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| christmas day |
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Christmas day
Unwrapping gifts and water fights!!!! The girls decided that they did not want bought gifts from Chris and Josie this year. They wanted to give gifts to Jorji the squatter across the street, gifts to the deaf school, and school supplies to an orphanage. I tried to follow suit and gave some hand made gifts as well.
PNG bag
My new acquisition my png billum bag!!!! made with cuscus fur or a possum-like nocturnal marsupials they call a tree kangaroo.
A billum or bilum is a traditional hand-made Papua New Guinea bag. It is usually used for carrying foods, firewood or even babies
Originally billums were made from tree bark string, however today, Papua New Guinea women also make bilums from wool and fishing lines
Natural and artificial pigments are used to add colour and style to billums. Some bilums feature intricate designs, and others are decorated with shells, fur or even feathers
A billum or bilum is a traditional hand-made Papua New Guinea bag. It is usually used for carrying foods, firewood or even babies
Originally billums were made from tree bark string, however today, Papua New Guinea women also make bilums from wool and fishing lines
Natural and artificial pigments are used to add colour and style to billums. Some bilums feature intricate designs, and others are decorated with shells, fur or even feathers
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| the png bag |
Chaos!
A hurricane has hit the inside of our home! Now the fun begins, the putting away and organizing. The best part of moving is hanging my pictures!!!
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| new house getting set up |
Moving!!!!
Stan is home from Tonga and is helping with the last few loads. His friend Nemo is supervising him!
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| new house |
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
I am in the Fiji Times!!!
Please ignore the first 8 lines communication break down!!!!
Jens joyous journey with art
EMELINE NAIKALIVOU (Thursday, December 13, 2007)
Jennifer James poses beside one of her paintings
Jennifer James always had a passion for art, particularly painting.
The Canadian simply cannot imagine her life without art as it brings her immense joy.
She recalls her young years when she would draw on anything she got hold of.
Her artistic tendencies are hardly surprising given her families artistic background.
Here family were known for their body sculptures.
So when they learnt she had she had no affinity for the family's past-time passion, they found it odd and were quite taken aback.
And much to their disappointment, Jennifer was so set on becoming an artist.
Common ground was finally reached when parties resolved that she continue her studies in order to secure a better job and only after could she be allowed to become an artist.
Jennifer said she did not have the heart to disappoint her family so she continued and successfully pursued a diploma in physiotherapy.
She now owns a clinic in Canada.
"I had to work in a clinic for six months and then after three months, I opened my very own clinic with the help of my business partner," she proudly relayed.
Today the promising artist from Vancouver is more confident and self-assured.
She is still buzzing from the rush of having 30 of her artwork exhibited at the University of the South Pacific's Oceania Art and Cultural Centre
She was very pleased with the response.
The second-year USPArt student Jennifer says she could not have asked for a better place to master her passion.
"I have come to understand what art is all about," she enthused.
"I was really honoured to have an exhibit in the Oceania Art Centre.
Jennifer says art is not only about putting colours together to make the picture look good.
It is instead a way of expressing feelings, moods and views on a particular subject, she said.
I love to draw something that promotes peace and harmony, she added.
While painting is the ultimate de-stressor for her, nature walks, reading, spending time with friends and baking are also activities she cares to indulge in.
She says young artists should find a good mentor, practice, and above all have fun.
Jennifer laments though that the high cost of painting materials is a restrictive factor to the development of the art.
Resources in this field are very limited, thus very expensive, she said. The tropical weather is also another disadvantage as oil paints take longer to dry in the heat.
The artist says she has unconsciously developed a ritual on how she chooses her paintings.
Whenever she feels the urge to draw she first meditates on the subject.
Normally, the first colour that pops into her head is what she uses to depict her theme.
Each work of art holds special meaning for Jennifer because through each piece, she tries to relay a message. Her work is largely about peace and harmony.
One day she hopes to be able to make a living from her artwork.
My ultimate goal is to open a gallery so that I can support other artists, she said.
Copyright © 2007, Fiji Times Limited. All Rights Reserved.
Sunday, December 09, 2007
Saturday, December 08, 2007
The new flat
I got the KEYS to the new flat!!!! and cleaned it yesterday from top to bottom. In Fiji we get this weird black greasy dust that really settles when a place is left empty. Our feet will show you what I mean, considering the flat was empty for several months it was in ok condition. Some mold growing on some of the walls, very dirty floors and a wasps nest in the bathroom. What we did not get is Mina birds which is great because that is a nightmare!!! During the coup they took residency in Josie's place while they were away. I do have some screens that will need to be replaced since they did try to peck there way into the house. Here are some pictures of our new and very empty flat!!!!! Which will remain bare, we don't want to buy furniture here, I will take some pictures for you one day so you can see why.
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| new flat |
Friday, December 07, 2007
Cyclone
Well the cyclone totally missed Suva!!!! But unfortunately it did hit other smaller islands that make up Fiji. One Island was completely flattened and no word if the 2 villages that inhabited the Island survived, they are in our prayers along with the other areas that were hit.
I have been insanely busy, not only with the art show but with also finding a new place to live. The landlord kicked us out because we refused to clean his driveway and we made a complaint about it because we have all fallen down while trying to negotiate our way down the steep slope. Ana broke her leg when she fell down the slimy driveway!
