the evolution of the modern human has not only manifested itself in his ability to produce and use tools and weapons but to a very large degree in his urge to document his life, his struggles and his beliefs in the form of art. whether it is drawings of hunting scenes on animal hide or cave walls, the depiction of religious icons on church ceilings or honoring gods by worshiping their statues or erecting monuments in their names, art has served as a means to document civilization long before the first letter was written. without art we would know far less about our ancestors. without art, we would know very little about ancient civilizations, especially those foreign to us. artistic expression has always been and still is an incredibly important medium through which civilizations can communicate with and learn from each other. even through language barriers, the symbolism of art is often universal and understood without a word being spoken. i believe that art today is as important a way for different civilizations to come together as it has ever been. the exchange of philosophies, ideas, ideals and the ability to learn from each other requires interaction. in times where politics all too often fails to provide for such interaction, art delivers a perfect platform for people from around the world to communicate, to learn from each other and, eventually, to respect each other for it is much harder to hate what you do know. i was born and raised in europe, have lived for many years in asia and the continental united states before i moved to hawaii. everywhere i went, i learned from the people, about the people, about their cultures and every single time i was able to understand so much better why they are the way they are. much of this experience influences my art, which allows me to share my knowledge and to enrich the pacific-asian region through this cultural exchange way beyond its borders. at the same time, i can export knowledge about pacific-asia to friends and relatives in europe and beyond, who may otherwise never have any exposure to the cultural and historical history of this region. knowledge and understanding across long distances can be gained and expressed in many different ways but none as durable, diverse and long lasting as art, which transcends politics, economics and ideology like nothing else.