Gina Kananipua Ballesteros: Sustainable Flower Artist

For Gina Ballesteros, living in Hawaii has had a deeply impactful influence on her art. There’s a deep value for the land and what it provides within the culture, and that relationship with the earth is what Gina’s focus is. 

“Connection to nature is absolutely everything. It’s part of human experience.” 

Her art isn’t just about seeing a piece and taking it in - Gina’s art is wearable floral pieces. This puts even more of an emphasis on that direct connection between humans and nature, and also helps people celebrate the moment they’re in as she walks others through creating their own leis. 

“So, it is having lots of benefits just to touch and play with [plants] and having them near and on your body is just elevating this whole experience.” 

Gina’s hope for her art is to encourage people to play and relax more. She wants them to be able to get out of the daily routine and take time to create. 

“We’re connecting with nature, the environment, and each other. And at the end yourself, because you get to wear what you’ve made.”

A film by Ben Rountree.

Original Score by Tristan De Liège