So I look at this event as a good thing since I am tired of slowly picking my way down the death trap. I looked at several place but ultimately took the empty flat below Josie's. I was a bit hesitant to take it because it is unfurnished but in the end it the was the cleanest and most updated! Pictures to be posted in the next few days. Spent the day cleaning it today, washing all the walls, cupboards, floors, bathrooms.
I have been insanely busy, not only with the art show but with also finding a new place to live. The landlord kicked us out because we refused to clean his driveway and we made a complaint about it because we have all fallen down while trying to negotiate our way down the steep slope. Ana broke her leg when she fell down the slimy driveway!
So I look at this event as a good thing since I am tired of slowly picking my way down the death trap. I looked at several place but ultimately took the empty flat below Josie's. I was a bit hesitant to take it because it is unfurnished but in the end it the was the cleanest and most updated! Pictures to be posted in the next few days. Spent the day cleaning it today, washing all the walls, cupboards, floors, bathrooms.
The big night!!!
Here are the write ups about my art...
Printmaking
Printmaking is a new medium to me as an Artist, and exploring monotypes was a great introduction into this vast arena of printmaking. Monotypes typically only produce two images the original and what is called a ghost print from the ink that is left over on the plate. Most artists will manipulate the ghost image either on the plate itself or after it is printed on paper. I chose the later, and varied the image after it was printed with chalk pastels and sometimes Chinese ink.
I have been a sculpture for 15 years in the medium of clay and have worked with the female form for the majority of that time. It was second nature for me to translate the female form to paper. I wanted to showcase segments of the female body and concentrate on enhancing the backgrounds of the print by using vibrant colours and enhancing the patterns that were created in the print making process.
I created a series of prints that show tattooing on the body, which is my way of bringing to light the rich history of female tattooing here in Fiji. This account of ritual female tattoo was brought to my attention by my “soul sister” Josie and her tireless investigation of the empowering ritual of female tattooing that occurred here in Fiji over 90 years ago. This series is dedicated to her and her journey to showcase the women of Fiji empowered and their sacred role in society, as consecrated beings. Blessed be the Feminine Devine and Josie for her pioneering work.
Portraits
In my series of painted female portraits I am exploring a theme I have been investigating for years, mark making and symbols that are used around the globe. After extensive research it has been revealed to me how similar our symbols are. Sometimes, it is even difficult to discern which area a symbol comes from if shown out of context, thus reinforcing my personal belief that we are all one.
In this group of paintings I am taking the concept that we are all one, one more step. Each woman is of a specific ethnic origin and the symbols that make up her hair are representing a different ethnic group. I want the paintings to reflect the rich tapestry of our cultures that influence us, and how each and every culture can be represented through their symbols. How closely our symbols link us together as one people, rich in different cultural treasures that we can embrace, enjoy and share with each other. In a world that is constantly claiming things, land, resources as mine, not yours, my way, not your way, I want to share the idea of looking at our similarities that bring us together, not our differences that keeps us apart. One nation made up of all cultures cohabitating on one planet; respecting, honouring, and supporting each other and our home called earth.
Bamboo
As a result of being a Canadian and living on the West coast, I have had the honour of being exposed to the traditions of our aboriginal people and one of their art forms, the totem poles. I wanted to bring this tradition from my homeland and represent the totem with a South Pacific flavour. I did this by using the bamboo plant that grows here in Fiji and plays an important role in Fijian culture.
The bamboo installation is my investigation into mark making and what I consider the beginning of art and its evolution to present day symbols. On most of the bamboo totems there are areas that are unpainted where I etched rock art (petroglyphs) from Fiji and the South Pacific. I then took 3 of the bamboo poles to represent the Lapita pottery markings; the next 3 represent tapa symbols from across the South Pacific. Lastly, two of the poles show symbols from around the world and the final pole is my own creation.
While working on this installation I was struck with the idea of having blank pieces of bamboo that you can mark and leave your symbol behind, to become a part of this journey of mark making, of creating the beings of art.
Printmaking
Printmaking is a new medium to me as an Artist, and exploring monotypes was a great introduction into this vast arena of printmaking. Monotypes typically only produce two images the original and what is called a ghost print from the ink that is left over on the plate. Most artists will manipulate the ghost image either on the plate itself or after it is printed on paper. I chose the later, and varied the image after it was printed with chalk pastels and sometimes Chinese ink.
I have been a sculpture for 15 years in the medium of clay and have worked with the female form for the majority of that time. It was second nature for me to translate the female form to paper. I wanted to showcase segments of the female body and concentrate on enhancing the backgrounds of the print by using vibrant colours and enhancing the patterns that were created in the print making process.
I created a series of prints that show tattooing on the body, which is my way of bringing to light the rich history of female tattooing here in Fiji. This account of ritual female tattoo was brought to my attention by my “soul sister” Josie and her tireless investigation of the empowering ritual of female tattooing that occurred here in Fiji over 90 years ago. This series is dedicated to her and her journey to showcase the women of Fiji empowered and their sacred role in society, as consecrated beings. Blessed be the Feminine Devine and Josie for her pioneering work.
