Kona’s House is an island surrounded by a sea of talent.  We want to connect with, get to know, and share with others the awesome talents that we’ve come across. That’s why we’re starting a new feature here called Talkin’ Story. There’s no better way to learn about someone and their art than through the all powerful interview. We get the opportunity to learn something about a great artist then share it with the world. Studio Five-0 has graciously accepted our request to be the first.

If you were to come up with your own tropical drink, what it would it have in it, how would it be presented and what would it be called?

I defer to my Hubby for this one!  He tended bar and worked in the restaurant industry for years on Maui before going back to school for Architecture (where we met!).
He knows what I like to drink, so he is calling my drink the “Passion Island”.

Basically, it’s a Long Island Iced Tea with a splash of passion fruit juice and a wedge of lime. No lemon…always has to be lime for me!  He hasn’t tested it out yet, but I guarantee that I will like it!

It would be served in a tall glass with a sugar cane swizzle stick, a little umbrella and a little plastic drink mermaid with extra cherries that I would sneak to my boys.  Of course, it would be sitting on one of my coasters!

How long have you been doing what you do and how did you get into it?

As for Studio Five-0, it started a few years ago when I decided to redecorate my living room. Wanting modern designs with a Hawaiian flair, I searched far and wide, ending up disappointed.  I decided to make my own designs and learned how to screen print.  After some trial and error, I decided to open my Etsy store to share my products and get feedback.  I have been very pleased at the overwhelmingly positive reactions my designs have received.

Looking at your name, are you a big Hawaii Five-0 fan?

We’ll, thank you for making the not so subtle connection! I have been a huge fan since the original series aired on TV…yes I did watch the original!!  I currently own only Season 1 & Season 2 on DVD, but plan on having the entire collection eventually. Not only is it a great show, I consider it to be a documentary and chronological style guide of modern Island Design.  Seriously!  When watching the show, I am looking at patterns on clothing, upholstery, lamps, everything. The Psychedelic era in Aloha attire was the best!

From your Twitter bio we see you have a background in architecture, does that come into play with your designs?

Architecture has had a very large influence on my designs. I am always noticing patterns made by building elements and the shadows they cast. There are many geometric designs floating in my head that need to be put on fabric. I also like to think about how fabric patterns coordinate with Architectural styles. I absolutely love the Manoa Valley on Oahu with an eclectic mix of Craftsman, Victorian and Plantation style bungalows. I think that some of my fabric pattern would fit very well in the many historic homes in this district.

Why tiki, a.k.a polynesian, a.k.a Hawaiian, a.k.a island?

Growing up in the heyday of Tiki-ness and bellbottoms, the influence was hard to escape. Kon-Tiki Architecture, Hawaii Five-0, Brady Bunch in Hawaii, Disneyland’s Tiki Room, it was everywhere! After moving to Hawaii, the appreciation was set for life!!

Do you ever get in a creative slump? How do you get out?

Well, I think one of those “Passion Island” drinks might help!  Other than that, I like to look through some of my favorite books:  Under the Hula Moon, Architecture in Hawaii, The Hawaiian House Now, Hawaii a Sense of Place, and Hawaiian Modern to name a few.  Popping in one of my Hawaii Five-0 DVD’s helps too!

What is your favorite piece?

That is like asking me to choose a favorite child!  Although right now, I would have to say it is my “Emma” plumeria damask design.  Named after Hawaii’s Queen Emma, the design was influenced by Victorian era fabrics and bunches of fragrant plumerias.  I hope to someday have it woven in silk.

What is your work flow like?

Work flow?  Yikes, I’m too easily distracted.  But seriously, I do a lot of drawing.  This comes from my training in Architecture.  Start with the big picture and keep tracing over for refinement.  Then I scan into the computer, lay out the designs and pattern repeats in AutoCAD, then create final artwork in Photoshop.  The process is a bit cumbersome, but it works for me so far.

Anything new you’re coming out with?

There are many ideas still floating around in my head that will come out as time and budget permits.  Next will be the first in my “Architectural Collection”, the 1240 Ala Moana print.  It is based on Vladimir Ossipoff’s IBM building in Honolulu.  Other than that, I am listing some glass tile pendants soon on Etsy featuring designs inspired by Hawaiian Heirloom jewelry.

Ossipoff Inspired Print

Studio Five-0 Pendant Preview

Any favorite polynesian, a.k.a island, a.k.a Hawaiian musicians?

I love them all! I am a little out of the local Hawaiian music loop lately, so I picked up the Starbucks Mele o Hawaii CD.  It is a nice compilation of songs and artist to keep me going until I can get hooked up with some good satellite or internet radio.  Any suggestions?

If you were stranded on a deserted tropical island would it be more like LOST, Gilligan’s Island, or Fantasy Island?

Definitely Gilligan’s Island. The first thing I would build is a Tiki bar! Then I’d build a bamboo computer and satellite dish, kind of Steampunk goes Polynesian!!

We want to give a big mahalo to Studio Five-0 for her awesome designs and willingness to talk story with us in our first interview. You can show Studio Five-0 some follow love and add her to your ohana on Twitter. Also, don’t forget to support her “Passion Island” cravings by checking out her Etsy store.