You might never guess, but prolific Hawaii Island artist Miles Mason is colorblind and this has influenced his style of art from the very beginning, pushing him to use vibrant colors, bold patterns and often an intensely detailed stippling process. 

This striking wooden bowl is overlaid with Miles’ interpretation of a traditional Tongan ngatu – or tapa -  design.  It is sealed so useable – and it's a collector's treasure that begs to be a showpiece in your home or business. 

Miles, a now retired science and art teacher at Hawaii Preparatory Academy with degrees in anthropology and humanities, served early on for two years as a volunteer teacher on a remote island in the Kingdom of Tonga as a Peace Corps volunteer.  He then dedicated more than a decade to teaching in American schools in Iraq, Trinidad, Aruba and Indonesia – far from his native California. 

A long time dream of living and working in Hawai’i brought him here in 1987.    

All of these experiences – and realities - influence his art, which today includes wall art, a line of popular – sometimes nostalgic - greeting cards, and even some of Reyn’s Spooners’ still worn aloha shirts.  His award-winning Tropical Attitudes artistic “vision” can be found in many Hawaii galleries and shops as well as group and juried exhibitions. 

“My paintings are an expression of the visual and emotional impact the tropics have made upon my life. They are meant to make you feel good, to capture your attention, and to draw you into the tropical world as seen through my eyes.”