered by the community and through private tutoring learned the traditional Chinese art of watercolors on silk. Her silk pieces are breathtaking. As she began to focus on this technique, her art took on a representational style uniquely her own. Gradually she transferred this technique to quality watercolor paper. Her exceptional art pieces have found appreciation by many local residents and visitors from around the world.

Shay resides on the Big Island, where her home is her studio.