Portraits
In my series of painted female portraits I am exploring a theme I have been investigating for years, mark making and symbols that are used around the globe. After extensive research it has been revealed to me how similar our symbols are. Sometimes, it is even difficult to discern which area a symbol comes from if shown out of context, thus reinforcing my personal belief that we are all one.
In this group of paintings I am taking the concept that we are all one, one more step. Each woman is of a specific ethnic origin and the symbols that make up her hair are representing a different ethnic group. I want the paintings to reflect the rich tapestry of our cultures that influence us, and how each and every culture can be represented through their symbols. How closely our symbols link us together as one people, rich in different cultural treasures that we can embrace, enjoy and share with each other. In a world that is constantly claiming things, land, resources as mine, not yours, my way, not your way, I want to share the idea of looking at our similarities that bring us together, not our differences that keeps us apart. One nation made up of all cultures cohabitating on one planet; respecting, honouring, and supporting each other and our home called earth.
Bamboo
As a result of being a Canadian and living on the West coast, I have had the honour of being exposed to the traditions of our aboriginal people and one of their art forms, the totem poles. I wanted to bring this tradition from my homeland and represent the totem with a South Pacific flavour. I did this by using the bamboo plant that grows here in Fiji and plays an important role in Fijian culture.
The bamboo installation is my investigation into mark making and what I consider the beginning of art and its evolution to present day symbols. On most of the bamboo totems there are areas that are unpainted where I etched rock art (petroglyphs) from Fiji and the South Pacific. I then took 3 of the bamboo poles to represent the Lapita pottery markings; the next 3 represent tapa symbols from across the South Pacific. Lastly, two of the poles show symbols from around the world and the final pole is my own creation.
While working on this installation I was struck with the idea of having blank pieces of bamboo that you can mark and leave your symbol behind, to become a part of this journey of mark making, of creating the beings of art.
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| jays art show |
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Cyclone heading towards Suva
http://www.met.gov.fj/aifs_prods/65648.html
The art show went well I will be putting up pictures over the next few days. I am heading out to get some water and money and bread! The storm is suppose to hit this area around 6pm.
The art show went well I will be putting up pictures over the next few days. I am heading out to get some water and money and bread! The storm is suppose to hit this area around 6pm.
Sunday, December 02, 2007
Old timers rugby game the second of the series
This is the second game in a series of Old timers Rugby. I am not sure who makes up the members but some how they all know each other. Alfred and Stan went to USP together in the 90's
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| rugby |
The boys
Here are some more shots of Cathlene and Bowser the neighborhood dogs that love to come up and hang out on my veranda. Stan and I were offered Cathlene when she was a baby and we said no, I wish we had said yes in fact I would have both of these dogs. They are so lovely and gentle, except when bowser is excited and likes to take little nips at you!
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| my dogs |
Flowers of Fiji
I have not put any pictures of the flowers I buy for the house in a long time. So here are some photos of the flowers I have in my house right now, and all of them cost me $10.00 Fijian total! Which is about 6.40 Canadian.
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| flowers of fiji |
Dana Leung Concert
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| concert- Dana Leung |
A concert in Fiji sponsored by the American Embassy. We had a great time and the music was great!
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Flyer
Josie has created a flyer for the Art Exhibit!!!!!! Thank you Thank you Thank you. We have noticed that events are not well attended and we are wondering if it is because of lack of notification. I trust this poster will get peoples attention!!!! and that they will come and enjoy the show!
Interview with the winner of the 2007 Fiji Arts Council Award
Winner chose the path of art
Faces turned eagerly towards the announcer and some hearts were beating faster as they waited for the winners’ names to be announced for each category of the National Exhibition Arts Awards.
The last to be announced was the national winner and the audience gathered at Iloilovatu Gallery at the Fiji Institute of Technology’s School of Arts, Culture and Design suddenly went quiet as they waited to hear the winner’s name.
A young man dressed casually in a pair of shorts and a shirt hesitantly made his way up to receive his prize after being pushed forward by his friends. He was the only one who went down on his knees and clapped his hands in the traditional Fijian manner of showing gratitude.
The exhibition was sponsored by the Fosters Group Pacific Limited to promote the work of local artists.
Jeke Veiwalu Lagi, a shy 25-year-old man, is a senior artist at the University of the South Pacific’s Oceania Centre.
He said art was something he grew up.
``I have only been painting for the past seven years, but even before starting school, I did sculpture, working with plasticine as a little boy,’’ he said.
Jeke’s father comes from Wallis and Futuna and his mother is from Batiki, in Lomaiviti. He is the third in a family of six children. He started studying art at USP when he was in form four and left high school in form six to continue at the Oceania Centre.
“My mother was the one who told me to go to USP and while I was in high school I was also learning art here,” he said. “She pushed me here because I was following the wrong crowd at Lami, which is where we live.”
For that he has been forever grateful to his mother and it was to her that he dedicated his award. Unlike the other award winners he did not open envelope containing the prize money, but just tucked it under his arm. When asked by Islandlife about how much he won, he replied that he did not know.
“This money is not for me because it belongs to someone else. This is for my mother and she will be the one who will open the envelope because it is hers and that is always what I do with my prizes or when my paintings are sold,” he said smiling.
