My sister, Daisy Priya Lucas, who lives in Hawaii, is an artist.She has recently completed this beautiful pastel of a beautiful and much loved elder of Hawaii, Kumu Raylene Kawaiaea. Daisy has given me permission to use her work as one of my beautiful things today. You can see another of her pieces in this post.
“Kumu Raylene Kawaiaea, also known as Raylene Lancaster, was a beloved elder, revered kumu hula (traditional dance teacher) and a cultural consultant and preserver who lived in North Kohala, Hawaii. She was a teacher at Queen Liliuokalani Children’s Center and a practitioner of the ancient Hawaiian art of reaching agreement or “making things right” called Ho’oponopono. She took part in numerous community events and her presence was sought after for blessings and dedications to new buildings and organizations. Kumu Raylene Kawaiaea died at age 61 from a car accident. She is remembered as a beautiful individual whose love and wisdom touched many on the island of Hawaii and beyond. It is said that any person who stood before her felt worthy and loved – the true meaning of “Aloha.”
Do have a look at this video about this beautiful woman. http://occupylove.org/kumu-raylene-kawaiaea/
Thank you so much, Daisy, for sharing your work and for the link to the videos. Kumu Raylene sounds like a remarkable and wonderful woman. I wish I could have met her. You capture her essence in this beautiful portrait.
PS 24 February 2015 I have removed the pictures on the request of Chyenne, the Granddaughter of Kumu Raylene whose comment you can read below. I fully respect her wishes and am very sorry for any offence caused.
PS 16th July 2015 My sister has gained the family’s permission for her beautiful paintings to be shown here.
Jessica
September 15, 2015 at 11:05 pm
I am also Kumu’s grand daughter. My name is Jessica Ha’alelea Lancaster. I think the painting is BEAUTIFUL. This is really great work. I think the only purpose of Chyennes post was because the family has had PAST issues of people putting our tutu’s name or picture or anything of her, and selling it. Which we believe the family does have the right to know as well as have a say so in what and where the money should go. I hope the painting was for good purposes and simply being because she was beautiful inside and out.. and not for sale. I think she would have loved this picture. I do. You did a great job. Where is this being shown at?
mybeautfulthings
September 15, 2015 at 11:10 pm
This painting was done by my sister who lives in Volcano, Big Island. It was shown in an exhibition last year on the Island. I am very happy that you find it beautiful.
All the very best to you and you family 🙂
Val butler
March 3, 2015 at 4:32 pm
Sad, so saddened this beautiful work has been removed. This is my Kumu’s, Kumu Hula…please watch http:www.youtube/watch?v=BKOYGZUj9M . I dance and sing the songs and dances written by Kumu Raylene each day. Kumu Raylene will be remembered and honored in many ways. This link only gives a small glimpse into the extraordinary life and spirit of a magnificent human being. Be love. I can see my Kumu in my minds eye…permission from her heart to mine…connected forever….mahalo nui loa for the gift.
mybeautfulthings
July 16, 2015 at 3:42 pm
Hello, I have reinstated the paintings as Daisy has spoken with people who are happy for the painting to be here. Thank you for your comments. 🙂
Chyenne
February 24, 2015 at 7:07 pm
that is my grandmother and i personally don’t think it is very respectful to post this without consent from her family my grandmothers death was one of the hardest things i have ever been through she is a great kumu hula and if you do not know her why would you post it commenting on everyones comment like you knew her is crazy i hope you change your mind and take this down our family is huge and i think that you could’ve got permission by one person please write me back because i want to know what you think about a 15 year old teenager commented on a photo of her beloved grandmother please take it down it would only be respectful
mahalo nui loa chyenne
mybeautfulthings
February 24, 2015 at 7:56 pm
Dear Chyenne, I am so sorry that you find my post disrespectful. I thought the painting of your Grandmother was very beautiful and reflected her beautiful spirit but I respect your wishes and will take down the artwork done by my sister.
