Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Birds of Paradise

This weekend I’ve been invited to participate in a local arts/crafts/whatever show. The call to participate was a surprise because, although I knew the show was happening, I had not intended on hanging any of my artwork…one reason being that I did not have the equipment (i.e. racks, canopy, etc.) and didn’t really want the hassle of gathering up all the necessary equipment. The promoter of the show visited my online gallery, called me and said she really liked my work and would I consider showing my work at her upcoming event. Told her what my dilemma was and her response was that she would help me with anything that I needed. To make a long story short, I will be hanging my work this weekend. Once I had decided to do this I realized that I did not have any smaller pieces to show so thought I should get busy and hopefully come up with a couple of pieces. Wracked my brain for a subject and came up with “Birds of Paradise.” I did these in such a hurry and it shows, but all considering, I do like them and will show them on Saturday…especially since I have no other smaller pieces. I really enjoyed doing these so may just continue with more birds of paradise, but will certainly take more time and care.

The scarlet I’iwi (ee-EE-vee) or Hawaiian Honeycreeper. Although only 6” long, this bird is one of the most spectacular and beautiful birds found in the Hawaiian Islands. It’s long peach-colored, sickle-shaped beak probes for nectar from tubular-type flowers, feeding primarily on the Ohi’a nectar, but also catching butterflies, moths, and other insects. That squeaky, irritating sound you may hear is their song…a surprise for such a beautiful bird.

Its orange-red feathers, which were used to make the feather capes, helmets and other apparel and symbols of Hawaiian royalty was very much valued and sought after in Hawai’i’s days of old. To get these feathers, the royal bird catcher went into the forests seeking out the trees with blossoms that attracted the I’iwi. A sticky sap was smeared on the branches of the selected trees. Often times the bird catcher would imitate the bird’s song or recite a special chant to lure more birds. Once the I’iwi landed on the sap, he would be pa’a (stuck) and easily captured.
Although the species does live in drier areas on Hawai'i as low as about 1,000', it is most commonly found above 3,200' of elevation, where disease-carrying mosquitoes are not present. I'iwi are still fairly common on most of the islands, it is rare on O'ahu and Moloka'i and no longer found on Lana'i. Most of the decline is blamed on loss of habitat, as native forests are cleared for farming, grazing, and development. Another threat has been the spread of avian malaria.

The Raggiana is a rather large bird, measuring approximately 13” in length. Its habitat is primarily in southern and northeastern New Guinea. It is the national bird of Papua, New Guinea and appears on their national flag. The adult male has trailing orange plumes, green chin, and yellow crown and nape. The female is dull brown. They are very vocal. Flight is undulating and floppy.
Many people consider the Raggiana among the most beautiful and interesting of all birds because of their spectacular plumage and intricate mating dances. Plumage varies from all black to red, orange and iridescent green, to muted shades of brown. They are related to crows, and share such characteristics as strong feet and toes, a strong beak, good flying endurance, and loud voices.
The PNG government allowed the capture and export of three species by Honolulu Zoo in 1987. Since then Honolulu Zoo has successfully propagated all three: Raggiana Bird of Paradise (Count Raggia's Bird of Paradise, or simply the Raggia), Magnificent Bird of Paradise and Superb Bird of Paradise.


Red Crested Cardinal (Paroaria coronata) is a bird species in the tanager family of birds. It is found in northern Argentina, Bolivia, southern Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. It is about 7.5 “ in length and was introduced to Hawai’i in 1930 from South America. The Red-crested Cardinal feeds on the ground for seeds, plant matter, insects, and fruit. Often found in pairs or small family groups. Also known as the Brazilian Cardinal. With its introduction to Hawai’i, it has become one of its more common birds.

Whoops, almost forgot…these paintings are oil on 8x10 canvas board. They are just finished so the paint is still wet. I still need a little bit more tweaking. You can contact me my email if you are interest in purchasing. Hope you enjoyed this posting. My apologies for the poor quality of the photos.