Jeke also sells his paintings to an overseas gallery, but could not keep track of how many he had sold so far.
“I became a serious artist just last year and had never done a solo exhibition, but rather as a group, because I am someone who does not want to stand out, but rather keeps a low profile,” he said shyly.
However, Jeke wants to develop his art further and his advice to his peers is if they have a talent, they should keep striving to do their best and achieve their goals.
Irami Buli, 24, of Nasauvuki, Moturiki, Lomaiviti, was last year’s winner and came back to defend his title.
But this year was not his year as the first prize was claimed by Jeke.
Irami teaches at the International School in Suva and is also an artist at the Oceania centre.
He started sketching when he was nine years old and travelled for quite a while, taking part in art exhibitions in New Zealand, Australia, India, China and Tahiti.
“I am looking forward to the France tour next year, but I have not stopped challenging government for three years to look into the fate of artists. The finance minister now wants to tackle poverty, but why not take arts because it is so immense and could be a source of employment to school leavers,” he said.
“Even those in the villages can teach art and dance because art has a big role in the country, but it has to be taken in seriously. I keep trying to wake them up but there is still nothing done by government. Overseas, art is a big-time market and this needs exposure to future generations.”
Irami’s painting showed a father holding and speaking to his newborn baby and at the bottom of the painting are his word to the child.
In his drawing titled “A father’s last embrace” he said it was something close to him.
“The walls are crumbling and the father is fading away and through the walls, one could see the stars, which are universal. So when he is embracing and talking to him, he will say positive things to his child before he leaves him,’’ Irami explained.
Chris enters the library and the staff inform Chris that there is a terrible smell somewhere around his office. They know that something has died but they don't know what or where and the staff has been looking everywhere, even outside to see if a rat has died out side a window. Well mystery solved! Big gecko partially decapitated in the tower fan!!!! How do you sent that error message to windows?
Art chaos in my house
I am in serious art prep mode, the next week will be crunch time. Happily Josies mom is coming to visit Tuesday for 5 days. Unfortunately for me it means I lose my helper, supporter, my get off your bum and work slave driver. My big concern is how to mount the bamboo for the show. I know it will all work out trust faith and surrender!
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| art chaos in my house |
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
The Red Wave Collection
Here is the Oceania Art Centres big night and the last of the boys exhibits for this year...
featuring visiting artist Filipe Tohi.
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| red wave exhitbit |
featuring visiting artist Filipe Tohi.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Fiji is nasty if you don't watch out!!!
Infection almost killed Hanks
Last Update: 11/20 8:48 am
Tom Hanks almost died while making desert island drama 'Castaway' after picking up a staph infection in Fiji.
The Oscar winner failed to treat a wound on his leg and it became infected, but it was only two weeks later when swelling refused to go down that Hanks went to see a doctor, and was told he was close to death.
Hanks says, "He said, 'I have to put you in the hospital as soon as possible... because you're about an hour away from having blood poisoning that will kill you."
Copyright World Entertainment News Network
That does not even begin to address the constant fungal infections you have to watch out for, I could go on but I will spare you the horror.
Last Update: 11/20 8:48 am
Tom Hanks almost died while making desert island drama 'Castaway' after picking up a staph infection in Fiji.
The Oscar winner failed to treat a wound on his leg and it became infected, but it was only two weeks later when swelling refused to go down that Hanks went to see a doctor, and was told he was close to death.
Hanks says, "He said, 'I have to put you in the hospital as soon as possible... because you're about an hour away from having blood poisoning that will kill you."
Copyright World Entertainment News Network
That does not even begin to address the constant fungal infections you have to watch out for, I could go on but I will spare you the horror.
The series continues...
I am working on a collection of woman to put in my art show...
They are representing how we are all connected through a tapestry of events and history that make us connected and one. The woman are of a certain ethic origin and their hair is a comprised of a different people's symbols. My art is to make people ponder the idea that we may come from a certain ethic background but our symbols that we use to represent us in our art are universal and belong to the collective whole, that we are one people learning to live together in a home we call earth.
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| female series |
They are representing how we are all connected through a tapestry of events and history that make us connected and one. The woman are of a certain ethic origin and their hair is a comprised of a different people's symbols. My art is to make people ponder the idea that we may come from a certain ethic background but our symbols that we use to represent us in our art are universal and belong to the collective whole, that we are one people learning to live together in a home we call earth.
Monday, November 19, 2007
The Fiji Arts council presents National Arts Exhibition and Awards
Josie and I went to the Fiji Arts Council Awards last night. We went back today to take a closer look at the painting and sculptures and too see if I could take pictures. I was give permission so here they are...
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| fiji arts council art show |
prep for the Red Wave Art exhibit
The guys are getting ready for there art show tomorrow night...
It has been a full art week with the Fiji Arts Council Art Exhibit and the Red Wave Art show at the Oceanic Art Centre. I am very busy with my art getting ready for my art show which is Dec 5 at the Oceanic art Centre. I will hopefully add more pictures after I go to the event tomorrow night.
