Goddess of Volcanoes

The texture of lava as it cools and begins to solidify, was the first inspiration for this painting. As I was creating the pattern and design of the lava, a face began to emerge. At first I wasn’t sure if it was male or female, but it soon became apparent it was indeed female. As the molten lava took its place, Madame Pele emerged, the Goddess of fire, lightning, wind and volcanoes. Her lei is made of Lehua flower blossoms.

Possessing the power to create new land, Pele also has a volcanic personality; an impetuous and lusty nature, jealous, unpredictable, capable of sudden fury and great violence. Yet she can also be gentle, loving and as serene as her forests of ferns and flowering trees.
— Herb Kawainui Kane

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