> There are 3 ways you can make a real difference to this blog.
1. Share the link to this site with just one other artist, art collector, or someone who would be interested in myths and legends of Hawai'i.
2. Post your thoughts in the Comments section.
3. Email your ideas and/or suggestions on what you would like to read/see more of to lokeforrest@comcast.net

Friday, September 18, 2009

Kai - A Boy & His Ball (cont.)


Kai - A Boy and His Ball
16x20 oil

Sorry, I just realize it has been about ten days since I posted progress on this piece...long overdue. Unfortunately the photo is not true to color and I am disappointed in it; however, that is usually the case...a photo never does the real thing justice. A lot more yet to do on it, but other than the fact that I think more dark/light contrast is needed and he seems to appear older, I am pleased with it.

I'm not particularly fond of the title so I'm open to suggestions. Usually, I come up with a title at the onset of a piece or when I am in the actual creating/painting, but this time I can't get past my "temporary" title. That could mean that this is what the title should be...???

I live next door to my son and his family so quite often my mo'opuna will drop by for visits. While doing this painting Kai would pop in, look at the painting and make comment when something didn't look quite right or ask "why" I did such and such a particular way. For instance, he looked sad in the painting and I couldn't figure out what was wrong. Kai walks in and says, "Tutu, my mouth is too low." That was exactly what was wrong...the downward curve of his mouth was too downturned. When that adjustment was made, he looked pensive not sad...just as I was trying to achieve. Too many times adults don't listen to what the children have to say and if we took the time to listen, it is amazing what we can learn from them.

Aloha till next time.

> There are 3 ways you can make a real difference to this blog.
1. Share the link to this site with just one other artist, art collector, or someone who would be interested in myths and legends of Hawai'i.
2. Post your thoughts in the Comments section.
3. Email your ideas and/or suggestions on what you would like to read/see more of to lokeforrest@comcast.net

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Pele - Stories of the Fire Goddess


“Reconciliation”
18x24 oil on stretched canvas
$350.00

My rendering of Ho’opa’a (chanters) reconciling to the one God Almighty and the rejection of the goddess Pele
(see her in upper left sky).








Pele, known by Hawaiians to be the mighty and powerful fire goddess who, through myth and legend is, even to this day revered and respected by many native Hawaiians. In Hawaiian folklore she is reported to appear as a tall, beautiful young woman, or sometimes as wrinkled, old woman. I believe a large part of this reverence exhibited was the result of “first-hand” encounters and sightings…or at least perceived sightings of this fabled goddess. There are stories told that before the volcano erupted Pele was seen, sometimes in the company of a little white dog, walking in the area of the volcano. Today hula halau (schools of dance) dance to her honor, not necessarily that they believe she exists, but because it is tradition.

My nephew tells this story of driving with a friend late at night through a desolate area of lava beds on the Kohala coast of the Big Island and coming on a woman walking alone. They stopped to give her a ride and after going a short way, turned to speak to her only to find the rear seat of the car empty. He said his hair at the back of his neck stood on end and he knew he had just had a Pele encounter. My nephew’s recounting of his experience is just one of many such tales. Questionable?? No doubt, but each one telling of their “sightings” swears on their lives that it really happened.

My Tutu Rose believed in Pele - maybe believed is not the right word to use here, but I remember her warnings that we should always revere Pele. She used to tell us that if a woman, whether old or young, appeared at our door for a “handout” – never, ever refuse her request because it would be disrespectful and she would show her displeasure in a not so pleasurable way. As a little girl the Pele stories always intrigued me…I don’t know if I really believed or was just afraid not to believe.

Just had a thought...let me introduce you to this wonderful lady...Tutu Rose. She was always there for us, no matter what the circumstances. I remember her getting up to dance the hula during a family night of "kanikapila" (make music)and this was when she was well into her sixties. I loved my Tutu very much and miss her. She was huge influence on my life.

I mention in one of my earlier blogs how so much of who we are stem back to our childhood events...that goes doubly for the people who came before us...our ohana. They have all molded our character and if we are fortunate enough, we draw all the positive we can from their teachings.

Mahalo Nui Loa Kupuna (Thank you very much grandparent) and aloha till next time.

