Kaiana Janelle San Nicolas is a 29 year old aspiring Chamoru-Filipina artist, born and rising on the island of Guåhan (Guam). She has been practicing Oceanic tribal patterned art for several years now and has just started creating simple shell jewelry. With her work, her goal is the hope in re-awakening the responsibility of the Chamoru people to protect and eternalize their culture. Her message to young artists, is to just keep going.
What village are you from?
K: I am from the village of Yigo
What is it about our island that you love and have appreciation for the most?
K: I love everything about our home. I love our oceans and scenery. I love our food and resources. I love our people. I appreciate all of Guåhan.
What inspires your creativity the most?
K: Everything. From people to landscapes, tattoo patterns from ancient and modern times. Anything that I feel would be cool as an art piece I’m inspired to create. Also when people ask for custom designs it’s always an honor to bring their visions to life.
How long have you been practicing your craft?
K: The tribal art I’ve been doing for about five years and I just really started carving since last year.. I hope to gain more skill in that department.
Who (or where) do you find that you have acquired the most knowledge for your tribal art or carving?
K: Our home and our ancestors and my clan.
What is your favorite art piece that you have created?
K: That’s hard... Tribal piece id have to say my mural at First N Ten in Anigua. It encompasses all that we are as a peoples and it’s my first mural completed.
What are three words that you would use to describe the feeling you have when creating art?
K: Magical. Alive. Blessed.
What advice do you have for someone who is inspired by your work and wants to start creating art?
K: Start. Don’t give up. Persevere. Keep going.
“Thank you to every soul and spirit that has supported me throughout this continued journey. I am blessed to have you all and I Cherish our connections forever. I inspire some and all inspires me. Thank you all for your inspiration. Saina ma’åse yan sen Guaiya hao Guåhan” -Kaiana J. San Nicolas
