We were lucky to catch up with Akima Kai recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Akima thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?
I struggled to make a living wage with my photography. Probably people like me will find a way to sell the art online, at art festivals or consignment in the art gallery but I already tried everything and nothing worked.
If you don’t make money you don’t want to spend thousand, thousand of dollars every year doing photography anymore right? It can be a hobby but it is a way too expensive hobby so in 2019 I decided to open my own gallery.
I know it was a stupid idea but I didn’t expect anything. To be honest, I needed to make a strong reason to quit photography. I spent too much money last 20 years so I just couldn’t quit, I was telling myself. “Open my own gallery which was my dream for 20 years and if the dept will be out of control, close the gallery and quit photography this is my first and last chance, do it Akima, nothing you will lose!” then I opened Waimea Blue Gallery in Haleiwa, Hawaii in 2019.
First-year was terrible, I mean, who is expecting you are going to be successful in a first-year so that was okay but March 2020 it was one year anniversary and we had to close the gallery by state order.
That time I own the tour company which makes the rent for the gallery but all tours were canceled too also the beaches were closed too so I couldn’t even go swimming then I was like, okay now I have time for something new. I wanted to work with wood, creating some woodwork for a long time but I didn’t have time.
I started making wood and resin ocean art during the lockdown and tourists started slowly coming back at the end of 2020 as well as locals.
in 2021, the gallery was doing okay it was mind-blowing haha. Thank you to all artists who helps me during these hard days. (Waimea Blue Galley is featuring 18 local artists) and I realized my wood and resin ocean art was No1 seller and very surprised my photography is No2 seller! I was like wow. really? who said, “Photography is not good sells”? (I was told by many galleries owner when I was looking for the art galleries for the consignment.)
So this is my success story. Be stupid sometimes! Just try whatever you like if that doesn’t work you can still start something new. It is never too late.
Please visit Waimea Blue Gallery when you visit to Oahu.
We are a truly made-in Hawaii store, featuring 18 local artists who live in Oahu.
Akima, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Aloha kakou.
I am Akima Kai from Tokyo, an 20 years experienced underwater photographer and a wood artist currently residing on Oahu’s scenic North Shore in Hawaii.
I have traveled to over 30 countries and lived in 6 different ones as an underwater photographer.
While in Hawaii, I discovered the art of free-diving and realized its unmatched ability to capture the vibrant marine life. My photography documents my incredible journeys and adventures across the globe, showcasing the true colors of our planet. It brings me great pleasure to share this beauty with the world.
I also started making my own ocean with local reclaimed wood and epoxy resin in 2020
These are inspired by and made in the surfing capital of the world: North Shore, Haleiwa, Hawaii.
When you are in need of relaxation or a break from work, please visit my website and take a deep breath. My Ocean Blue experience will help you reconnect with yourself.
For a truly immersive experience, I invite you to visit my website and explore my Ocean World. Your support would be greatly appreciated.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
Feedback from my clients.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
Support local and small businesses. Don’t buy made in China especially when you go travel.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.akimakai.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akima_kai_ocean/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AkimaKaiOceanArt
- Other: Waimea Blue Gallery in Hawaii www.waimeablue.com