HOLLY VON SCHLAPPENBITCH* TODD VILLANUEVA

RYA HORNE* DENA NAKAHASHI* ‘ENA MEDIA* MIRABAI JAMES

THE genius GENERATION DENA NAKAHASHI

TODD VILLAnueva MIRABAI JAMES

MIKE EYE ENA MEDIA holly von schlappenbitch RYA HORN

THE STUFF INSIDE

THE PEOPLE Managing Editor: Jerry Jackson – jjackson@sohi808.com

Editor at Large: Nathan Rideaux – nrideaux@gmail.com

Art Director/Layout: Mariscia Rodriguez –rusha@sohi808.com

Chief Photographer: Peter Petersen – peter@sohi808.com

Contributing Photographers: Vi Su, J. Robinson, D. Vanndamn, M. Abraham *Some photos courtesy of Facebook

Marketing/Ad Sales: Michael Abraham -advertise@sohi808.com

Event Coordinator:James Robinson – jrobinson@sohi808.com

Contributors: Paradise Roller Girls, Sita Lange, Jessica Amber

Cover image: Phreewill & mike eye @ Hilo tAVERN TOWN A RT walk first fridays

When dealing with retrospect, careful observation must be given to accurately describe noteworthy events of the past to be given proper perspective in present and future times. In that regard, as a card carrying member of the much maligned “Generation X,” it may be time to reach back and bring some things to remembrance. As the children of “Baby Boomers,” our generation followed up one that is often described as hardworking, educated, corporate, and family oriented, among other things. Due to career goals that had to be met to provide for their young families, Baby Boomers had choices to make that sometimes left alot to be desired when striving for that superficial lifestyle. What resulted was the greatest renaissance of artistic merit that is rarely mentioned when noteworthy accomplishments of “Generation X” are mentioned. If the “X” is supposed to be the unofficial symbol for “unknown,” then that most definitely describes my generation. We are Generation X, our circumstances led us to a culture that was unknown by ancestors who played the cards they were dealt, and some did it better than others. For us, “Hip-Hop,” had be-come ours to gravitate towards, for the way we walked, talked, wore our clothes, and even existed for that matter. The fiber of Generation X’s being was constructed by Hip-Hop. The fundamental elements of DJ’ing, Dancing, MC’ing, and Graffiti, followed by knowledge of self, has shaped a generation of artists of these particular crafts and execu-tives at corporate levels. Socio-economic conditions creat-ed by “Reaganomics” and sprawling urban blight in metro-politan areas programmed an “808” rhythm into the DNA of the Hip-Hop generation. With very little help, marginalized youth became self-taught poets at a street level. There became very little use for full 8 piece bands to hire for studio sessions. As rap music rose to the forefront of the culture, producers became the backbone of the genera-tion’s soundtrack. Ghetto kids with no formal training were now programming four thousand dollar drum machines and MIDI production suites had become playgrounds of all possibilities. The generation that came before had pro-duced classic studio music through instrumentation, yet failed to capitalize on the opportunities that were afforded through entrepreneurship. The Hip-Hop Generation thrived in a street artform that would eventually become a billion dollar industry. What was lacking in corporate business savvy, the determination was there to fortify joint ventures, and exclusive branding opportunities. One thing has be-come quite clear throughout time, this generation kicked down doors and brought new meaning to the word “boss.” We didn’t wait for somebody with a suit on to greenlight what we wanted to do, we powered the greenlight.

by Nathan T. RideauxTHE GENIUS GENERATION

enaakahashi

SoHi: So tell me a little about yourself.Dena: Moved to the big island four years ago with my boyfriend Rob (aka DJ Soda-X). We were seeking a change of pace and decided to move to Volcano. I’m from Honolulu, but visited the big island many times, and each visit made the idea of moving here better and better. I like the rain. Volcano is a beautiful place to live and Hilo has a charm all its own.SoHi: Did you go to art school?Dena: I studied art at Kapiolani Community College for seeral years trying to pin down a major. They have a really great art department, with a lot of interesting courses and really good instructors and professors. I had the awesome opportunity of working as a gallery assistant at KCC’s Koa Gallery, under the direction of David Behlke. It was a fun experience and I learned a lot about exhibition space and the hard work and love that goes into running it. After moving here, I studied art and history at the University of Hawaii at Hilo. They also have a really good art department with a lot of great instructors and professors. Most notable would have to be excellent printmaking studio.

