Suzanne Dix "A Pao'a O Pele"

I was motivated to paint this canvas by the National Parks’ “Pele” competition. My thoughts throughout researching it surrounded the grace of Pele - that if she were angry at all times, this island would be uninhabitable. She is certainly capable of anger, but she is also generous and quiet.

My model was a talented Hawaiian, who danced Pele’s dance for me. I spent time at the caldera, sketching and photographing extensively. The explosions from Mauna Loa and within the caldera are my artistic license. I wanted to portray Pele conjuring up her fire with a dance, not furor and madness.