About the Artist Linda Grimes

Growing up in Georgia, I always heard about the beauty of Hawaii which was where my parents met and were married in 1946. It must have sparked my sense of adventure and need for travel because, in the mid-70s, I started travelling the world. I’ve explored all the continents except Antarctica and when I finally moved to Hawaii in 1992. I bought a small piece of land with my sister and we each built a house of our own.

From Hawaii, my travels to Asia increased and I started noticing what wonderful beads and jewelry they had. My sister and I started making one-of-a-kind keyrings with special pieces we found in Nepal, Thailand, Bali, China and other countries. Our business thrived for several years and we eventually sold it in 2013 after my sister re-settled in Bali.

Now, I use the special items I find on my travels to create one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces. I still travel to those countries in Asia, occasionally exploring somewhere different like India or Vietnam.

Every trip is a treasure hunt to find new and unique components. I love meeting the local artisans, scouring the antique and jewelry markets, finding that one bead that is perfect for the necklace I will make. All the components in my jewelry have been hand-selected. I do not order things online or from a catalog. It’s the pull of travel that inspires my work. My goal is to make something beautiful with the treasures I find that someone else will treasure for years to come.

Manakuke?

“Mankuke” is Hawaiian for “mongoose.” In Hindu tradition, the mongoose is a symbol of wealth and abundance. It spews out jewels in the hands of the god of wealth, Kubera. The mongoose is the guardian of the snakes who in their turn guard all the riches of the earth.