LIHU‘E – A new talent walked in town and she’s ready to draw, write, make crafts and much more. Monique Kemper is offering aspiring artists and confirmed ones a unique opportunity to express their creativity in a conducive environment Friday
LIHU‘E – A new talent walked in town and she’s ready to draw, write, make crafts and much more.
Monique Kemper is offering aspiring artists and confirmed ones a unique opportunity to express their creativity in a conducive environment Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Princeville Community Center. The event is free.
“Bluefire Creative Art & Writing Lounge is intended to be a relaxing and enjoyable space for people to get together and produce art, writing, crafts, etc.,” Kemper said.
“Whatever your heart desires.”
Kemper is a Kaua‘i native artist who found inspiration mainly in the simple and tranquil beauty of the island. She put together Bluefire Magazine, an online publication featuring art, music, writing and more.
Bluefire Magazine is looking for material to post on their web pages so as to contribute to the community and provide a fun and entertaining online space for all creative people to partake in. A scanner and a camera will be available to help with the submission process.
Kemper’s other purpose is to help bring creative people together and provide a place to purchase art, music, writing and other creative works. The online magazine also features concert reviews.
Kemper wrote and is currently finishing illustration for her graphic novel, a full-length comic book series compiled into one, “Angel Runaway,” which features a setting and a storyline that is not only foreign to the island life but also designed to cast one’s mind into a faraway place that is thrilling, dangerous and full of mystery.
“This graphic novel is a departure from the peaceful life on Kaua‘i,” she said.
“My graphic novel features ideas, thoughts and happenings that are atypical of real life.”
A majority of Kemper’s works are created using ink pens, though she also has experience with painting, watercolor and other various media.
Lately, Kemper more frequently has been using digital art techniques for the convenience of featuring her work online, as well as for the expedient producing and editing of her graphic novel.
No matter the medium Kemper works with, she finds great inspiration in movement.
“To move freely and openly express yourself without having to worry about what you look like is empowering,” she said.
“When you’re having fun and feel free, it’s that much easier to look that way and feel beautiful. Because when you feel beautiful on the inside, you look beautiful on the outside.”
For more information, call (808) 639-4427 or email at skullyjohnson@gmail.com.
• Laurent Canalejas, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 241) or lcanalejas@thegardenisland.com.
