RIKA TRAXLER

I am a artist who specializes in designing Polynesian costumes, regalia and island style clothing. My background is in fine arts with a BFA in Painting from the Kansas City Art Institute and a MA in Theatre, Art and Dance from CSUN. I am also a painter, scholar, performing artist and Polynesian dancer. I find a lot of my inspiration from my life journey as a Polynesian and Balinese dancer and that is how I started creating costumes, that would be expressive in telling stories. I would describe my costumes as being contemporary with a fusion of traditional elements and I am constantly evolving as an artist in this area of work and expanding outside of the traditional ways. I love to see my work adorned on dancers, bringing energy and life. I would describe my costumes as WEARABLE ART, that comes to life when a person is adorned in them. Currently I am consulting for Disney\'s upcoming movie \'Moana\' coming to theaters in 2016!