Artist: Esther Hi'ilani Candari
Title: What I Must Carry Forward
Medium: Ink, Mixed Paper
Size:
Price: $330
About the artwork: As the daughter of an immigrant, and ofttimes a minority in most circles for some reason or another (race, religion, gender), I have always felt the burden of perception on my shoulders. The idea that my actions and character would not only reflect on myself but that they will reflect on my entire community for better or worse. That is a complex and heavy thought to bear. There is also an added sense of responsibility to not take for granted the family sacrifices that were required for me to exist and live with the privilege that I do. While not all of my thought patterns related to these issues and relationships have been, or are, healthy, They have made me who I am, driven me to achieve what I have, and I am learning to shape them into something that is healthy and even more powerful.
About the artist: Esther Hi’ilani Candari is a mixed race artist and educator from Hawai’i. She has an BFA from BYU-H, an MFA from Liberty University, and studied at the New York Academy of Art. Her work is primarily figurative and explores concepts such as; multiracial identity; gender and the female gaze in the context of religion; and the nuance of human psychology that can be expressed through portraiture. As an academic, her research and written work complement her visual artistry and serve to enrich and inform conversations related to race, gender, and Latter-day Saint doctrine. In addition to her studio work she designs curriculum for Sentient Academy, teaches art courses for Southern Virginia University, manages programming for Writ & Vision Gallery, and serves on the Board of Directors for Dialogue Foundation. Currently, she lives in Utah County with her husband, two rescue dogs, and an ever-growing collection of houseplants.
