My name is Jonah Arcedo. I was born and raised here in O‘ahu, Hawai‘i. I grew up and got my younger education all in Wahiawa (Iliahi Elementary, Wahiawa Middle, and Leilehua High). I have always been a lover of the visual world, especially in the world of art and design, and I got my associate's in creative media and transferred from Leeward Community College. If I could be any artistʻs tool, I would be a Koi brand watercolor painting kit. Personality-wise, it matches me, as it is very vibrant, playful, and curious, like me always wanting to experiment and try. Like the palette itself, I am very organized, but if time calls for it, I can be as flexible as you need me to be, making me very adaptable for most situations. Like the soft wash of watercolor itself, I'm very calm and soothing and patient, and I love trusting the process.
This project examines how elements of art and principles of design shape emotional and perceptual responses within public spaces. It analyzes how visual language, spatial composition, and design choices influence cognition, movement, and memory, drawing on both historical and contemporary approaches—from traditional formal analysis to emerging technologies in urban design. Supported by neurological and psychological research, the study highlights strong correlations between intentional design strategies and measurable psychological effects, particularly in areas like balance, rhythm, and shape. It also demonstrates how modern tools enhance, rather than replace, creative intention by giving artists greater control over atmosphere, narrative, and community impact. Ultimately, the work underscores the importance of understanding visual design’s emotional influence for artists, designers, urban planners, educators, and community leaders in today’s visually saturated world.
The concept of creativity has come a long way. The Old Greeks would call those creative forces muses, other religions referred to them as God. Today people still mostly treat creativity as an aha moment outside the area of influence. However, just by looking at the creative process one can tell, that creativity and creative work is more than just that one "Aha-Moment" (insight). It is clear that generating ideas demands planning and preparation, identifying something of interest like a problem, an opportunity or a challenge, doing research. This then leads to thinking of a solution, allowing time to incubate and iterations before arriving at something “complete.” Students learn that hard work is what makes their ideas come to life and sticktuiveness is what helps them get better.
For his senior capstone, JoJo Arcedo created Honua I Ka Lani, a large-scale mural installation designed for the Keone‘ae rail station. His project was selected through the Department of Transportation Services ART 311D competition and reviewed by the Mayor’s Office of Culture and the Arts and the Commission of Culture and the Arts. JoJo’s work blends cultural symbolism with contemporary illustration to reflect movement, place, and community along the rail line. Now progressing through the city’s formal regulatory and installation process, his mural represents a significant achievement—bringing student artwork into Honolulu’s public transit system and contributing to the visual identity of the Keone‘ae station. Stay tuned!