After a visit to Monet's gardens in Giverny France in 1999 I started to work on methods of achieving an impressionistic print from photographs. The result are Ao Ki`i or "Light Images" - a new form of Hawaiian art from Maui. Check out the "Beijing Olympics" link to the left for my latest charitable program.

Unlike many printing processes that are "dots on the surface" of the paper, the technique I developed uses a Mulberry based archival paper that lets the ink penetrate into the fibers of the paper. Much as Tiffany's stained glass allows the glass to become part of the image so my technique allows the paper to become part of the picture. I call these Ao Ki`i; roughly translated from Hawaiian Ao Ki`i "light images".

The paper is so thin that light from the back of the print can shine through to the front. When I frame the prints I put archival mats and UV absorbing antireflection glass on both the front and back sides. (I also offer acrylic glazing.) This lets either natural light or light from LED light bars I make illuminate the picture from behind.

Beyond the technology I have tried to select images that are reflective and impressionistic. I hope you will enjoy them.

I offer two levels of products:

Ao Ki`i framed in hardwood (typically maple, teak, koa, walnut or mahogany). These are glazed in UV absorbing, antireflection glass on on the front and UV absorbing conservation glass on the back. Wall hung Ao Ki`i are typically 16" to 20" tall and up to 35" in length depending on the image. Some incorporate an LED light bar for illumination. These are priced at $4000-8000 each. Table top Ao Ki`i are free standing and illuminated with natural or room light. They are typically 16"x12" in size and range in price from $2000 to $5000.

The second level are prints on mat finish archival papers such as Ultrasmooth Fine Art and Red River Avalon. These are more traditional prints that are not translucent. These are framed in hardwood frames Artcare foam board backing and UV absorbing museum grade acrylic glazing or UV absorbing conservation glass. These are $1000 each.

The acrylic glazed pictures ship easily because the glazing is not breakable. The hardwood/glass products are much heavier and require special shipping arrangements. All the images can also be made in smaller sizes than the 16" maximum width. If you have a particular size requirement let us know.

Please visit the on line GALLERY or GALLERY VIDEO (a short video) to see the range of images we offer. If you see one you like let us know your selection by email (gforrest@alum.mit.edu) and we will send you additional instructions regarding payment.