I appreciated the experience of UHH because of its relaxed atmosphere and the array of classes and pro-grams available, guest artists and speakers, the Stu-dent Art Association, films, etc.Studying here has defi-nitely changed my understanding of creating art.SoHi: At what age did you decide you wanted to make a living as an artist and how do you support yourself as an artist?Dena: I wanted to be an artist since forever. I got a lot of encouragement as a kid, back in preschool days, illustrating alphabet books, pushpin art, class posters. No one ever says don’t follow your dreams when you’re a kid. That would be messed up. But you do get a sense of what’s realistic, and you consider the odds, and you make choices based on that sometimes. Went from wanting to be an artist, to an architect, to a graphic designer, to a gallery owner, and back to artist again. So now I’m sustaining my art making as a house keep-er for several vacation rentals in Volcano. It’s a dirty job, but it works out. I used to be a waitress at some pretty gnarly places, so it’s kind of a nice transition. Still gotta’ clean up crap, you just don’t have to wait on tourist while you’re doing it. Work hard, paint hard, play hard, rinse and repeat.

SoHi: Who or what inspires you?Dena: The big island inspires me. The Hilo gray, our kittens, chickens and goat, living miles from a volcano park, the hapuus, and especially the people(among a lot of other things). People make art fun for me. Working at a gallery introduced me to a lot of different personalities and a lot of different tastes, and a hell of a lot of reasons of how and why to make art. I try to draw inspiration from everything and hope that I can finish a good amount of what gets started. I want to explore asmany mediums as possible, and mix it up. There’s no reason to not make something.SoHi: What do you think about Artwalk/First Fridays?Dena: Artwalks are awesome. It’s great that the organiza-tion is there and we have all these really great people and businesses and talent on board, every month, rain or dry, making fliers, organizing shows, setting up live musicvenues and crafts. It’s really dope that a lot of places are within walking distance of one another, but sometimes the rain deters that aspect.Definitely a labor of love, but what isn’t that’s worth doing?SoHi: How does it feel being a part of it?Dena: Dope, and I feel really lucky. A lot of thanks have to go to Rob for getting me down the hill, even on days where he doesn’t perform. Mike Eye for hooking me up with the opportunity to show and share wall space with his beautiful work, and of course Issa and all the won-derfulpeople at the Tavern for being so welcoming and supportive in every way. First Friday Artwalks are great opportunities for me to keep on track and keep working. I’m not the most disciplined person, so having something going on every 4 weeks helps with the ideas and develop-ment of a painting. I work with acrylic so paint actually dries in the humidity, and keeps things flexible, not too precious, otherwise things slow down. I try to have at least one new piece to show at the Tavern, and I try not to show previous work more than 3 nights. It keeps ideas rotat-ing and helps challenge myself. A big plus of the Artwalk experience is meeting the viewers. It’s like the taverns and bars in art history. Drinking beer, talking about art and whatever comes to mind, surrounded by your peers and other artists and/or performers. It’s nice to connect with the audience and hear their interpretations and thought process, and suggestions. You’d be surprised how many and to what lengths and depths of conversation in the back gallery you can have four or five beers deep. I love that about art, the human aspect.

SoHi: How would you define your style?Dena: I think it’s an amalgam of a lot of different things I like. I guess it’s kind of surrealism in nature, I rely a lot on contrast and conflating images, juxtapositioning forms usually not seen together. The lines and the smoke motif remind me of art deco, though I was never really too big afan. I’ve been trying to work more realistically with my birds and people, but I always end up coming back to more decorative compositions. I liked the flow of Baroque more than the structure and symmetry of Renaissance art, and I think most of the work I’ve done so far has a tendency to be more organic and calligraphic. I’ve always considered graffiti a form of art, and I think that also comes through too, especially with using color and creat-ing movement. Having a sense of humor is important to me when it comes to creating art. It’s good to be serious about your work, but too serious can be confining. I want to try everything. I love mixed media and the sky is the limit. Style is always evolving; tastes are always changing, so I always try to develop what and how I’m creating art. Keep working on the repertoire, that way there’s always something to do, and you always stay orignal.

