Ho'ohanohano Pele

This book is an extensive & varied collection of active lava photos I have taken in or near the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park over the past ten years; most of the photos were taken from August to December 2008.

If you click on the 'Preview Book' item you will get to see ONLY the first 15 pages of the 57-pages (Preview using their full-screen option). The 57 pages contain about 54 full-page color photos. The book is hardcover -coffee-table style 11x13-inches and comes with or without a dust jacket.

The first two pages contain my Artist Statement and a page dedicating the book to my dad, who passed away earlier this year. On ‘dust jacket’ versions there is also an artist biography and an additional small image.

Note: hardcover books with the dust jacket have no other cover images on the book itself, but the dust jacket front & back book cover photos are stronger & brighter due to the different printing technique. Conversely, hardcover books without the dust jacket have full cover images front & back.
All photos are titled.

I have reviewed copies of this hardcover 11x13-inch book, both with and without the dust jacket and they look really great! (When I pulled my first copies of this book out of the box while waiting in the long Christmas post office lineup in Pahoa, everyone near me asked where they could buy their copy as they passed it along for all to look at!)

Bookbindings are strong and well made; the Premium Papers make for durable page-turning. (I could have saved us both money using their cheaper papers and left their Blurb Logo on the book, but I wanted professional quality!)

My book price in Blurbs Bookstore is simply 30% over Blurbs charges to produce it. (They do not take a cut in sales)… Yes it is a bit pricey, but I assure you this is one unique book and you will be really happy with it. (Should you be sent a less-than-perfect copy please contact Blurb Books and me so we can remedy that as quickly as possible) This is the best book quality level Blurb produces.

Thanks!!
~~~~~~~~~ Leigh

Artist Statement ~~
Photography has been a lifelong passion for me. I have always enjoyed hiking and exploring wild places and sharing nature’s wonders through a camera lens.

Here on the Island of Hawai'i I have been wandering the active lava flows for over ten years now and continue to be in awe of this amazing geological event. The current eruptive activity has created unique lava landscapes, explosive activity, and unusual phenomenon such as plumes of immense proportion that create lightening flashes and superheated vortex funnels.

The cultural roots of this ongoing volcanic activity also impress me, especially the songs and chants honoring the Hawaiian Volcano Goddess Pele. In this book I am offering my images in honor of Pele and the Hawaiian people; in turn I am honored to have this opportunity to share these photos will all of you.

**** I am currently displaying a collection of 40 large canvas prints dipicting the many amazing moods of our active lava Flow. The show will be held at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park at the Volcano Art Center Gallery Exhibit Room January 10th through February 22nd 2009 – a free and highly recommended showing. All photos in this exhibit are also within my recent book.

Mahalo nui,
Leigh Hilbert,
January 2008, Kapoho Hawai'i