Jaymeson Lōkela Sanchez

Lōkela, a native indigenous cultural artist, draws inspiration from ancient cultural
traditions to immerse himself in the values and introspection of the Kānaka maoli,
creating Hawaiian no'eau (skillful crafts) in the 21st century.

He recognizes the profound connection between spirituality and culture in the eyes of
his ancestors, an unbreakable bond that extends into the metaphysical realm. Hawaiian
no'eau, with its functional and aesthetic qualities, along with its hidden interpretations,
embodies the essence of his ancestors.

Lōkela believes that separating culture from spirituality reduces it to mere tourist trinkets
produced by those disconnected from the culture, benefiting from the stolen heritage of
the Hawaiian Kingdom.

Born and raised on Moku 'o Keawe, Lōkela's legacy began with his parents as his
guiding lights, instilling in him a passion for traditional Hawaiian hana no'eau. His motto,
"Ma Ka Hana Ka 'Ike," underscores the importance of learning through hands-on
experience.

His ultimate goal is to manifest the "uhane" (soul) of his creations, transcending the
physical medium to preserve its essence in this realm, embodying the saying, "E lawe i
ke a'ole a mālama, a e 'oi mai ka na'auao" - applying teachings to expand knowledge.

Coming from a lineage of wood craftsmen and with genealogical ties to various art
forms, including Ulana 'ie, hulumanu, 'Umeke, martial arts, 'Oihana limalima, and
malama 'Āina, Lōkela integrates these expressions into his daily life as a Kānaka.

He believes in the significance of knowledge, emphasizing, "E kuhikuhi pono I na au iki
a me na au nui o ka 'ike" - instructing well in the small and large currents of knowledge.
Lōkela creates powerful pieces of hana no'eau to inspire his community and fellow
Kānaka maoli, attributing his talents to a metaphysical channel connecting him with his
kupuna 'Iwi, his ancestors.

In his mission to showcase the strength and unity of the Kānaka maoli into the 21st
century, Lōkela believes that Ho'oilina, their birthright and kuleana, shall be their lasting
legacy.

He sums it up with, "'O wau kekahi me ka malama mana nui, aia ka malama mana nui
me wau" - "I am with great power, great power is with me."