Artist and author Dietrich Varez of Volcano is a living treasure. His signature block print illustrations are easily recognizable to visitors from around the world and Hawaii residents. His artwork is prominently featured at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and is familiar in prints, books, magazines and other products.
During the recent 2017 Ka Palapala Po‘okela Book Awards ceremony in Honolulu, Varez received the Award of Excellence in Children’s Literature, the top honor in that category, for his book, “Iwa, The Hawaiian Legend.”
It tells the story of a skilled fisherman, a magic luhe‘e (cowry shell octopus lure), the historic figure Chief Umi and a young boy thief named Iwa, after the great frigate bird known for its thievery. The panel of judges calls it a fast-moving adventure and had this to say: “Varez masterfully brings both elements, the text and illustrations, together to create this timeless piece.”
The Ka Palapala Po‘okela Awards are presented by the Hawaii Book Publishers Association to honor excellence in books and literature in Hawaii.
The emcees complimented Petroglyph Press of Hilo for publishing and keeping in print many Hawaiian classics, calling “Iwa” the next Hawaiian classic.
A collaboration between Petroglyph Press owners David and Christine Reed and Varez has resulted in new editions of century-old classic folktales by William D. Westervelt with the recent release of “Hawaiian Legends of Volcanoes” and “Legends of Maui, a Demi-God of Polynesia, and of his Mother, Hina.”
Both new books feature full color oil painting illustrations by Varez, for the first time in a book form. All books are designed, printed and bound at the same building in Hilo where the company was founded in 1962.
“This state has the largest regional publishing presence in the country, and has a passionate community of writers, illustrators, designers and publishers,” Christine Reed said.
Petroglyph Press celebrates 55 years in business in 2017 and has grown from a small commercial printing shop into a thriving “mom and pop” book publisher. The subsidiary company, Basically Books, expands upon the mission by focusing on books, maps, music and gifts centered around Hawaii’s history, culture and lifestyle.
Petroglyph Press and Basically Books are located at 160 Kamehameha Ave. in downtown Hilo. For more information, call 935-6006 or visit www.PetroglyphPress.com.
