AIDA SALEHI
Born in Sweden and raised in Texas by Iranian parents, Aida’s background inspired her to travel and experience different cultures from a young age. Her love of art started from watching her mother paint the walls of her childhood home with her favorite cartoon characters. Aida went onto graduate from the University of Houston with a Bachelors of Studio Art in 2012. She then traveled around creating art inspired by her environment which led to her move to O’ahu in 2014. Her art is made as a reminder to live a simple and playful life. Aida currently resides on the North Shore of O’ahu coloring surfboards and creating environmental art.
MISSION
Each design, print, painting and mural is dedicated to bring awareness of the native flora in a simple, playful and abstract way. Her interest is to combine art and the environment in order to conserve and raise awareness especially concerning native plants. Eventually, the plan is to raise enough funds through art to purchase and privatize lands in order for native flora and fauna to flourish.
HAWAI’I CULTURAL VALUES
I acknowledge the Hawaiian peoples as the traditional owners of these islands and recognize their connection to land, wind, water and community. I pay my respects to them, their culture and to Elders past and present. I draw inspiration from these islands and in doing so I hope to represent their flora and fauna in the most respectful way. If you feel any information is misrepresented, please contact me. Mahalo!