Valerie Butler
March 3, 2015 at 5:41 pm
Dearest Daisy and Sister, Thank you for the beautiful portrait of Kumu Raylene. I knew her and have the privilege and permission from her to dance and sing the songs of her ancestors. Your portrait not only honors her, but inspires others to live in her footsteps. It is clear that the minor child of Kumu’s daughter is in high emotion. Given the way her statement was constructed, I would only assume she suffers and needs help to cope with her grief. This is sad and reflects badly on a really incredible family. Perhaps it is a matter of maturity. Our dear Kumu Hula Raylene Lancaster departed on March 9, 2012. I can only assume the unstable nature of this minor’s state of mind is due to the closely approaching anniversary of her grandmother’s death.I am certain this child would appreciate a request for permission to support the image of Kumu. I sounds like more of a cry for help to overcome her grief. However, We each have the rights to create and display our artwork with honor and love. We all are allowed to hold the desire to honor the family and the person. These things, we do not need permission to do . We do not need permission to grieve in our own way. We can do this and honor the family at the same time. It is a dialectic. We can also make our images public. We can do this in an honorable way. I feel you have done this with Daisy’s beautiful portrait of Kumu Raylene. We each choose to morn in different ways. I believe the granddaughter’s post does not reflect the beautiful and loving nature of the family of Kumu Raylene. I hope others will look past the judgments made by a minor and understand the true loving nature of this beautiful and honored family. Chyenne was the tender age of 12 years old when her dearest grandmother passed away from a tragic accident. It is understandable she continues to struggle. This does not make her comments accurate or valid. Feeling sad that I cannot look upon your painting. Sensoring is always wrong. Be well. Thank you for the painting. I will remember it, I do not have to see it. Honoring Our Beautiful Kumu Raylene on the 3rd Anniversary of her Departure…3/9/12. Love, Val Butler
mybeautfulthings
July 16, 2015 at 3:45 pm
As you will see I have re-instated the paintings. Daisy has said that it is okay to do so. It was clear that her granddaughter was hurting very badly and I did not want to add to her distress. I am very happy to put the beautiful paintings back in honour of a much loved and greatly respected individual whom I wish I had been lucky enough to have met. Love to you too, Sally
Valerie Butler
November 21, 2014 at 10:15 pm
Overwhelmed to stumble onto this beautiful image of my Kumu Andrea Luchese’s teacher, Kumu Hula Raylene Ha’alelea Kawaiaei’a. Remembering to honor those who inspire! Mahalo nui loa, Ms. Daisy Lucas and Sister! This picture makes my heart sing.
mybeautfulthings
November 21, 2014 at 10:25 pm
Very happy indeed to have you call by and to hear of your delight in my beautiful sister’s amazing painting. I shall direct her here to read your comment herself. All the best to you 🙂
Jean
April 29, 2014 at 9:41 am
Is this painting for sale?
mixedupmeme
March 25, 2014 at 11:28 am
So much talent in one family! 🙂
mybeautfulthings
March 27, 2014 at 3:52 pm
Oh, yes! 🙂
Choc Chip Uru
March 25, 2014 at 2:41 am
That is an absolutely incredible piece of work 🙂
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
babyjill7...Marilyn Griffin
March 24, 2014 at 8:56 pm
such a contrast in the two paintings…but, each is so beautiful …
mybeautfulthings
March 27, 2014 at 3:51 pm
Lovely aren’t they as the picture develops 🙂
El Guapo
March 24, 2014 at 8:15 pm
Love the evolution of that painting!
mybeautfulthings
March 27, 2014 at 3:47 pm
Fabulous to see it develop isn’t it? I hope d will share more work in the same way. She has an exhibition coming up soon, in Hawaii. Wish I could be there! 🙂
Don
March 24, 2014 at 7:35 pm
Beautiful piece of work.
mybeautfulthings
March 27, 2014 at 3:46 pm
Thank you. I’ll tell Daisy 🙂