IPS Publications and Oceania Centre for the Arts Presents an "Evening of Creativity" featuring:
The presentation of Filipe Tohi's gift to the University of four sculptural
renditions in aluminum pipes of the Pacific-wide tradition of sinnet
lashings, or Lalava (Tongan), Magimagi (Fijian);
The opening of RED WAVE XXXV art exhibition - the final show for 2007 of
works by the Red Wave visual artists
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| red wave art show |
It has been a full art week with the Fiji Arts Council Art Exhibit and the Red Wave Art show at the Oceanic Art Centre. I am very busy with my art getting ready for my art show which is Dec 5 at the Oceanic art Centre. I will hopefully add more pictures after I go to the event tomorrow night.
IPS Publications and Oceania Centre for the Arts Presents an "Evening of Creativity" featuring:
The presentation of Filipe Tohi's gift to the University of four sculptural
renditions in aluminum pipes of the Pacific-wide tradition of sinnet
lashings, or Lalava (Tongan), Magimagi (Fijian);
The opening of RED WAVE XXXV art exhibition - the final show for 2007 of
works by the Red Wave visual artists
Friday, November 16, 2007
Tonga in the National Geographic
This months, November 2007 issue of the the National Geographic has an article on Tonga.
Check it out!
http://magma.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/2007-11/tonga/teague-text.html
http://magma.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/2007-11/tonga/toensing-photography.html
Check it out!
http://magma.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/2007-11/tonga/teague-text.html
http://magma.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/2007-11/tonga/toensing-photography.html
Monday, November 12, 2007
Art night with Melanie
Well here is another entry from our weekly art night. We had to move it up a couple of nights because Melanie's husband is going away for a week. Here is the art from last night...
Melanie feels we can move on from our figure drawing and start painting either what we have sketched or work on some other inspiration which is what Josie and I did.
I have not posted any sketches from last week because I was the nude model! which totally grossed out my brother, now that he knows what it is like to do figure drawing it is to close to home for him!
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| art night |
Melanie feels we can move on from our figure drawing and start painting either what we have sketched or work on some other inspiration which is what Josie and I did.
I have not posted any sketches from last week because I was the nude model! which totally grossed out my brother, now that he knows what it is like to do figure drawing it is to close to home for him!
Visiting artist-Filipe Tohi
Tongan born artist Filipe Tohi is visiting Fiji for the next few weeks, Filipe Tohi is a well-known sculptor of wood, stone and steel.His current work explores the patterns and history of Pacific traditional cord lashings, while he is here he will be creating 3 lalava lashing sculptures:
Filipe Tohi now resides in Auckland and is very involved in the art community there, here are some of his works:
http://www.tautaipacific.com/tohi/tohi01.html
http://www.planet-tonga.com/spotlight/filipe_tohi/index.shtml
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| Filipe Tohi |
Filipe Tohi now resides in Auckland and is very involved in the art community there, here are some of his works:
http://www.tautaipacific.com/tohi/tohi01.html
http://www.planet-tonga.com/spotlight/filipe_tohi/index.shtml
Friday, November 09, 2007
This one is for you Erick...
Erick wanted to see the new additions to my Tapa collection, here they are...
My new Tapas are from Samoa courtesy of Chris, Thank you so much I love them!
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| Tapa |
My new Tapas are from Samoa courtesy of Chris, Thank you so much I love them!
God had different plans!!!!
Well I was committed to doing the bamboo! BUT....
I unfortunately (for Ana) I spent the day in the hospital trying to figure out if Ana broke her leg. We got a yes from the xrays so we got the temporary cast and placed her on the couch. Where she was suppose to stay for 48 hours till she could get her permanent cast. She decided she would go home to get medical attention, since it is free for her there. Off she went, and her and Sosefo are now home in Tonga!!!!
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| ana's break |
I unfortunately (for Ana) I spent the day in the hospital trying to figure out if Ana broke her leg. We got a yes from the xrays so we got the temporary cast and placed her on the couch. Where she was suppose to stay for 48 hours till she could get her permanent cast. She decided she would go home to get medical attention, since it is free for her there. Off she went, and her and Sosefo are now home in Tonga!!!!
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
These are my final prints...
This is what I handed into the teacher as my final...
I am pleased with how they turned out, I am looking forward to exploring more printmaking techniques. Now I have to get ready for a art exhibit at the Oceanic Art Center December 5th, which basically means I have to get back to the bamboo project and finish it. Along with a couple of paintings that are almost complete but have been sitting and waiting for me to finish classes. No excuses now, I have to put my nose to the grind stone!!! I think I will have an art day tomorrow, all day, rent some movies lock myself in and do the bamboo!!!
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| prints with chalk |
I am pleased with how they turned out, I am looking forward to exploring more printmaking techniques. Now I have to get ready for a art exhibit at the Oceanic Art Center December 5th, which basically means I have to get back to the bamboo project and finish it. Along with a couple of paintings that are almost complete but have been sitting and waiting for me to finish classes. No excuses now, I have to put my nose to the grind stone!!! I think I will have an art day tomorrow, all day, rent some movies lock myself in and do the bamboo!!!
A gift from Josie
Well one day Stan phoned me and insisted that Josie and I should come to his office because there was a woman there selling great "stuff". Josie and I were super busy with getting our final pieces done for art class but we decided to go. Well I have to stay that this Kleenex box cover is one the things that Stan was talking about, Josie thought it would be great in our kitchen, in a place of honour as she put it. I personally think it looks better on Stan's head!!!! but alas it is in our kitchen in a place of horror oh I am sorry a place of honour!
