Ruth Tomoe Leinani Kaneko, born on the island of Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi, is an artist whose diverse experiences inform her creative journey. The profound loss of her mother at a young age left an indelible mark on her, shaping her perspective and serving as a continual source of inspiration. As a child, Ruth often used art as a creative outlet and exploration. A graduate of Kamehameha Schools Kapālama in 2003, Ruth went on to serve in the U.S. Army as a Combat Medic, where she was deployed to Iraq. This pivotal period, marked by two tours in Iraq and numerous challenges, profoundly shaped her perspective and identity. Following her service, Ruth returned to Hawaiʻi, where she faced health challenges that prompted a transformative shift in her life’s direction.

 After a significant period of reflection and recovery, Ruth enrolled in the Honolulu Community College Cosmetology program, reigniting her passion for art. This new chapter led her to the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, where she studied art and women’s studies. Through her studies, Ruth discovered the true history of the Hawaiian people and the powerful legacy of the Kānaka wāhine. A powerful discovery of her family’s connection to the 1897 Kūʻē Petitions—a collection of petitions signed by thousands of Native Hawaiians in 1897 in protest of the U.S. annexation of Hawaiʻi—ignited a deeper exploration of her dual identity as both a Kanaka and a U.S. veteran, an exploration that now lies at the heart of her artistic practice. Working across photography, mixed media, and fiber arts, Ruth’s work delves into themes of ambivalence and resilience, intricately woven with her personal narrative.