Article: We are Oaklandish: Kalani Ware
We are Oaklandish: Kalani Ware
We are thrilled to announce the release of a new collection in collaboration with Kalani Ware, a contemporary visual artist from Oakland who has gained recognition both locally and internationally.
Kalani's work is inspired by the urban neighborhoods of the Bay Area, as well as the nature and indigenous cultures of Hawai'i. We recently caught up with him to learn more about what he has been up to since our last collaboration in 2021.
Where do you find inspiration for your color palettes? Is there a specific color from your current Urban Tropics design that you're particularly drawn to?
My inspiration for my color palettes stem from my time living in Hawai’i and watching sunsets. Those colors were superb. It’s not as frequent, but every once in a while, we will get those beautiful sunsets in the Bay Area.
In Oakland, is there a place in nature where you feel most connected to your Hawaiian roots?
Yea, of course. I have a few different spots near the ocean where I chill and hear the waves.
What has been your favorite project in 2025 so far, and what made it enjoyable or rewarding?
One of my favorite projects is the Ricky Henderson tribute mural I created for the Oakland Ballers. I enjoyed the process of creating that piece and it was rewarding to honor his fans and family. Another recent project I'm proud of is my first international mural inside the Nhow Hotel in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
What’s your dream collaboration, or is there a specific item you would love to design or create art for?
A dream collaboration would be an outdoor apparel company like North Face, Patagonia or Colombia.
Do you listen to music while you create? If so, do you have an album that you can listen to without skipping any tracks?
I always have Yussef Dayes and Venna in rotation, they are musicians from London, UK.
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Oakland is diverse and Oakland is proud. 'We Are Oaklandish' is a storytelling project created to highlight just that.
These are stories that shed light on the different experiences, memories, and opinions of the people in the city we all love. They are people who give our city its oddball spirit, its passion for justice, and its creative vigor. They lift us up with laughter, peace, nourishment, and authentic hard work.
They make us proud to call this town our home. They are Oaklandish.
Read more: We Are Oaklandish
Shop the collection: Kalani Ware
Photo Credit: Dorean Raye of Vallejo, CA | @doreanraye