Shadows - Lea Hackman

From Kaua‘i’s North Shore, Lea Hakman was raised in and around the ocean, part of a close-knit surfer family that has always integrated the ocean into their lives whether fishing or surfing. Though she felt creative from a young age, her artistic journey truly began at eighteen, when a close friend gifted her a sketchbook for her birthday. That simple gesture sparked a deep passion for drawing that grew into a lifelong practice. She began with graphite and charcoal before exploring acrylics and eventually digital graphics— each medium offering a new way to express emotion and perspective.

Her work is inspired by moments that often go unnoticed— a certain angle, the feeling in someone’s eyes, or the emotion captured in a photograph. Music and imagery both play a powerful role in her process, guiding her to express feelings that words can’t always hold.

The ocean remains something that continues to influence and inspire her. Whether surfing, fishing, or diving, she finds freedom and connection in the water— an openness that mirrors her approach to art. The ocean strips away boundaries, invites honesty, and allows her to create from a deeper, more connected place.

@leanotliketheprincess