Erin Datlof’s art brings science, nature, and jewelry together using stylized designs of endemic and indigenous species to showcase the Hawaiian flora and fauna. This helps to interpret the park environment through inspirational koa wood line art. “Hopefully my pieces will help others identify native species, learn Hawaiian words, and encourage them to look further into Hawai`i’s fantastic diversity”, states Erin.
Erin has lived on the Big Island for the past 8 years, attending Hilo High School and the University of Hawai`i at Hilo. She recently graduated with a BS in Biology with an emphasis in ecology, evolution, and conservation. She continues this path with an internship in Panama through the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute to SCUBA dive and study the genetics of a coral reef fish species.
Erin is the daughter of a biologist and artist with a combination of these two interests – with both a love of science and the natural world, as well as the creative arts. Her mother, Patti Datlof, is a local artist who makes lava inspired pots and ceramics. She has grown up around clay her entire life, but has been drawn to photography and jewelry. Her recent exposure to a laser cutter allows her to combine both passions- science and art (while photographing them has been fun too!). She has begun her laser cut nature jewelry in hopes to inspire the community to appreciate nature, science, and the beauty of the Big Island of Hawai`i.
View work by Erin Datlof by visiting her page on our online store.