> There are 3 ways you can make a real difference to this blog.
1. Share the link to this site with just one other artist, art collector, or someone who would be interested in myths and legends of Hawai'i.
2. Post your thoughts in the Comments section.
3. Email your ideas and/or suggestions on what you would like to read/see more of to lokeforrest@comcast.net

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

KAI - A Boy and His Ball

This is slow going because other than the fact that I have not spent everyday painting, I am being meticulous about detail. I have done the underpainting, put the books on the bookshelf and tried to individualize each one. After that dries I will glaze over to blend into the chiaroscuro area behind his head. This is my first attempt at this technique, but I think this painting lends itself beautifully to that technique. For those who aren’t into art…Wikipedia defines chiaroscuro this way…

Chiaroscuro (Italian for light-dark) is a term in art for a contrast between light and dark. The term is usually applied to bold contrasts affecting a whole composition, but is also more technically used by artists and art historians for the use of effects representing contrasts of light, not necessarily strong, to achieve a sense of volume in modeling three-dimensional objects such as the human body.

I don’t know what it is about this picture…is it just the sweet, loving child that he is that makes it so special for me? He looks kind of sad here…I need to correct that because he is not. I think it might be the droop of his lip/mouth…too much. I posted the reference photo on first posting; just click this link if you want to look at it again.

> There are 3 ways you can make a real difference to this blog.
1. Share the link to this site with just one other artist, art collector, or someone who would be interested in myths and legends of Hawai'i.
2. Post your thoughts in the Comments section.
3. Email your ideas and/or suggestions on what you would like to read/see more of to lokeforrest@comcast.net

Friday, September 4, 2009

OMG…Found This Wonderful Photograph

I have come to the conclusion today that I have way too much going on simultaneously. I paint, I write children’s stories (strictly for my mo’opuna), I am writing my memoirs and journal through scrap booking, and I’ve added my blog…all of this so that my progeny will know those who have come before them. I believe that leaving a “trail” for those who follow you is very important. A large part of who you are is not only traced through your blood lines – but also through your upbringing, environment and events throughout your life that negatively or positively shape the person you become. When you get to my age you will come to realize that all that you’ve personally experienced comes rushing back, in some cases, like powerful waves pounding the beaches…sometimes like gentle waves whispering those memories as they wash over island shores.

Anyhow let me get to the fun stuff…this photograph I rediscovered today while scrap booking. The reason I even found this is because my grandniece who looks exactly like her grandmother (Glori in the picture below) wanted to know what her grandmother looked like when she was younger. Unfortunately, not as clear as I would've liked it to be.


All four sisters are pictured here. I’ve laid out names I could remember by their positions. Fortunately, I was able to crop photo to what I've posted below.

Gloriann and Leina'ala



Charlene, me way in the back (white lei on head)


I was a mere child and along with my three sisters, being Hawaiian young ladies, had to learn to do the hula. Our teacher was our Auntie Hilda (I think I mentioned her in an earlier blog)…anyhow she was a strict teacher, from the big city of Honolulu who moved to small town Kihei on the island of Maui after she married one of my uncles. Glori, the eldest, was IMHO beautiful. She had 6-pak abs; long, long legs; and “stacked.” When she was home from school, with her girlfriends from boarding school I was always in awe…but then I was the “baby sister” and anything my older sisters did I soaked up like a sponge. This event is called an Uniki, which is a graduation for hula classes. I remember that we did it in the VERY old Kihei Theater (I'm pretty sure it was the early 50's). Let me describe the theater; the screen was on the stage you see there and the audience sat on old wooden benches and bleachers on dirt floors. If you looked up you could see the stars. I remember being so nervous about performing and looked to my sisters for encouragement. At least this is the way I remember it...memories have a way of looking different through different eyes.

> There are 3 ways you can make a real difference to this blog.
1. Share the link to this site with just one other artist, art collector, or someone who would be interested.
2. Post your thoughts in the Comments section.
3. Email your ideas and/or suggestions on what you would like to read/see more of at lokeforrest@comcast.net