Pacific Fabric
PACIFIC FABRIC
I can never be entirely connected to the islands that have touched my life. I only visited them for a couple of years, but they have truly changed who I am. I created a series of images that pay homage to the layers of mystery and beauty of the islands and people of the Pacific.
Hawai'ians were captivated by the concept of taming the ocean and discovering the mysteries beneath its powerful waves. The ancient Hawai'ian inhabitants looked to surfing as an integral part of life. It was a lifestyle and an art form. A strong sense of mindfulness went into all things related to surfing. To this, I can truly relate.
The Polynesians who made the arduous journey from Tahiti and the Marquesas to Hawai'i were exceptional watermen and women who brought a deep love and knowledge of the ocean with them. The Polynesians certainly influenced Hawai'ians with their customs including romping in the waves on their handmade paipo (belly) boards. Although Tahitians are believed to have sometimes stood up on their boards, the art of standing up while sliding on the waves was surely perfected in Hawai'i.
I will always cherish the memories I have surfing Hiva Oa, Moorea, and the South Shore of Oahu. It was a special time in my life when sailing, surfing, yoga, hiking, photography, and ceramics came together to create a fabric of mindfulness in my day to day living.