Capturing Stories Of Strength And Hope

Wednesday - August 04, 2010
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Ese, Kawehi and Val hold Leilani close to their hearts. The daughter and sister passed away last year after losing her 10-year battle with leukemia

Photographs can reveal what words and ink cannot. They can capture a precise moment in time and tie it up into one tiny, neat package that can go anywhere and last for ages.

James Anshutz knows the power a picture holds, which is why the renowned photographer has donated his time and talents to the Hawaii Children’s Cancer Foundation for “Exposures,” a poster exhibit featuring some of Hawaii’s families that are dealing with the realities of childhood cancer.

“James’ work gives all these children and families a face, a voice, to tell their stories in a picture,” says Kendis Teho, executive director of HCCF and the driving force behind the exhibit.

“For years I’ve wished that we could have portraits of our families to help them tell their stories of strength, hope, survival and perseverance,” she says. “When I met James, I told him about my dream, and he has been incredibly generous ever since.”

Teho met the photog at a recent Pecha Kucha Night at the Honolulu Academy of Arts. Anshutz was presenting some of his more-recent works along with portraits of breast cancer survivors from his 2008 book The Survivor Spirit: The Beauty, Passion, and Power of Breast Cancer Survivors.

James Anshutz: the man behind the lens

She mentioned to him her idea, and Anshutz jumped at the opportunity.

“It was such an honor to be asked,” he recalls. “It amazed me that, as difficult as the circumstances are for these children, their spirit shined through all of it with such courage and wisdom.”

This isn’t the first time Anshutz has given the gift of photo-art. The father of three also regularly provides his services free-of-charge to Kapiolani Hospital’s “Living Legacy” project for families with children diagnosed with terminal illnesses.

“I am passionate about lots of things, mostly anything visually creative,” he says. “It’s amazing to see how a 2-year-old can teach a room full of adults more about being present to the moment than many of us have learned in our lifetime on our own.”

Cheryl has a tickle match with sons Jace (left) and Ashton. Despite his young age, Jace, 4, has already had Wilm’s tumor, a form of kidney cancer, twice

Anshutz first picked up a camera when he was a kid growing up in Tampa, Fla. He traded in the hobby for headphones and a turntable later in life, working as a nightclub/radio mix DJ in Orlando. In 2001 he moved to Oahu and immediately fell in love with the place and its people.

“The moment I stepped off the plane, I instantly felt that I was finally home,” he says. “The Islands are such a beautiful place, I couldn’t help getting back into (photography).”

And it’s a good thing for organizations like HCCF that he did. The “Exposures” project left such a imprint on Anshutz that he is continuing his partnership with the nonprofit. They are currently in discussions on a project that they plan to put into production in the next few months.

“I am hoping our relationship continues to soar to new heights,” he says. “They are such an amazing organization with such a beautiful drive and purpose. It’s truly inspirational.”

An exclusive first-look “pau hana” launch party of “Exposures” will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Aug. 19 at Hukilau Honolulu in the downtown Executive Centre (1088 Bishop St.). Tickets cost $45 presale; $50 at the door. Price includes heavy pupus specially created for the event by Hukilau general manager and executive chef Jason Takemura; live music from Kapena De Lima; drawings for prize giveaways; and a chance to meet Anshutz and some of the families featured in the exhibit.

Gigi’s smile can brighten any day. The 4-year-old is currently battling leukemia

There also will be two limited-edition cocktails created by bar manager Emerson Lewis for $10, with $5 from each purchase going to HCCF, the only organization in Hawaii that exclusively focuses on serving children with cancer and their families.

The exhibit will be on display to the public at several locations through September in honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month: Pearlridge Center, Aug. 27 -Sept. 7; Kahala Mall, Aug. 27 -Sept. 15; and from 5 to 9 p.m. Sept. 3 at First Friday in Chinatown. Updated listings of places to view the exhibit can be found online at hccf.org.

HCCF volunteers will have a table set up at Kahala Mall on Sept. 4 to promote their services and annual workshop on Sept. 8. Call 528-5161 to learn more.

To view more of Anshutz’s work, which includes images for clients lululemon athletica, Hiromi Kanda Music Video Production, Aqua Spa and Resorts and many more, visit jamesaphoto.com.