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Kim Taylor Reece, Hawaii’s foremost fine art photographer, has been studying hula kahiko for nearly 25 years. A catalyst of Hawaii’s Cultural Renaissance, his photography captures the mystery and magic of this dance, which for generations has excited the imaginations of people around the world.
In his research, Kim has traveled with the Hawaii State Foundation of Culture and the Arts, enabling him to study and work with dancers from more than 37 different Pacific Islands. His extensive research of costumes and dances of the early Hawaiians captures the spirit and essence of this ancient ritual.
His unique style has established the visual standards for hula kahiko. As millions encounter Kim’s work everyday, it helps to preserve the hula and enrich lives with his fine art photography.
Kim’s award winning photography has brought him worldwide recognition. Over the years, Kim has received 15 Pele Awards (communication and arts), Print Magazine Awards, Kahili Awards (HVCB), Travel Journalism Awards and National Community Service Awards. His images have been acquired by collectors, dignitaries, and museums internationally.
He studied art at Long Beach State in California and because he is color-blind was told to "change majors or be a starving artist". He uses it to his advantage in capturing the subtleties of the kahiko in black and white. He uses sepia tone to represent the timelessness of the dance. Kim has been publishing his art prints since 1983.
Kim has a gallery at Sacred Falls, Oahu, Hawaii. "The beauty in nature of the lush green valley and the striking blue ocean exemplifies what I am trying to portray through my work." Says the artist of his remote location.
For those who appreciate hula, Kim Taylor Reece has devoted his talents to the celebration of Hawaii’s ancient dance.
Hula Kahiko
Plant a Seed for Prosperity
With the New Year just around the corner, now is the time to begin thinking about what you want to manifest in the coming year… Or why wait? Plant that seed now to stimulate growth! Rather than simply “thinking” about what you want to nurture, this exercise will physically put your goals into motion when you “plant a seed for prosperity.”
What seed of an idea would you like to plant and grow into an opportunity? Financial abundance? Protection? It could be a skill or personal quality you’d like to acquire, or new adventure or creation. You probably already have a goal in mind, but just need to know what direction to put that energy in. For those that are still struggling with what they want to focus on, sit in meditation, or open your intuition and listen for divine messages that will help shape your goals or resolutions. When you have determined what it is that you are going to nurture in the coming year, write it down on a piece of paper.
From the list at the end of this article, locate the appropriate type of tree/seed based upon the corresponding energy that you are wanting to manifest. (You may want to also look up additional horticulture tips for the requirements of the different species, including climate and timing for planting to ensure a successful sprouting.)
When you’re ready to plant the seed, pick up the plant seed and concentrate on it, infusing it with your desires. If planting in a pot, first place your written desire at the bottom of the pot, or if planting outside, at the bottom of a hole that you have dug. Next, cover with a little soil, and proceed with planting your seed. Your written desire will feed the roots of the tree as it grows. Visit the sprouting tree frequently, water it, and emotionally feed it as well, knowing that as it grows, so will your desire.
Here are some appropriate trees to use:
Oak – Solid and strong, the Oak is the tree of endurance and triumph. When meditating or grounding, it is often the Oak tree that we visualize and embody because of its tremendous root system and its ability to anchor our souls.
Birch – As the Birch tree is the earliest tree to produce new leaves each year, it is known as a symbol of fertility and new beginnings. Birch brings luck in new endeavors, and aids in accomplishing goals. Bundles of birch twigs were bound together for use in witches’ brooms, and to ward off negative spirits.
Apple – The Apple tree is one of the most sacred trees, holding the energy of eternal youth and happiness in the afterlife. Cutting down an Apple tree was considered so unlucky in Ireland that they would call for a sacrifice of a person as payment for such wrongdoing.
Alder – Alder is associated with rebirth (resurrection), as the petals on the Alder tree reflect the spiral pattern of creation. Use Alder for situations concerning death or birth.
Rowan – The tree of fire, Rowan represents inspiration and vitality. Leaves of Rowan may be used to increase psychic powers, while the branches of the Rowan tree are often used for fabricating wands. If you had a magickal wand, made from the Rowan tree, what would you want to manifest?
Willow – The Willow embodies similar energy to that of the Moon. It provides protection from nightmares, harm, and betrayal.
Hawthorne – The tree associated with purification and chastity, this tree is used to bring forth a lighter energy, that of the fairy. It is no wonder that the Hawthorne tree is sacred to fairies, and cutting one down brings misfortune.
Holly – Holly is associated with luck and protection. Holly leaves are sometimes used for divination, as the number of berries indicates the severity of the coming winter.
Maple – With a sweetness like syrup, the Maple attracts love, money, and luck. It is often used for treasure chests and jewelry boxes holding your most precious items. Maple will offer the sweet allure to attract what you want.
Ash – The Ash tree is an ancient tree, associated with the Norse, and sacred to Poseidon, God of the Sea. Placing ash leaves under your pillow will aid in prophetic dreams
Hazel – Hazel is the tree that blooms with wisdom. Hazel nuts are strung and used for happiness within the home. Forked Hazel branches are often used as dowsing rods to aid in divination and locating water or hidden objects.
Elder – The Elder tree is associated with magick and manifestation. If hung over doorways, it repels negative spirits and energies, but if burned, it calls forth and invites negative spirits.
