Esther Hi’ilani Candari

Esther Hi’ilani Candari is primarily a figurative artist who explores concepts such as multiracial identity, gender and the female gaze in the context of religion, and the connections between ecology, culture, and sense of place. Much of her work draws upon her experiences growing up in Hawai’i in an Asian American mixed-race household. She has a BFA from BYU-H, an MFA from Liberty University, and has studied at the New York Academy of Art.  In addition to her studio work, she owns and directs The Compass Gallery, serves as the art editor for Wayfare magazine, and serves on the Advisory Board for The Faith Matters Foundation. She lives in Utah County with her husband, two rescue dogs, and an ever-growing collection of houseplants.