SISTERS. ARTISTS. 2D & 3D.
Rock SalT Sisters.
Erin Maile & Kristin Mele.
born and raised in Hawai’i.
Making spaces full of flavor.
About Us
We proudly come from a lineage of strong women as the daughters of Leinani Keppeler Bortles and granddaughters of Doris Kahikilani Mossman Keppeler. Born and raised in Honolulu, we were inspired by the natural beauty, artistry and power of Hawai’i and the creative leadership of our kupuna (elders). We both pursued education and careers in the arts. Collaborating over the years, we have finally officially joined forces as sisters to create functional and beautiful spaces, objects and surfaces full of flavor.
Why Good Design is Important
We believe in “good design” for everyone.
We believe that small strokes of beauty and design have the power to feed the spirit.
We believe that creative expression has the power to connect
We believe in the generosity of art, something to be shared that perpetuates good will.
We believe in the importance of joy in the fabric of our humanity.
We believe in the kindness that can be activated in our spaces.
We believe in expressing inclusion through art and spaces.
About Kristin Mele
I come from a fine art background, culminating with a Masters of Fine Art in Painting and Printmaking from American University. I bring my fine art training into the realm of design and interiors. I am a muralist, colorist, illustrator, sculptor and designer of functional objects as well as spaces. Interior wall treatments often with applied custom stencil work as well as functional design projects, such as unique product displays for stores and chandeliers have been my passion and occupation. I have a body of paintings and drawings spanning over 30 years.
Circuitously, I have made my way to living in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The striking beauty of the New Mexico high desert landscape, although vastly different from that of tropical isles, resonates with the visuals and pace of the Hawai’i of my childhood. My relationship to the land infiltrates all aspects of my life, including my work and art.
About Erin Maile
As an educator, trainer and community artist/activator, I have developed kinesthetic, multigenerational curriculums that facilitate group inclusion, connection, co-authorship and empathy of over 25 years. My fascination with space all started with the study of dance and architecture—how humans experience and move in spaces both built and temporal. After initially attending architecture school, my work turned towards movement arts and the relational spaces between people and groups. In 2015, after completing a Master Certificate in Creative Placemaking at Ohio State University, I founded The Human Connection Project that focuses on activating communities through municipal-wide arts projects, creative placemaking, and experiential engagement. In 2016, I co-founded Tiny House Fest Vermont. The Fest focuses on regional housing solutions, innovations and resources. In that same year, I designed and began building a tiny house called the Paper Boat. My husband Kevin and I have been living there since April 2018 and loving it! I believe good design elevates us all and supports equity in our world.
Collab Projects
The Paper Boat Tiny House
Vintage 1970 Shasta
Convertible Sofa Designs
Maile Projects
The Paper Boat Tiny House Design
Bento Box Tiny House Design
M.I.L.E.S. (Mobile Interactive Literary Exhibition Space)
Pono Pavilion + Carport
Mele Projects
Joseph’s Culinary Pub
Chocolate + Cashmere Santa Fe
Grace Santa Fe
Maria Samora Showroom
Duck Egg Chandeliers
Hand Painted Fabrics