SoHi: Where can we currently view your art?Dena: Right now, First Friday’s at the Tavern are pretty regular. I try to participate in a lot of the shows open to the public like East Hawaii Cultural Center’s members show and art festivals, and Wailoa’s Hawaii Nei and collab-oration show. My friends and I are planning a group show coming up in April (fingers crossed), featuring a lot of stu-dent and young artists. I’m also working on a website.

SoHi: Can you be commissioned for work?Dena: Yes! I’ve worked on several already for friends and family. I’m definitelywilling to entertain most ideas.

SoHi: How can you be reached?Dena: Send email inquiries to: artforhire808@gmail.com. No idea is too ridiculous.

Interview by: Jerry Jackson

t

SL: At what age did you start surfing and when did it become a passion?MJ: I started surfing at the age of 10. I saved all my money and bought a 6’8 BK Sunset gun vat the Maui swap meet. I paddled out to Pavils at Hookipa that day and was hooked and determined to master surfing. SL: Do you ever encounter any grief from other surfers?MJ: I don’t get much grief, as a surfer girl life’s pretty easy (ha-ha.) SL: What inspires you to carry on surfing?MJ: Surfing for me is all about stoke and being connected with this beautiful ocean and earth on an intimate level. SL: Do you come across many female surfers in the water? MJ: As a woman surfer seeing other girls in the water is so fun because when you smile and share fun it’s destine to follow and making new friends and connections is so cool. SL: Have you had to incorporate a healthy life style to benefit your surfing? MJ: I’d been living on Long Island for almost nine years and would come home for two months or so in the winter back to Maui. I moved home almost two years ago and have been surfing and training to keep healthy and most importantly, happy. I keep my nutrition and cooking simple and as healthy as possible; Quinoa and salad, lots of fruits, power smoothies with my Mira James Nutrition pack and cheese, I love cheese. Another impor-tant factor is hydration ZICO and water; I need my coconut water to keep me hydrated.

SL: Have you always lived by the sea? MJ: I was raised and lived half of my life up the road from “Jaws”. SL: How do you feel when you’re out in the water being a female? MJ: When I am surfing I feel super confidant and powerful. Even as a woman I feel equal in the water with others. I surf pretty well and hope others feel that way to (hahaha....) SL: Which countries have you ridden and which do you rate the most? MJ: I have surfed in a lot of unique places along the east coast and west coast and all over Hawaii. I am planning on Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Tahiti, New Caledonia, Tasmania and Africa, well basically anywhere travel is possible. SL: Has travelling benefited your surfing much, and what knowledge have you gained from it? MJ: Surfing other places where you are not as comfortable builds confi-dence and conditions your surfing ability, makes me very adaptable to different conditions and set ups. Hawaiian girls here are a different breed we are naturally comfortable in surf that would be flat out insane to others. SL: Describe your best surfing related memory? And your worst? MJ: My best surfing memory that’s a hard one...... I have so many but my best one was definitely surfing Jaws for the first time. It’s kinda’ hard to top that one.

A breif chat with

Mirabai JamesInterview by Sita Lange

“ Hawaiian girls here are a different breed we are naturally comfortable in surf that would be flat out insane to others. “

My worst memory was traveling 14 hours by mself to North Caro-lina for the Woman’s East Coast Championship. Got there it was literally a 1/2 foot set. I lost my heat slept one hour on the beach and started back for long island the same day. That was the worst.

SL: Have u ever entered a contest? If so how many, what, and where did you enter and win? MJ: I have entered tons contests can even count anymore I have boxes of trophies to many to display. I’m still trying to figure out how to utilize them in a creative way. The last contest I won was the Steve Coney pro at Hookipa last year. That was so awesome one of my best friend got second. We went into the final with the goal of first and second and we didn’t care what order. We did it! And we wore our gold and silver dog chains. For a week we were so proud. It was classic. I have done most of my contests in Maui and Long Island, NY. I did enter the US open one year which was rough. I didn’t make my heat waves were small and cold. Not my best peformance or experience. I am more of a free surfer.

