Artist Bio

As a full time jewelry maker, Tiare Maumasi uses multimedia pieces not just to create wearable art, but also to convey a story; her story that defies socio economic constructs while helping fellow artisans to persevere against the odds. It’s Ms. Maumasi’s hope that her work will inspire an array of people to open up dialog, allowing them to share their stories as well thus furthering the longevity of the creative community.

Hailing from the evergreen state, Tiare grew up in a little punk-rock, art, and political science oasis called Olympia, Washington. This feral half Samoan was raised by her strong-willed, loving single mother, Lisa, along with her two older brothers, Mareko and Liu. Coming from a very modest upbringing, together they used their billowing imaginations to thrive with what little they had.

"My two brothers and I grew up very poor, so at times, lacking resources (though my mother worked tirelessly to provide) all we had was each other and our creativity. That being said, I've been creating/inventing/designing since I can remember. I was sewing patterns on a sewing machine by the age of five, concocting and baking my own cake recipes by the age of eight, and fine-tuning my jewelry designs and selling them to friends by the age of 11.

My mother taught us to be independent and resourceful. Since the time my hands could first work cohesively together as a child, creativity was my way to paint a more beautiful reality in what some might look at as hardship and toiling times."

Growing up half islander in a mostly caucasian population proved to be a little tricky to navigate in her youth-- when children tend to eagerly seek belonging and companionship.

"Representing Polynesian culture has been both immensely profound and yet has provided its share of challenges as, I'm sure, most minorities experience. I am super proud to represent such a beautiful culture. Yet not falling into a category of ethnic familiarity of  'A, B, or C' made it challenging to find a place within the general public's acceptance or understanding in my younger years.

Gratefully, I don't seek such approval any more. I've been taught in my upbringing to take a sense of family and a wealth of integrity into every endeavor as the priority. So, I have made my own space to exist that tends to fall outside of the lines. That is where I would rather be anyway-- boundless and constantly pushing my ability to create within a small but tenacious community."

As Tiare blossomed into her young adulthood, she then applied these principles to other forms of creativity and self-expression. From downhill skateboarding to interior design, from studying taoist poetry to Spanish and french architecture, to costume and set design, to busking/street performing as a puppeteer, she was always game for new adventures.

Ms. Maumasi also came to realize that she had accumulated many life lessons through so many interesting adventures, interactions, creative endeavors and travels.

She felt very fortunate to be freely able to expand perspective and develop both inwardly and outwardly through these exuberant avenues. She saw it only fitting to pass along to those who might not have had such opportunity and support. Tiare predominantly taught at-risk and underprivileged youth in textile designs, skateboarding and jewelry making throughout her adulthood.

Tiare has now called New Orleans, Louisiana her home for the past decade and continues this practice of giving and teaching by hosting 'micro markets' at various venues in the city. This has created a place for makers to sell their handmade wares,  learn to make their own money and has encouraged community members to become more independent entities on their own terms.

"It's simple. We are creating space that allows people to exist, flourish and live outside of a system that was never built with their best interest in mind anyway. Furthermore, we are encouraging and aiding the evolution of community past the doorway of an idea and into self-sustainable, sincere lifestyles as working artisans. In doing this, together we’re showing others to 'jump and the net will appear' while offering our support and resources.