NewsOCT 15, 2024

In Perfect Form: Taking Story with Hawaiian Artist Noa Emberson

With a keen eye for details and a passion for graphic design, Honolulu-based artist Noa Emberson pays homage to the shapes that shape Hawai‘i in this limited-edition collection. Recently, we connected with Noa to discuss the inspiration and creative process behind this exclusive new lineup.

Can you begin by telling us a little bit about yourself and how you found yourself in the design world?

I grew up on Maui, where I spent a lot of time surfing and enjoying the day-to-day adventures that came with calling Hawai‘i home as a kid. After graduating from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa with a degree in design, I moved to California to work as an art director at Surfing Magazine. Eventually, I was able to find my way back home to Hawai‘i where I’ve been working as a designer and artist under the moniker Joy Stain. And of course, I’m still trying to sneak in a few waves whenever possible.

Walk us through the inspiration for this collection?

Since 2017, I’ve been collaborating on an indie-rock playlist with my buddy called The Pau Hana. Every edition, I choose a new concept to guide the artwork for the playlist covers. For volume five, I focused on breezeblocks—a longtime fascination of mine and something ubiquitous in Hawai‘i architecture. As a designer, I appreciate the balance of form and function. This inspired me to create and explore my own breezeblock patterns, which set into motion this collaboration.

Breezeblocks are such a distinct part of the architecture in Hawai‘i, especially Honolulu. What was it about them that captured your attention and how did that translate into your designs for this project?

There’s something about the balance between their aesthetic and functionality that really speaks to me as a designer. When I began creating my own patterns, I wanted to bring a fresh take to a classic element that everyone in Honolulu is familiar with. After a lot of exploration, we landed on two patterns for this collaboration: “Talking Story” and “Rain or Shine.”

Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind “Talking Story” and “Rain or Shine”?

“Talking Story” was actually inspired by a book I was reading at the time called The Overstory by Richard Powers, which focuses on the way trees can communicate through an underground fungal network. Nature always inspires my work, and I was excited to visualize the silent conversations happening all around and below. As for “Rain or Shine,” it features an alternating sun and rainbow, which speaks to the rainbows that line our skies. I see one almost every day, and I try not to take them for granted!

It sounds like your love of Honolulu really plays a significant role in your creative process. How did you feel about the way your patterns were applied to the product in terms of colors and overall design?

I’m really happy with the colorways and applications. I think they neutralize the energy of the patterns, which I think is important in everyday footwear. But with my art, I tend to be bolder with color, so I’m excited to show the art alongside the shoes to really showcase their full range.

This collaboration feels like it has a lot of depth, from the patterns to the meaning behind them. What do you hope people take away from this collection when they see or wear it?

I hope they feel a connection to the Islands and the natural world around them. I want the patterns to serve as a reminder to enjoy the simple things nature offers us, whether you live in Hawai‘i or not.