Kauaiversary – 15 Years

There are a few moments over our lives that give us pause. Time to reflect and see what’s changed. Around us. Inside us. More so in the last couple years, I’ve noticed more awareness of my time here on this special rock in the middle of the ocean. Meeting more people that are more recent comers. Realizing that trees I photographed at the start of my career are now 20′ taller. Watching things change…and stay the same.

15 years has now passed since I arrived on Kaua’i on a Wednesday evening as a 24 year old ski bum that had semi-recently dove deeper in to photography. Little could have prepared myself for the journey which was to come, but this story is not unique for those in their mid-20s, still figuring out life and purpose (though that never ends, let’s be honest). I’ve now spent almost all of my adult life here on island. Developing my career, my human, my friends and relationships. Something that, at the time, was an interesting way to go live in Hawai’i.

Now, on the verge of opening my 7th Gallery I dont think I would have believed anyone that said I was going to open and close 5 others over the years.

I’ve been incredibly lucky, by hard work at times, but also to end up in such a place that opened up its arms where so many have dealt the opposite. Kaua’i is a special place, not only for the immense beauty but for the raw reveal that we get when living here. I’m grateful for these moments and learning experiences as it is the only way to grow and evolve.

People tend to ask, more so these days, if I’m a lifer here. And while I can never predict the future, I do hope that this island continues to nourish and help support my journey. Until a time comes where things no longer serve me, but at this point there is no end in sight.

Looking back at 24 year old Aaron, on the precipice of my 40th birthday I wonder what 55 year old Aaron will have to say about the next 15 years to come ๐Ÿ™

Much thanks to everyone and anyone who has made my life here what it has been. Some fleeting, some life long friends. With every bit of it adding to my existence. Forever grateful.

Here’s to the next 15. โค๏ธ

aF

9 thoughts on “Kauaiversary – 15 Years

  1. Aaron,
    I did a workshop with you a very long time ago. I asked you what your dreams were. You told me it was to open a gallery someday. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Congratulations on 15.
    Cheers,
    Julie

  2. Years ago I bought a calendar on the street in Kappa. Been wonderful to see your work on island every few years and to follow your adventures here. Thanks for the generous sharing. Itโ€™s not just self promotion – itโ€™s very human and I appreciate the tales of your growth.
    Aloha,
    Gary

  3. Nice post, Aaron ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿฝ
    Not on Kauaโ€™i?
    Canโ€™t picture it๐Ÿ™ƒ
    Hereโ€™s to another 15๐Ÿค™๐Ÿฝ
    Stay focused and bee happy
    ๐ŸŽ‰๐Ÿ๐Ÿ’๐ŸŽŠ๐ŸŒˆ

  4. How right you are – that we need to pause and reflect – Take in the Light and ponder what it reveal about ourselves and what we love most

    I’m thankful you’re a True Hands-On Artist , who’s always been all about the Natural World, and communicating by Voice.

    Sadly, we’re living in a time of crisis – as advancing technology is pulling people away from the flow of life that makes them truly human. Instead of connecting to the light of natural beauty, more and more people are harkening to an artificial world where cell phones have become a body part, and video games and social media claim the time of people’s hearts and minds. Very suddenly AI is everywhere as chatbots and digital assistants replace human voices and people are immersed in Virtual Reality and artificial relaxation and stimulation. More than ever, we need to Let the Light of Your Photography In!

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