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| stans gift |
she is done !!!!!
Well I added the final touches and she is done!!!!! I am pleased with the results and looking forward to doing a series of faces with dots or ???? I have two local people I would love to photograph to paint, a Rotuman man and a Solomon woman. Both are totally stunning and more importantly have such beautiful energy and souls.
Friday, November 02, 2007
latest creation
I spent the day on Josie's balcony working on my girl, she is not done but this is what I accomplished today.
I could of finished her but we unfortunatly experienced some interuptions. Rugby players in the field across the street, shirts against skins need I say more!!!!
Monday, October 22, 2007
Sponge bob
I got my first taste of what it is to make a costume last minute. Josie did all the work, all I did was the hot glue. And the winner of the costume parade is.....
STEPHIE as SPONGE BOB!!!!!!! the crowd goes wild.
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| stephie wins! |
STEPHIE as SPONGE BOB!!!!!!! the crowd goes wild.
Slinky melinky
This is the new addition to the global household, Carmen's new brother of a different breed....
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| slinky the new addition to our family of animals |
My occasional guard dogs
Here are Cathlene (a boy), Bouser, and Carmen they are all adorable and incredibly loving for Fijian puppies...
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| my puppies |
figure drawing class
This is our second night of figure drawing. I was off this night, not nearly as successful as last week but Melanie assures me this is normal. I did learn that it is much easier to draw when your paper is on an easel and standing. It was suggested that I move my shoulder to draw with and not just my wrist, the movements become more fluid. Here are the results....
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| figurative drawings |
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Figure drawing class
We organized a figure drawing class, with a teacher from New Zealand. We arranged for one of the Oceanic dancers to come pose for us. As many experiences in Fiji he did not show up and showed no professional courtesy by letting us know he could not make it. So we convinced one of the gardeners to pose for us and we got our teacher to go home and change into tighter clothing so we could continue the class. The gardener was lovely and very patient with us and our teacher was a trooper. Here are some of my sketches, and Melanie our guest teacher supported our process by encouraging us to take one of the sketches and paint it. This is the result:
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| figure drawing |
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Our Crazy Canadian Thanksgiving
Three Canadian families got together at Robins house to have a Fijian version of a Canadian Thanksgiving. Robins husband tracked down "wild chicken legs" which are actually turkey, so we were able to have turkey soup for our dinner. We had a fabulous time and ended the night with dessert crepes.
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| thanksgivi |
png phallocrypt
My friend Ruth was going to PNG and I asked her to bring back a panis sheath, which are also called phallocrypts. I am now a proud owner of a phallocrypt:
Koteka
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The koteka, horim, or penis sheath is a phallocrypt or phallocarp traditionally worn by native male inhabitants of some (mainly highland) ethnic groups in western New Guinea to cover their genitals. They are normally made from a dried out gourd, Lagenaria siceraria, although other species, such as Nepenthes mirabilis, are also used. They are held in place by a small loop of fiber attached to the base of the koteka and placed around the testicles. There is a secondary loop placed around the chest or abdomen and attached to the main body of the koteka. Men choose kotekas similar to ones worn by other men in their cultural group. For example, Yali men favour a long, thin koteka, which helps hold up the multiple rattan hoops worn around their waist. Men from Tiom wear a double gourd, held up with a strip of cloth, and use the space between the two gourds for carrying small items such as money and tobacco.
It is traditional clothing in certain New Guinea highlands societies including in the Grand Baliem Valley of Papua and the Ok Tedi and Telefomin regions of Papua New Guinea. It is worn without other clothing, tied in upward position (see image).
Many tribes can be identified by the way they wear their koteka. Some wear them pointed straight out, straight up, at an angle, or in other directions. The diameter of the koteka can also be a clue. Contrary to popular belief, there is little correlation between the size or length of the koteka and the social status of the wearer. Kotekas of different sizes serve different purposes: very short kotekas are worn when working and longer and more elaborate kotekas are worn on festive occasions. The koteka is made of a specially grown gourd. Stone weights are tied to the bottom of the gourd to stretch it out as it grows. Curves can be made in it by the use of string to restrain its growth in whatever direction the grower wishes. They can be quite elaborately shaped in this manner. When harvested, the gourd is emptied and dried. It is sometimes waxed with beeswax or native resins. It can be painted, and/or have shells, feathers and other decorations attached to it.
It is commonly assumed that there is a sexual display element to wearing the koteka, however, according to the locals, kotekas are worn only to cover themselves. Campaigns by the Indonesian government to suppress the koteka in Papua occurred in the 1970s. The campaigns have been largely unsuccessful in areas such as the Baliem Valley.
In 1971-1972 the government launched "Operasi Koteka" ("Operation Penis Gourd") which consisted primarily of trying to encourage the people to wear shorts and shirts because such clothes were considered more "modern." But the people did not have changes of clothing, did not have soap, and were unfamiliar with the care of such clothes so the unwashed clothing caused skin diseases. There were also reports of men wearing the shorts as hats and the women using the dresses as carrying bags.
