CREATORS: Tony Perelli
For Tony Perelli, being an artist is about more than just his work. The Homer, Alaska-based wood carver specializes in making everyday objects like bowls, plates, and spoons. Through these elegant wooden pieces, he brings an awareness of nature into life’s daily tasks. But for him, being an artist is about more than the work–it’s an opportunity to live with a purpose rooted in simplicity, intention, and gratitude.
Directed by: Brad Hillwig
Learn more about Tony Perelli here: https://www.tonyperelli.org/
Amanda Rose Warren began painting professionally to help earn money during her mother’s costly battle with stage four lung cancer. Years later, she creates joy through her colorful paintings that portray the beauty, power, and spirit of Alaska.
Directed by: Brad Hillwig
Learn More about Amanda Rose Warren’s art here: https://www.artbyarw.com/
This film was shot on the Big Island of Hawaii. Director Brad Hillwig had come across the beautiful poem “Hawaiian Love Song” by Kleber Wing and was struck by how visual it was. The poem was written sometime around 1947, but very little information is available about its author. Director’s Note: “While the poem seems like a meditation on Hawaii’s natural wonders, I’ve come to believe it is about the loss of a loved one. Still, I felt the beauty and simplicity of the words left room for interpretation. I wanted my film to be a narrative about new life rather than loss. Playing off of an old cliche (message in a bottle), I used vivid imagery, time-shifting, and a narrative focused on our daughter’s first experiences of Hawaii, to create a film focused on hope rather than loss.”
Directed by: Brad Hillwig
Poem “Hawaiian Love Song” by Kleber Wing (1947)
SOURCE for “Hawaiian Love Song” poem: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poetrymagazine/browse?contentId=24634
