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.

new flat

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.

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.

jays art show

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.

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

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!

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.

flowers of fiji

Dana Leung Concert

concert- Dana Leung

A concert in Fiji sponsored by the American Embassy. We had a great time and the music was great!

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!

art chaos in my house

The Red Wave Collection

Here is the Oceania Art Centres big night and the last of the boys exhibits for this year...

red wave exhitbit

featuring visiting artist Filipe Tohi.

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.

The series continues...

I am working on a collection of woman to put in my art show...

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.

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...

fiji arts council art show

prep for the Red Wave Art exhibit

The guys are getting ready for there art show tomorrow night...

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

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

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...

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

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