SL: How do you feel about contest surfing? MJ: Contests are not my favorite unless they are for a special cause. I love to surf good waves and get good photos. Who doesn’t right! Surfing is my center it’s where I pray it’s where I appreciate my blessed life...... This is the importance of water sports to me. I am a paddle surfer, longboarder, bodyboarder, and all round water woman but short boarding is my specialty.

SL: What’s your home break? MJ: I grew up surfing Hookipa Pavils with all the boys. Surfing with these guys wasn’t easy you have to earn every wave nothing is given away. Not to mention Pavils is a challenging training ground for big wave chargers like Ian Walsh, Paige Alms and so many others who are friends of mine. Paddle boarding has given my surfing new life. When the waves are small or just not shreddable my paddle board is always bound to make me stoked to surf one foot mush and that’s what it’s all about being psyched on whatever it is that gets your heart pumping. I’m also an RN in the I.C.U. so I know how important health is and paddle surfing keeps me moving. I love new things.

SL: Who are your sponsors? MJ: I have many sponsors who support my habit. Thanks to Black-flys/Flygirls, Sector 9, ZICO, Maui Girl, Xcel, Futures, Dakine, SOS Shapes, NUTZ Surfboards and Mantra. These companies have supplied me with products that I use every day and my equipment is top of the line so all I need to focus on is my natural surfing ability.

SL: What inspires you to carry on surfing? MJ: The biggest part of surfing is having fun. If it becomes too serious and feels like a Job something is wrong. I want to keep it fun not too serious. Paddle surfing helps me do this. It’s so cool to learn new moves and try stuff that you have never done or thought possible. New moves, new boards create new inspiration for me. Peace, love, paddle boarding and live love and Aloha. …… -Mirabai KK James

Mike Eye“ Hilo born DJ has quickly claimed fame as one of Hawaii’s top turntablist and visual artist. Sohi.’s own J. Robinson sits down with the “King of Scratch” to find out what makes him tick and stay on top as a dj and as an artist….” -j.j.

“I got into b-boyin’ at an early age, my Dad used TO play a lot of music and he liked Mi-cheal Jackson, so i would see these videos and see Mike pop-lockin’ and boogie’ and stuff, so i was like wow what is that? Then I started watching YO’ MTV RAPS and I remember watching that a lot. Me and boy Joey (sapience) start-ed bboyin’ and breakin’ ‘round the 5th or 6th grade , I guess around ‘95-’96…then we started a crew called ‘Eterenal Styles’ and that was @ Keeau interme-diate and we met w/other like minded people and they would show us all these moves, so mostly every weekend we would battle other schools, back then each school had a crew and there were 3-4 maybe 5 other crews and each one had their own style.So that’s how the ball got rollin’ for me as a future turntablist“. ”so we would go to all these b-boy events and check out all the b-boys and we were so in-trigued about what they were doing so me and joey approached em’, a guy named dj Lem he was one of the main dj’s and he introduced us to scratching’…we were like what is this? this scratching? after that it was on,i didn’t wan’t to do nothing’ else but scratch, not beat matchin’ i didn’t want none OF that shit i was just about cuttin’.”“Once the seed was planted these cats start-ed to hone in on their own skills. so then we started scrounging’ up as much money as we could, we bought the cheapest-shittiest turn-tables and every week every day we’d just prac-tice, i used to run away from home and scratch all night…and you know some of tha’ homies would come over and we would just learn from each other. We didn’t have no internet just videos and DMT’s ITFs and mtv raps…and when they would show a dj that could scratch ya know? back then u were a god….so yeah i got into the dj thing in ‘96…”

Jr: So when did u join Zulu Nation?me:“Well when i first started bboying i would always hear about “Zulu” and “The Rock City Crew”. Always even from the el-ders and other cats .They once had a try out for the Rock City Crew and i couldn’t make it to the other island to battle those cats. so i started looking’ into Zulu Na-tion cuz’ i really didn’t know much about them. i wasn’t a knowledge seeker back then i knew about the elements but not all of them. about 2yrs ago when “Phreewill” and Mat moved here from Seattle that’s when we started Zulu Nation Hawaii. Joey and i put on the PEACE JAM and Phree and Openhand and i met and that’s when we started “Moco Nui” Zulu chapter 9 big Island chapter. So I joined last March, but i’ve knew about Zulu for a decade. It’s a great organiza-tion to belong to. It’s community based and positive, we reach out to kids on a daily bases and get to influence them and not only that we’re a worldwide crew so that has even more of an impact. I’m definitely proud to be a member and a part of the Zulu Nation…..it’s a dream come true...”