Missionaries in the 1950s attempted to alter the local customs by forcing locals to wear shorts. Many of the Dani of the Baliem Valley felt exposed without their kotekas and could be seen wearing shorts with their kotekas sticking out of them. Eventually the missionary effort and the Indonesian government's campaign were abandoned. Nevertheless, western clothing is required in government buildings, and children are required to wear western clothing in school. Kotekas are still considered acceptable attire in church, however.
Phallocrypts are decorative penis sheaths worn in parts of New Guinea during traditional ceremonies. They are usually made out of gourds or woven fibers and decorated with feathers, beads, cowry shells, and small metal ornaments. The most elaborate phallocrypts are sold to tourists as souvenirs and are not usually representative of ones actually used in ceremonies.
A phallocrypt can also be a simple ornament hung from male genitalia as part of a cultural expression, for ceremonial use or pure decoration. Among a number of ancient and modern people throughout the Oceanic world (island cultures), Africa and many parts of the Americas it was (and still is in some places) a common form of ornamentation. Among Aboriginal peoples of Australia they wore an ornate carved pearl shell type called a Lonka Lonka. It is hung from the genitals by a twisted thong made of human hair. They are often ornately engraved with mainly geometric patterns and the grooves were colored with reddish ochre. Some South American cultures actually hung heavy, carved jade and other hardstone ornaments from piercings through the skin of their penis and scrotum. These were usually of a temporary ritualistic nature.
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| png phallocryp |
Koteka
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The koteka, horim, or penis sheath is a phallocrypt or phallocarp traditionally worn by native male inhabitants of some (mainly highland) ethnic groups in western New Guinea to cover their genitals. They are normally made from a dried out gourd, Lagenaria siceraria, although other species, such as Nepenthes mirabilis, are also used. They are held in place by a small loop of fiber attached to the base of the koteka and placed around the testicles. There is a secondary loop placed around the chest or abdomen and attached to the main body of the koteka. Men choose kotekas similar to ones worn by other men in their cultural group. For example, Yali men favour a long, thin koteka, which helps hold up the multiple rattan hoops worn around their waist. Men from Tiom wear a double gourd, held up with a strip of cloth, and use the space between the two gourds for carrying small items such as money and tobacco.
It is traditional clothing in certain New Guinea highlands societies including in the Grand Baliem Valley of Papua and the Ok Tedi and Telefomin regions of Papua New Guinea. It is worn without other clothing, tied in upward position (see image).
Many tribes can be identified by the way they wear their koteka. Some wear them pointed straight out, straight up, at an angle, or in other directions. The diameter of the koteka can also be a clue. Contrary to popular belief, there is little correlation between the size or length of the koteka and the social status of the wearer. Kotekas of different sizes serve different purposes: very short kotekas are worn when working and longer and more elaborate kotekas are worn on festive occasions. The koteka is made of a specially grown gourd. Stone weights are tied to the bottom of the gourd to stretch it out as it grows. Curves can be made in it by the use of string to restrain its growth in whatever direction the grower wishes. They can be quite elaborately shaped in this manner. When harvested, the gourd is emptied and dried. It is sometimes waxed with beeswax or native resins. It can be painted, and/or have shells, feathers and other decorations attached to it.
It is commonly assumed that there is a sexual display element to wearing the koteka, however, according to the locals, kotekas are worn only to cover themselves. Campaigns by the Indonesian government to suppress the koteka in Papua occurred in the 1970s. The campaigns have been largely unsuccessful in areas such as the Baliem Valley.
In 1971-1972 the government launched "Operasi Koteka" ("Operation Penis Gourd") which consisted primarily of trying to encourage the people to wear shorts and shirts because such clothes were considered more "modern." But the people did not have changes of clothing, did not have soap, and were unfamiliar with the care of such clothes so the unwashed clothing caused skin diseases. There were also reports of men wearing the shorts as hats and the women using the dresses as carrying bags.
Missionaries in the 1950s attempted to alter the local customs by forcing locals to wear shorts. Many of the Dani of the Baliem Valley felt exposed without their kotekas and could be seen wearing shorts with their kotekas sticking out of them. Eventually the missionary effort and the Indonesian government's campaign were abandoned. Nevertheless, western clothing is required in government buildings, and children are required to wear western clothing in school. Kotekas are still considered acceptable attire in church, however.
Phallocrypts are decorative penis sheaths worn in parts of New Guinea during traditional ceremonies. They are usually made out of gourds or woven fibers and decorated with feathers, beads, cowry shells, and small metal ornaments. The most elaborate phallocrypts are sold to tourists as souvenirs and are not usually representative of ones actually used in ceremonies.
A phallocrypt can also be a simple ornament hung from male genitalia as part of a cultural expression, for ceremonial use or pure decoration. Among a number of ancient and modern people throughout the Oceanic world (island cultures), Africa and many parts of the Americas it was (and still is in some places) a common form of ornamentation. Among Aboriginal peoples of Australia they wore an ornate carved pearl shell type called a Lonka Lonka. It is hung from the genitals by a twisted thong made of human hair. They are often ornately engraved with mainly geometric patterns and the grooves were colored with reddish ochre. Some South American cultures actually hung heavy, carved jade and other hardstone ornaments from piercings through the skin of their penis and scrotum. These were usually of a temporary ritualistic nature.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Barty
This little angle was dropped in our laps one Sunday morning. Born that day she was left in the gutter. We figure her mom was moving her litter and got scared and dropped this little gipper and never came back. Well we phone the spca and they told us to come down with the baby. We did and were told no one was available to take of her and we would have too till Monday. We would have to feed her every 30 minutes and stroke her genitals to make her pee and pooh!!!! Well we put on our big girl panties and hunkered in feeding and peeing Barty every 30 minutes.
