Kristen Reyno of Lola Pilar Hawai'i grew up on O'ahu surfing, hiking, and enjoying the life that living on an island paradise provides. Being surrounded by so much beauty, she started photographing her surroundings and a passion for photography blossomed.
Her inspiration grew from capturing the sea, mountains, and vibrant flowers in Hawai'i, and eventually lead her to Brooks Institute of Photography in Ventura, CA, where she received a B.A. in film, and a career with a major surf company as a staff photographer.
Kristen had a dream of being able to capture the world in unique ways to bring joy to others, so she moved home to O'ahu to open her own photography business.
Her love for Hawaii's local flora and fauna, coupled with her training in product photography, is what planted the seed for this fine art series. Kristen wanted to honor Hawaii's heritage, but in a contemporary way. So she took inspiration from vintage Hawaiian quilts and her love of flowers and started photographing them.
Each flower-quilt design involves sourcing fruit and flowers from aunties' backyards, in addition to lei and fruit stands throughout Hawai'i. Some works of nature are deserving enough to knock on doors! The meticulous manicuring and careful placement of flowers can take hours before photographing each final image. Her hope is to bring a smile to your face and Hawaii's nature and beauty into your home. Most importantly, her pieces are all a work of love.