Stepping into the haven of Lucy’s Taqueria, I am relieved to be out of the blistering cold which has been Hilo for the last week. Body after body clamber through the doorway, a buzzing energy is streaming through the air. Old school friends swapping intellectual ideas while enjoying the family oriented atmosphere. Belsky’s art blankets the walls, which I love. Savory aromas cause me to salivate, as my foot long burrito arrives. Juicy

cooked and slightly rare, just the way I like it, “the works.” Mr. Damien Barrios is behind the bar working his magic with calculated grace. As he whips me up a new favorite specialty called the “Hilopeno”, my imagination stirs. Sweet, sour, salty and spicy goodness. Lemonade, cilantro, jalapeño juice and a hint of ginger? I like a good mystery. Sipping the lilikoi margarita my taste buds are a jumping. For only being open a little over a year, Marlene AKA Sassy and familia are a huge local success. One could only expect this from the owners of the successful “Gorditos” in Seattle and Everett, WA. Lucy, Marlene’s 11 year old daughter is now famous. Mahalo for the bueno time, it was the perfect way to end an exhausting monsoon like weathered evening.-Jessica Amber

194 Kilauea Ave, Hilo Hawaii 96720808. 315.8246

Upon arriving in Hilo I asked everyone I knew for a great spot for Thai Food. The answer was always Sombat’s. Now coming from L.A. which is like the land of great Thai this was something I had to see for myself. This restaurant is a gem and feels like you are dining in a zen garden. The staff deliver great service and the food is to die for. The spices are dynamic and the sauces are rich with flavor. I was surprised to find somewhere so authentic but I’ll definitely be returning. If you need a push, order something that will make your mouth water:The pinneapple curry. You can thank me later......-Rusha RodriCortezSombat’s Fresh Thai Cuisine • 88 Kanoelehua • Hilo, Hawaii 96720•808-969-933

REVIEWS

‘ena media

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............................INTERVIEW BY MIKE ABRAHAM

SoHI: Where did the idea for Ena media come from? Isaac: It came from many different shapes and forms. Alan ran into someone on random told them the name and they re-ally liked it. It’s also part of our last name, which is Kaena, so it stuck.Shawn: It actually came from our old band El Enemigo, and that Enemy part of it we threw in there, which made it like Ena Media. Then we checked the Name Ena and its pretty epic.SoHI: What does Ena mean?Isaac: It means this vibrant, glowing, calm-ness at the same time. It helped connect the dots for us and I feel bonded the company into one. The Aloha Fire is what we would like to spread throughthe islands first then to the world!SoHI: How did you guys come together to decide on making a production company and hit every aspect possible?Shawn: Well out of the three of us (Alan, Isaac, Sean) we bring in a different element. Isaac has got the photography part. I do a lot of the video work and promoting, and Alan is the BrAiN wIzArD and takes care of the graphics, web, and business aspects of it all. With us three together we are the mind, body, soul. Making it happen!Isaac: We know a lot of the talent out here and felt that we could connect the dots and bring everyone together through networking. Not to challenge each other, but to work together. Like Billy!

Alan: If 3D animation taught me anything in school, to make a really good animated short or anything, takes a lot of talented people. To do it by your self is nearly impossible, and to have a studio to work in expands the possibilities and capabilities. Thus having other professionals in different fields is one of the main reasons we got into this, so that we can serve the small clients as well as to branch out and expand to bigger projects.SoHI: What would you gentle-men say is your forte in produc-tion?Isaac: Well, since everything these today is digital we try to utilize our digital skills mostly. Plus it’s paperless and Greener, and provides a wider range of opportunity. I personally like to pull out a piece of paper and draw or sketch something up because I like the physical property of it, and I’m not the greatest when it comes to digi-tal media but that’s what Alan and Sean do. Alan: Well this is my favorite part, which is working with the clients directly. Being able to take their ideas and produce a masterpiece of digital art for them.

