Meet Saumolia Puapuaga | Painter | Visual Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Saumolia Puapuaga and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Saumolia, what do you want your legacy to be?
I wish to leave a legacy that offers people a fascinating visual journey in fine art. I want my paintings to be in the homes of people I know, art enthusiasts, and art collectors from around the world. I get an amazing feeling knowing that my paintings have brought happiness and emotion to others just as they do for me. When I think about legacy I think about eternity and in my paintings, oceanscapes are timeless and horizons go on forever. I believe this is my service to the community, my people, my family, and the world. Creating art is my way of inspiring current and future generations of Samoan/Polynesian youth and queer artist alike. I would love for others to remember that I captured the strengths, struggles, beauty, and triumphs of a diverse community and that my art contributed to nurturing the hearts and stimulating the minds of others.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets me apart from other artists is my story and style of expression. My technique is a stream of conscious memories and emotions layered with details reminiscent to traditional Samoan motifs. I stay rooted in my identity and connected with my Samoan community by painting the story of the Polynesian diaspora and celebrating the concept of Fa’a Samoa, the Samoan way.

I am proud that I have conquered my fear of becoming a full time artist. Now I can focus on becoming a recognized painter. Painting is the most consistent part of my day. Painting is my passion, my life, and it brings me so much calmness and joy. I was humbled and honored when I was selected to be an artist in residence and showcase my work at the Hawaii State Art Museum. The exhibit, entitled “Dear Saumolia”, was my personal visual story from childhood to adulthood that touched upon compassion, acceptance, self-pride, family, and pain. It was the first time in my life that I was not afraid nor ashamed to be my authentic self. I realized that my work was another way to fellowship and connect with others on a more personal level and exchange stories and hear the journey of others. I’m determined to continue flexing my voice as a local artist, an indigenous person, a queer person and for my culture, all in the name of art.

During the start of the pandemic I lost my 9 to 5 job. I embraced my artistic talent and decided to put 100% of my energy into making my dream a reality. I created a website and never looked back. Was it easy? No. It still is not easy. I faced many hurdles along the way, such as, accessibility to display my work, acceptance into art galleries or businesses because of the pandemic. That’s when social media became my way of introducing my work to the public. I began to paint live and the viewers expressed admiration for my art. The affirmation and encouragement I was given enabled me to make more connections throughout Honolulu and into spaces I didn’t know were options. It took me beyond the comfort of my art studio.

A big lesson I learned was finding confidence in my own creative process and part of that process included a lot of reflection. This confidence has allowed me to grow as an artist and take criticism with grace. I can say that I have emerged from this lesson all the wiser and more productive. My brand is nature driven, abstract in view, progressive in content, timeless as beauty, and culturally relevant. These bodies of work are created by a Samoan artist who paints with dignity and pride and whose work is created for any home and any person.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Hawaii is rich in culture, diverse in population and the beauty is abundant! There is so much to do on O’ahu, but before you come for a visit always research your destination and remember to respect the land and the communities you are visiting. Here’s a start for your visit!

Sunday: Take a sunrise walk to a breathtaking 360 degree view of open Hawaii. The Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail is a family friendly paved path adventure for the early riser! Catch some sun and splash around at Waimanalo Beach Park after.
Monday: Drive out to the North Shore of O’ahu and visit Kawela Bay. This beach is the perfect mix of shade, no waves and nestled in a grove of trees. Everyone will be happy! Don’t forget to grab lunch at Ken’s Fresh Fish in Laie home of the original ahi katsu plate and my two personal favorites the marlin fish taco and shrimp scampi! Their menu is “Broke da mouth kine action!”
Tuesday: Take a stroll at Ho’omaluhia Gardens in Kaneohe with astounding views of the Ko’olau mountain range and stop in and and visit their art gallery.
Wed: Aloha Stadium Swap meet! Find all the treasures you need from local vendors, artists, and food booths.
Thurs: Experience the second biggest sandbar in the world in Kaneohe! Book a morning tour or an afternoon tour and you won’t be disappointed!
Fri: Drive up to Tantalus Lookout for a grand view of Leahi (Diamond Head) and the city of Honolulu! Sit on the grass and have a beverage and stare at the sights in front of you!
Sat: Experience the most golden sunset along the west side. It’s worth the drive and the further you go the less people you will see!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are many people throughout my artistic journey who have offered their love, support, and cheers. I credit all of them, including my parents, family, friends, loved ones who have passed away, and followers that interact with my art. Through this I have learned sacrifice, dedication, kindness and so much more on my journey. I sincerely thank my dear friend, MaryAnne Long, for her guidance and support in the Honolulu art scene. I have met so many wonderful and talented artists from various shows that these connections have been extremely lovely and beneficial. Thank you to my life partner, Raymond Sanchez for listening to all my creative and crazy artsy ideas and for his support and love along the way. Most of all, thank you God for the blessings that bring tranquility and balance to my life.

Website: www.artbysaumolia.com

Instagram: @artbysaumolia

Facebook: Art by Saumolia

Other: www.808Arts.com TikTok: @artbySaumolia