We Just Moved to Milwaukee!
Traveling for two years can make the question, 'where are you from?' a little complex to answer.
For that reason, I was born in California not far from San Francisco, moved to O'ahu when I was 19 and lived on Moku Nui (The Big Island) for many years between all my travels. The Kānaka Maoli (Native Hawaiians) have offered me a great deal of Aloha as I learned to become an adult in community, with elders, and working with the land. Without the support of my host culture, I would not be who I am today. Being a first generation American on one side of my parentage offers a nuanced history. Being among people from the Pacific Isles has been the greatest gift of my life. Without the deep renewing and grounding nature of my close ancestors, I could not go confidently into society and tell the stories of and for my people. Hawai'i for that reason will always be my home. It's attached to my heart like an 'opihi (sea snail).
In 2022, I married a Mana Wahine (powerful woman) from Wisconsin, Krystal Meisel, and embarked on a two year journey across the globe. After recently settling in Brooklyn, NY - we realized it would be a smarter move for us to be near our families as they adjust to their older ages (us too!). Enter Bay View, Milwaukee, a lovely little town on the edge of Lake Michigan.
With a heart wide open, I am thrilled to offer my skills and support to the BIPOC artist community. I am honored to live on the lands of the Ho-Chunk, Potawotami, Ojibwe, Meskwaki, Sauk, Menominee, Odawa, and the many more I do not know of yet. I don't know what's in store for us all as we come together on this beautiful land and tell each other stories and each other's stories. I can just promise to show up for it all.
🩷 Ollie