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INTERVIEW BY MIKE ABRAHAM

SoHI: If there was a dream opportunity for Ena Media what would it be?Alan: I would have to say it would be a feature film. It would ultimately be able to utilize all of our skills into one production I feel.SoHI: How did you guys get into media production?Alan: I got into it as a youngster. Then I went to college over in San Francisco’s Academy of Art. I freelanced for a while after that then started my own design company in 2008. I just put everything that I learned in college to use and started to make something happen for myself.Shawn: Isaac got me hired to host the Big Island Weekly Webisodes, we did extreme sports. Then the editor from the Big Island Weekly, Jed Stockton, asked me if I wanted to write, so I said sure. Bought a camera from Isaac and started working for Free Surf Magazine. My ex had some to do with it too. She was a model and I was tired of these Barney’s taking pictures of her, and I told myself I could do this sh*t and the rest is history.Isaac: We have been doing this for a long time just never toward our own business. Whether it be taking a clip of surfing or just snapping that perfect shot at the right time. Everyone wanted to be in the shot but no one wanted to do the job, even till today it’s the same. We’ve missed so much perfect shots (pics) on the best waves and best times in our lives, but it was all worth it!Alan: I got into media because I didn’t want to take the SAT’s so I thought of what I could do to get around it and art was an option. I heard a creative director makes $120,000 a year, so I was like sweet that’s what I want to be.

SoHI: Anyone you want to give a shout out to?All: First of all we got to shout out to our grandmas, grandpas, moms, and dads. If it weren’t for you guys this would have never been possible.Next we got to thank Jason Koji at 82 creations, Hoku Aki, Scott Murray of Hilo Surfboard Co. If it weren’t for them and the knowledge they handed down... It’s such a privilege for us. Mahalo Nui Loa and until next time ALOOOOOOOOHA!

SoHi: Have you always been a great skater? Holly: I’d like to think I’ve been a great skater since I was a kid. First roller skating and then when rollerblades came out I did that but I was really happy to go back to roller skates, way better on my ankles (laughs).

SoHi: Speaking of that what’s the worst injury you’ve had from playing? Holly: I’ve dislocated my elbow completely out of socket. I also bruised ribs and blown my other elbow. I don’t even have the worst injuries in the league.

SoHi: So what’s the thing that keeps you in the sport? Holly: Playing the game is just so fantastic. I love to play it’s just exhilarating, the skating and new family of women that you be-come a part of. We have forty to sixty women in the league and they’re like your new sisters that you never had before and that’s pretty awesome.

GET

SLAPPEDBitch

SoHi: So what’s the worst thing about roller derby? Holly: Probably the cattiness of the women who it can be really hard and difficult to deal with in a bunch. I want to say injuries but at the same time you’re proud of your injuries. If you get a big ol’ bruise you’re excited about it, taking pictures and you’re like yeah!!! When before if you got a big ol’ bruise you’re like oh my god!!!! I got this huge bruise but now it’s like really exciting to have that. But when you get badly injured the fact that you can’t play for like three months that’s the biggest downfall of it. I love the sport so I can’t really think of too many negative things about it. Only when I don’t get to play (laughs)..

SoHi: What are the age ranges and backgrounds of different players including you? Holly: We have junior derby so junior derby has two groups: 7-11 and 12-17. Then we have the adult league 18 and up. I think our oldest player is in her mid 50’s. So it’s a big range, I would say mid 20’s to early 40’s is about the age range of the girls and we have realtors, teachers, business owners people from all different walks of life and professions doing it.

SoHi: What are the crowds like? Holly: Intense sometimes you can’t even hear the ref’s whistle. Our first bout we sold three thousand tickets. It’s so cool when little kids come up to you and ask you to sign their stuff. Little girls love it. We don’t care what color you are, what religion

you believe in or your political views if you want to play the game then you’re welcome.”

SoHi: Does living in Hawaii make it harder to get equipment? Holly: You can go to Sports Authority to get some of your beginning equipment but online is where we get most of our equipment because you need to have good skates, elbow and knee pads, wrist guards a helmet and mouth guard to play the sport. You can’t even be on skates without all that other equipment.

