Vancouver-based artist and photographer Kiku Hawkes was born in Germany and raised in New England, emigrating to Canada in the mid-70’s.

During her years at Friends World College, an experimental university founded on Quaker principles, she traveled extensively, studying in Nepal, India, Japan and Mexico.

Hawkes entered the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design in 1980 with advanced standing, majoring in Photography. Since graduating in 1982, she has created a diverse body of work in alternate process and photo-based media.

Hawkes has also participated in a broad range of photographic and related creative endeavours. These include teaching creative practices in venues ranging from traditional arts institutes to parallel galleries to women’s prisons;  producing  numerous educational A/V productions for labour and professional associations ; and curating exhibitions, including a 2-month long, city-wide series of site-specific installations in collaboration with World Artists For Tibet,” an international arts project. In 2008 and 2009 Hawkes  oversaw the digital assemblage and restoration of  the  15 ft. X 53 inch, North Wall of the Norbu Lu Khang temple in Lhasa, Tibet. prior to the invasion of Tibet by China, this 1000 year-old secret meditation chamber was exclusively used by the Dalai Lamas and their teachers.

Hawkes’ artworks have been exhibited across Canada, and collected by both private and public institutions. She has also received national and international awards for her work in commercial photography. Support has come from many sources over the years, including parents, friends, community and government agencies.