top of page
Home: Welcome
Home: Work
image0 (27).jpeg

My Inspiration

From O'ahu trails to Big Island Forests

Hawai'i's amazing birds inspire me! As a child born and raised in these islands, I loved hiking in the forests above my home on  O'ahu. I began photographing and painting backyard birds on T-shirts for family and friends in the late 1980's.

In January 2015, I began carving Hawaiian endemic birds and plants on clay in the studio of my mentor, Lisa Louise Adams. I also took classes from other Hawai'i-Island potters, including Emily Herb, Shannon Hickey, and Eric Wold.  I now have my own kiln and studio in Volcano, HI.

My ceramic art has been included at the following exhibitions on Hawai'i Island:

  • Hawai'i Nei Juried Exhibition 2015, Wailoa Center, Hilo, HI;

  • Hawai'i Nei Juried Exhibition, 2016, Wailoa Center, Hilo, HI;

  • Return of the 'Alala: Restoring the Voice of Hawai'i's Native Forests Juried Exhibition (2016), Volcano Art Center, Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, HI;

  • MidSummer Art Celebration, 2018 - 2nd Annual All Media Juried Exhibition, Wailoa Center, Hilo, HI;

  • Art by Hand: Contemporary Craft Juried Exhibit, 2018, Wailoa Center, Hilo, HI; and

  • Hawai'i Nei Juried Exhibition, 2019, Wailoa Center, Hilo, HI.

  • Abstract! Only 10th Annual Juried Exhibition, 2020, Wailoa Center, Hilo, HI.

  • Hawai'i Nei Juried Exhibition, 2020, Wailoa Center, Hilo, HI

  • Midsumer Art Celebration, 2021 - 5th Annual All Media Juried Exhibition, Wailoa Center, Hilo, HI.

  • Hawai'i Nei Juried Exhibition, 2021, Wailoa Center, Hilo, HI.

  • Hawai`i Nei Juried Exhibition, 2022, Wailoa Center, Hilo, HI.

image3 (9).jpeg

"Dappled Things" (ceramic mosaic featuring a Palila perched on mamane leaves and blossoms) earned an Honorable Mention (3D, Amateur) at the Hawai'i Nei Exhibition, 2020. 

hawaii nei - io - russo 2022.jpeg
hawaii nei - kupukupu - russo - 2022_edited.jpg

"I Ka Ua" (In the Rain) framed ceramic tile mosaic features a watchful 'io on a koa branch and "Ke Kupukupu" framed ceramic tile showcases an endemic kupukupu fern at the Hawai'i Nei Exhibition, 2022. 

Home: Bio
Home

Looking for a one-of-a kind gift?

image0 (58).jpeg
Check out my website's store.
Free shipping within the USA.

My Etsy Shop has lots of ceramic art featuring  Hawai'i's native plants and birds, such as wall hangings, trivets, tile-topped wood keepsake boxes, and even ceramic jewelry.  Free shipping within the USA.

tHREE PENDANTS--PALILA, KIWIKIU, IIWI_edited.jpg
kupukupu fern pinch pot July 2022.jpeg
KaHuakai.jpeg

I strive to bring awareness of Hawai'i's endemic birds and plants through my art.  A portion of my art sales supports Hawai'i non-profit conservation organizations working to save Hawai'i's endangered species and habitats.

Please join my mailing list--no purchase necessary.

Subscribe Form

Mahalo nui for visiting my website. Have a beautiful day.  Aloha!

bottom of page