SoHi: So are you guys involved in the Hilo Skateplaza Coalition? Holly: Yes!!! We’re trying to do the skate park plus a roller and hockey rink. A couple of our girls sit on the board. I have been with the Hilo skate coalition since the beginning; I’m no longer on the board because it’s hard for me to juggle both. So we have two of our girls who sit on the board. I have a little boy so it would be really important for me to have a place for my son to go skate. He’s bummed because the only place he can skate is Pahoa and it’s so far away. So this is going too big for all those little boys and girls who have nowhere to go skate. People get mad when they use the shopping centers and stuff like that. At least we have this for the community. There doing a playground as well and it just seems like it would be an all around great thing for the community.

*ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF PARADISEROLLERGRILS.COM,

FACEBOOK AND BRIGHTON TRAUGHBER PHOTOGRAPHY

SoHi: Anybody you want to give a shout out to? Holly: I want to give a shout out to all our fans and supporters they have done a really good job. The whole league itself has been amazing. There are so many amazing girls that do stuff. Girls like “Anita Whiskey” who’s also one of the main coaches for rookie and for junior derby, there’s “Smash Yo Face Stace” who’s one of lead jammers [one of the best jammers out there she also does coaching for the junior derby. “Tsunamea” and “Da Kraken” they work with the Hilo Skateplaza Coalition. So we have a lot of our girls going into different places. Our president is “Bad Brains Betty” and she’s doing a great job (laughs) we got some great names.

SoHi: So how can people get information on the league as far as signing up or just to learn about the sport itself? Holly: Our website www.paradiserollergirls.com we are also onfacebook www.facebook/paradiserollergirls. You can get information on merchandise, scheduling and fundraising.

SoHi: Well it’s definitely been a pleasure talking to you. Thanks for sitting down with us. I can say you’ve made a fan out of me for sure. Holly: Cool, you’re welcome.

Rya Horne

byJerry Jackson

“Society seems to associate the artist as a career of struggle. I say, life is full of obstacles! It’s how we

handle those struggles that can bring success.”

-Rya Horne

aaaa

SoHi: So Rya where are you from?

Rya: I’m from Simi Valley, located in the Ventura area of Southern California. About 30 minutes in-

land from the coast.

SoHi: Who or what inspires you?

Rya: Earth’s beauty is hard to ignore! I find most inspi-ration from nature, along with a combination of my

own emotions, thoughts and experiences through life. Each element brings forth something different with every piece I create.

SoHi: How does living on the Big Island inspire you?

Rya: Hawai’i is a rare and incredible gem of this Earth. Everywhere I have traveled there is magic to wit-

ness. Big Island is a place full of beauty, vitality and cul-ture. Living close to Rainbow Falls has also been a great place for daily inspiration.

SoHi: Did you realize you were an artist at an early age? If so does your childhood influence your style?

Rya: Yea, I was always a classic doodler and in school we were encouraged to make art. My Dad paints classic

cars and so I think he passed his artistic talents down to me. I was always outdoors, at the beach and camping. I think that’s where my love for nature began to influence my art.

SoHi: How does your earlier work differ from what you’re doing now?

Rya: As I am blossoming as a woman, a human being and an artist, my creations have reached new heights. This

metamorphosis of my life, along with the UH Art program has been a vehicle for change in my art. Recently I have been exploring different mediums that reveal strengths and skills that I never knew I had! I’m very excited to be at this stage in my life, and even more so for what lies ahead.

SoHi: Do you make a living as an artist?

Rya: I am still in school, and right now I’m gathering a portfolio I can be proud of. Creating art comes from

the soul; it’s easy to get attached to what I make. Recently putting myself out there has been good so far. I’m start-ing on a logo for someone right now, which has been fun to design!

SoHi: What made you decide that you wanted to make a living as an artist?

Rya: I would love to share my passion and unique per-spective of life to the world! Hopefully I can inspire

believe it’s essential to always follow your dreams and passions in life.

SoHi: How would you describe your studio?

Rya: I’ll set up at a park bench..the beach... the print-making studio at school. I guess I have a kind of

‘traveling studio’. I like to bring my sketchbook out with me. You never know when you’ll be inspired!

