Marina Kuran was enrolled in her first formal drawing class (the only kid among a room full of adults and a real, live nude model) at the age of 8. Although her journey has included classes and workshops, she considers her primary art teacher to be nature especially the inspiring and energizing time she spends in the mountains, forests and at/in the ocean. With many years experience in counseling, education and the environment, Marinas hope is that people experience the healing power of nature through her work.

After all, it is what originally drew her to Hawaii 25 years ago. Marinas work has been shown in Hawaii, the Pacific Northwest, California, Florida and New York, hangs in the homes and offices of numerous collectors around the country and has appeared on stationery, websites and business cards. She has enjoyed teaching workshops and drawing and painting classes for both adults and to children, including facilitating children's mural projects. Her home and studio are located in South Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii.