Of the Sea

About

Aloha

Aloha! My name is Alyssa Rodrigues. I am a local artist, designer, and photographer born and raised on the island of Oahu. Currently, I reside on the Big Island, Kona. With a vast array of adventure and natural wonder here in Hawaii, I have grown a deep passion to capture and create art inspired by my environment.

Photo: Amanda Smerge

Rooted in a deep connection to Hawaii and the natural world, my mission is to inspire appreciation for the ocean and environment through art. Growing up in Hawaii, sustainability and nature were integral to my life, shaping my values and igniting a passion for conservation.

As a photographer and artist based on Moku o Keawe, and born and raised on O'ahu, my work draws from my upbringing, experiences in environmental science, and lifelong relationship with the ocean. Each piece I create is infused with gratitude, inspired by the beauty, culture, and community of my home.

The ocean holds a profound place in my life. Following my father’s passion for the sea, his love has stayed with me even after his passing. Fishing, free diving, and spearfishing are not just traditions but expressions of a bond that continues to shape my art and my purpose.

Through my work, I hope to raise awareness about the importance of conservation and protecting our oceans, encouraging others to foster their own connection with the natural world.

Our actions affect our environment heavily and have the power to affect the future. As a child I remember exploring the reefs with my father who was a avid spearfisherman. Today the reefs look very different than it did when I was a child and it made me realize that in order to preserve what we have for future generations to enjoy, it starts with us here and now. Growing up in Hawaii, I hope to be able to give back to my home in a way that creates a positve mindset for conservation and preservation of our natural resources. We have so many unique species that are endemic to Hawaii that are under threat due to human impact and climate change. One day at a time, always looking forward to making Hawaii and the planet a better place. 

 I am always looking to grow as an artist and to broaden my horizons. To see more and expand the horizons of what is possible in the natural world. Documenting life’s beautiful moments will always hold a space in my heart. I have had the pleasure of creating and collaborating with many different community and nature based outlets such as Free Dive Safe Hawaii, Hana Hou Magazine, Ocean Culture Life, Ke Ola, and Spearing Magazine. Through art I look to bring awareness and movement to environmental change as the world needs this more than ever.

Lōʻihi

Lōʻihi: meaning length, distance. When we look at our home, the environment, the ocean, we see a long journey to walk when it comes to restoration. A journey to leave the space better than we found it, to improve our natural resources and systems, to bring our oceans back to life. The land is alive and we all have a space and part in its conservation and restoration. Built on the foundation of our connection to the space, we are not above all else, but apart of our environment and how we live is how we perpetuate that connection.

Through Lōʻihi we look to build awareness around our way of life and how we truly have all that is needed within us to create positive change.

With conservation in mind and a mission to see through we are always looking to grow. To improve our impact on the planet, to give back to spaces in conservation, to leave our oceans better each and every day.

It starts with us, that ripple will carry, and that drop will feed into the ocean that keeps us alive