The Islander Socks
Description: The Islander Tiki Restaurant, opened in 1959 on La Cienega Boulevard in Los Angeles, was a flamboyant temple to Polynesian fantasy. Created by Bernard and Janet Tohl, it drew crowds with its immersive tropical décor—guests crossed a bridge over a lagoon to enter, passing tiki gods, palm trees, and shell-lined ramps. Inside, diners were treated to spare ribs, rumaki, and exotic cocktails, while fire dancers and artificial thunderstorms added theatrical flair. Rickshaws circled the block, capuchin monkeys and toucans lived in curated habitats, and the flaming torches out front became a beacon of mid-century escapism. Though the Islander was later replaced and demolished in 2012, its legacy lives on
Description: The Islander Tiki Restaurant, opened in 1959 on La Cienega Boulevard in Los Angeles, was a flamboyant temple to Polynesian fantasy. Created by Bernard and Janet Tohl, it drew crowds with its immersive tropical décor—guests crossed a bridge over a lagoon to enter, passing tiki gods, palm trees, and shell-lined ramps. Inside, diners were treated to spare ribs, rumaki, and exotic cocktails, while fire dancers and artificial thunderstorms added theatrical flair. Rickshaws circled the block, capuchin monkeys and toucans lived in curated habitats, and the flaming torches out front became a beacon of mid-century escapism. Though the Islander was later replaced and demolished in 2012, its legacy lives on
Description: This Cook Islands Superempowered design transforms the flag’s iconic blue field and circle of white stars into a bold statement of cultural strength and identity. Combining Polynesian heritage with British colonial symbolism, the artwork reinterprets national pride through modern visuals. Part of the Superempowered series by Village Values, reimagining patriotism through strength, heritage, and bold design. Life as We Climb
Description: This is my mixed media painting of the famous Easter Island statues called Moai. I used salt and isopropyl alcohol for the special effects of the watercolor on the statues and sunset. A series of stylized Moai statues sit against a vivid orange and yellow sky, capturing a sense of ancient mystery. The statues are set in a grassy, earth-toned landscape, adding depth to the scene.
