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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!
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