SoHi: How many pieces of work do you average in a year including sketches?

Rya: It comes in waves, depending on my creative flow. Since I’ve been making art in school I’ve been working

on more intricate or larger scale stuff. It takes more of my time, but it’s great to push yourself. I have been averag-ing about 20 pieces of various artworks a year, and about 200 sketches? Haha who knows for sure, I haven’t counted them.

SoHi: Do you work on multiple pieces at a time?

Rya: Most of the time, yes. Making each piece of art contains a unique set of my feelings, thoughts and

inspirations. Expressing these things satisfies me in dif-ferent ways, depending on whether I draw..paint..print.. or whatever! . It’s like craving certain kinds of food; some-times you got to have Thai, other times you need some Sushi!

SoHi: So what do you think of Artwalk and how does it feel being a part of it?

Rya: I love It. The Artwalk gives the opportunity for up-and-coming artists (including myself) to get their work

out there. The other galleries are wall to wall with inspiring local artists! What makes this event so special is that our community gets involved and supports us. I really have to give credit to Emily Dudley and the owners of the gallery for making our space so wonderful for all to enjoy. Thank you! In my experience, the Artwalk has been filled with beautiful forms of art, great music, fresh tea and pupus..and people just dancing in the street, happy as can be. It definitely has good vibes.

SoHi: Any inspiring words for future and up and coming artist?

Rya: My own philosophy as an artist is to always let true artistic passion lead you down the path to great-

ness, never letting anyone tell you it’s not possible! Let the mystery of the undiscovered drive you to explore your art in new directions. Take chances, you will learn from your mistakes and your triumphs. It’s all a learning experience!

TODD VILLANUEVA

BY: MIKE ABRAHAMPHOTOS BY: VI SU

SoHi: When did you start skating and what got you into it?Todd: I started skateboarding during my freshman year in high school, so I’ve been probably skating for about a decade now. My friend Rory got me into it, I always would see him and a few of my other friends skating around in the parking lot at Hilo High after (or even during) school and asked to ride his board one day. I started hanging out with them more frequently and soon enough skateboarding was the only thing I could think about, beside my high school crushes and selling candy during recess.SoHi: Where’s your favorite spot to get kicked out of ? How many times do you think your skate sessions were interrupted by haters? Todd: I am not a fan of getting kicked out of anywhere. Most of the time people blame us for the graffiti or other damages that were already there to begin with. One of the most common things that I hear from cops or people that kick us out of skate spots is that we damage the handrails that people use to hold on to when they walk up or down the stairs. The paint wears out every time someone touches it, so eventually the handrail will look like skaters slid or grinded the top part of it. How in the world are we going to damage something that is out of our reach? I usually don’t argue with the people that give us the boot, agreeing with everything they say will let you go to another spot faster. Not saying that it’s not a genuine apology from us but it’s hard to put the same emotion into an answer to a question you’ve heard a lot. I’m also not a fan of skateboarders that back ta lk to people that kick out skaters. By law, it’s illegal to skate majority of the spots in Hilo. People doing their jobs and can’t concentrate while l istening to skateboards hit the ground is just one of many legitimate excuses to kick us out, we completely understand. However, once they cross the line and look down upon us just because we skate is not cool. SoHi: Why do you think Hilo needs a skatepark? Todd: Hilo doesn’t really have many activities other than going to the beach and/or getting drunk. There really isn’t much of a night life here either, although I do enjoy going to Kim’s for pupus and karaoke occasionally. A skatepark would open up new doors for kids who are interested in learning as well as keeping the skat-ers already based in Hilo motivated and happy. If there were more activities like skateboarding to do here, then maybe we wouldn’t be ranked as the number one drunkest city in the U.S.SoHi: Any Closing statements?Todd: If you wanna’ know more about me, stop by Oasis Skate-shop on Saturday’s and say hi.My friends and I usually meet up there before we hit the streets to go skate. You can also follow me @glove808 or @oasisskateco (Oasis Skateshop) on instagram and a quick shout out to my family and friends, 3104 and CA$TLE. Dan thanks for everything. Without your support, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Oh and answer your phone, I’m trying to call you right now!

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