He was sitting on the cloth with just a few beautiful opihi shells displayed before him. People wood hike through the botanical gardens and ask him about his wares. It was hilarious to watch because he would refuse to sell anything if he felt the person wanting to obtain the shell was not a right fit. In other words, he needed to know the shell was going to a good home and he wasn't about to let just anyone buy his work. It was an interesting prospect to watch him go about his business, interacting with people as they hiked by and visited with him.
It felt like a great honor to receive this beautiful shell featured above. The opihi shell he said, was not easily obtained and took a great deal of strength to gather. He would spend many hours shining his shells into beautiful jewels. The one above was an opihi shell in it's natural state.
Looking at this opihi shell and memories of the man and his business ideals brings fond smiles to mind. Here's some beautiful music from Ledward Kaapana
playing the classic slack key guitar song written by Leonard Kwan "Opihi Moe Moe" that beautifully explains the love of the islands and the love contained in the shell.
Artwork size:5.25 x 4"
Materials Used: Pine wooden plaque, liquid nails, brass metal pieces, opihi shell, wood sealer
