About The Artist

On our first vacation to the Big Island, we stepped off the plane and I said to my husband, "We are going to live here." There was an intoxicating scent in the air - plumeria flowers, sea breezes and a general sense of immediate peace. 

Fast forward a few years. My 18-year corporate career as a program manager in technology was going well. While I didn't exactly find joy in my every day, the job made enough so we lived a comfortable suburban life in Charlotte, NC.

And then I started having health issues. I was diagnosed with bi-polar disorder. Six months later, the chronic back pain I was having turned out to be Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. I had been diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013. We thought I had beaten it. But it had come back with a vengeance. As a result, I had to have major back surgery to repair a collapsed vertebrae and to shore up my spine with several titanium rods. I was faced with not only my own mortality but wasn't sure if I'd ever be normal again.

As I was being prepped for surgery, I told my husband. "If I survive this, we are moving to Hawaii."

Months of recovery later, I started to feel human again. The drive and desire to make life changes remained. We sold our house and ninety percent of our belongings and moved with only 9 suitcases, our 2 dogs and 23 boxes (8 of which were books). It was the best decision for our family.

The house we purchased happened to have a separate area that was perfect for a craft room/art studio. I started learning fluid art only because I wanted to make original pieces to decorate our new home. After many days of learning about color theory, paint, additives, and fluid art techniques, I was all in! 

I started Breathing Space Hawaii because I wanted to share the beauty of my new home with the world. I adopted a new mission - to decorate my clients' homes with bold, colorful paintings and home decor that would evoke positive emotions and uplift spirits. I want my clients to feel joy when they view my art on their walls, all while bringing Aloha into their lives. 

Hawaii is a special place and being here has made all the difference in my health. I'll be in treatment for cancer for the rest of my life. But I hope to be here for as long as possible to enjoy my home.

I am so grateful for our journey and thank YOU for joining me on this art (and life) adventure. 

I hope you'll follow me on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok! I post process videos, new products, Hawaii scenery and more. I would love to meet you!

Mahalo!

- Kate Asis, Pahoa, HI, May 2022