This piece is titled Ka Makau Kahihi O Maui, or Maui's Magic Hook. It is executed on a slab of pine and scorched with butane. It's dimensions are 19"x38" and is almost 2" thick. Throughout Polynesia Maui is the equivalent of the western world's Superman. He is half god and half man. Legend has it that Maui, while fishing with his brothers, pulled up the islands of Hawai'i. Under strict instruction no one was to look back as the islands were being retrieved from the depths of the sea. One of Maui's brothers couldn't resist and glanced back to witness the spectacle. Upon doing so, the Makau Kahihi came loose and sank to the sea floor never to be found again. If his brother hadn't looked back they would have pull up a great continent. The makau kahihi was also a cause of jealousy because with it Maui could catch any fish in the sea with ease. His brothers resented Maui's boastful ways and maybe that is why one looked back. The fish in this composition are Ahi, Mahi, Hamakua and a Honu. Behind the Honu, or turtle lies the great Mauna Kea, the tallest mountain in the Hawaiian chain. Kea means white because during the winter months this great mountain is cloaked in a blanket of snow. An inspiring sight for any artist!