Josie and I did it all day and evening and at about 11pm Stan and Chris took over, since they would be up till 4am watching world cup rugby they could take care of Barty during the night. I got up at 6am and started taking care of her with Josie till the spca opened at 10:30am.
I would love to say that this story has a happy ending but it does not. She was too small and the vet felt from his experience that puppies this young never make it past 2 weeks, so we had her put down.
We are very grateful for the time we had with her, and trust that she felt very loved, safe and cared for which is a very foreign concept in Fiji.
In tradition of our street our little girl puppy was given a boys name (the boy dogs have girl names, why I have no idea)
With great honour I share with you:
BARTY
Josie and I did it all day and evening and at about 11pm Stan and Chris took over, since they would be up till 4am watching world cup rugby they could take care of Barty during the night. I got up at 6am and started taking care of her with Josie till the spca opened at 10:30am.
I would love to say that this story has a happy ending but it does not. She was too small and the vet felt from his experience that puppies this young never make it past 2 weeks, so we had her put down.
We are very grateful for the time we had with her, and trust that she felt very loved, safe and cared for which is a very foreign concept in Fiji.
In tradition of our street our little girl puppy was given a boys name (the boy dogs have girl names, why I have no idea)
With great honour I share with you:
BARTY
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| barty |
Nananu-i-ra
A group of us (15) decided to take off for the weekend and head to Nananu-I-Ra which is a small island at the very tip of the eastern side of the Viti Levu. Basically you go to Rakiraki and catch a boat to Nananu-I-Ra. We had a great time, I enjoyed reading, painting and hanging out with friends. Most importantly spending some quality time with Stan.
He did give me several scares that weekend. He tipped his kayak and could not get back into shore. He tried to swim himself and the kayak back to the shoreline but the current was way to strong. So he finally let go of the boat and swam to a reef and called for help for 30 minutes. Eventually someone saw him and contacted the resort that one of their guests was in trouble. He happily got rescued, by that time the boat had been swept by the current to the end of the island. The lesson of the story...He won't kayak by himself or if he does he will have a whistle with him!!!
The next day he decided to go for a run and he was gone forever and I was getting concern that he passed out from the heat. He had no water with him and it was very hot. He decided to go off the track and work his way down the slope to follow the shore line it was much more treacherous than he realized. Just as I was going to send out someone to find him he was coming back. I am relieved he is ok but at the same time I want to kill him for scaring me again!!!
Here are some pictures of our adventures....
He did give me several scares that weekend. He tipped his kayak and could not get back into shore. He tried to swim himself and the kayak back to the shoreline but the current was way to strong. So he finally let go of the boat and swam to a reef and called for help for 30 minutes. Eventually someone saw him and contacted the resort that one of their guests was in trouble. He happily got rescued, by that time the boat had been swept by the current to the end of the island. The lesson of the story...He won't kayak by himself or if he does he will have a whistle with him!!!
The next day he decided to go for a run and he was gone forever and I was getting concern that he passed out from the heat. He had no water with him and it was very hot. He decided to go off the track and work his way down the slope to follow the shore line it was much more treacherous than he realized. Just as I was going to send out someone to find him he was coming back. I am relieved he is ok but at the same time I want to kill him for scaring me again!!!
Here are some pictures of our adventures....
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| nananu-i-r |
Open day at USP
Every year USP has open day for high school students and potential students to explore the campus and see what programs are offered. The best part of open day is the show of dancing! Various countries will do their traditional dance, here are just a few pictures of just a few of the countries. The theater arts program also put on plays throughout the day!
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| open day fiji |
HomeStay gallery opening
Josie and I have our dolls and pillows for sale at homestay gallery. This is the galleries grand opening night...
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| home stay gallery opening |
Weekend away
After a week of having to listen to a Methodist Minister yell from 4 till 9 or 10 at night Josie and I had to escape the city on Sunday when we knew it would be an all day affair. I would like to mention that this gathering happened blocks from our houses but it was like he was in our room with a microphone.
On top of this when the methodists did there fund raising there custom is to have turtles. endangered turtles!!!! As a very hard compromise they were allowed 12 turtles to be caught to eat, much to WWF dismay, they felt it was too much. Well guess how many turtles the methodists caught.....84 thats right 84 endangered turtles!!!
Anyways here are a few pictures of the Warrick, our haven from the shouting.
On top of this when the methodists did there fund raising there custom is to have turtles. endangered turtles!!!! As a very hard compromise they were allowed 12 turtles to be caught to eat, much to WWF dismay, they felt it was too much. Well guess how many turtles the methodists caught.....84 thats right 84 endangered turtles!!!
Anyways here are a few pictures of the Warrick, our haven from the shouting.
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| warwic weekend |
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