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 an 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 teaches art courses for Southern Virginia University, manages programming for Writ & Vision Gallery, serves as the art editor for Wayfare magazine, and serves on the Board of Directors for the Dialogue Foundation. Currently, she lives in Utah County with her husband, two rescue dogs, and an ever-growing collection of houseplants.