Ceramics is the passion of Master Artist Rochelle Lum (www.rochellelum.com), creator of the master sculpture for Geckos in Paradise. Known for creating only hand-built forms, the Pearl City resident uses a technique that involves building up clay slip, layer upon layer, until a desired thickness is achieved. Each piece is hand-glazed with raku and/or commercial glazes and underglazes. Lum finds inspiration in the flora and fauna of Hawai'i as well as in the legends, folktales and mythology of Hawaiian and Asian cultures.

Lum also teaches adult ceramics classes at Linekona Art Center at the Honolulu Academy of Arts. She has participated in numerous group exhibits and juried exhibitions throughout the United States, including:

• Bibelot Gallery, Honolulu
• Nohea Gallery, Honolulu
• The Contemporary Museum Gift Shop, Honolulu
• Amaury Saint-Gilles Contemporary Fine Art, Hapuna Beach Hotel, Island of Hawai'i
• del Mano Gallery, Los Angeles
• Dearing Galleries, Taos, New Mexico

Lum earned her bachelor's degree in art technique/fine arts in 1979 from Mills College in Oakland, California, where she also did post-graduate work in art education. She worked for several different publishing, graphic design and advertising companies in California before returning to Hawai'i in 1981.

Lum was chosen to create the master Geckos in Paradise sculpture from a field of a dozen artists invited to submit applications.