Friday, March 19, 2010

Calypso Moon Challenge


9X12
Oil on canvas board


Thanks to Sheila, one of my followers, I was introduced to Alice Thompson of Calypso Moon Artist Movement. Alice puts challenges to her followers and this month she asked those entering the challenge to paint two pieces from a collection the artist has that reflects his/her personality. The piece I decided to enter into the challenge is part (I say part because there are two little cups that belong to the set) of a Japanese sake set that was a gift to my grandmother from my grandfather early in their marriage. Each one of us, my three sisters and myself, wanted this set badly. One day, as a grown woman I and my sisters (who were all older) were visiting my mom when she took me aside and handed me a plain, brown bag. To my surprise the sake set was carefully packed inside. I am very much into the fact that one’s past and the people in it are so essential to who you are, so needless to say I was extremely moved by the gift. My grandmother was so important to me and she continues to influence me in many ways. My sisters did not find out for a while that it had come into my possession. It is something I treasure with all my heart. I don’t have a daughter to pass it on to, but I do have a little, precious granddaughter.

I did this piece in a hurry for the challenge so it is not as well done as I would’ve liked. I did; however, do this same set with its cups a while back for one of my sisters. I will post that here.


Sake and Protea
16X12
Oil on stretched canvas


Mahalo Nui Loa Mama and Tutu.



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30 comments:

  1. What a lovely story Lokelani. I hope your sisters weren't too disappointed that you were the one to get the set. The painting you did for your sister is beautiful - lovely arrangement and I love the real flowers complementing the painted ones.

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  2. Thank you so much Deborah. Yes, they were disappointed, especially the one who is my favorite. So when I got back into painting I decided to give it to her in a painting. She was pleased with it.

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  3. What a wonderful story Lokelani! I am so glad you decided to join the challenge. This is an awesome piece. Your grandmother is smiling at the heavens that you have been able to share this set with so many others!

    Love the original painting also. Beautiful touches the protea and kukui nuts!

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  4. Sheila, glad I decided to participate and appreciate your sweet comment on my "Tutu." I was reminded of the Sake set when I read the challenge rules. I will probably do another painting of the set for myself...good still life practice.

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  5. Aunty Lokelani, Your Aloha Spirit has followed you all the way to Tennessee. I can't see that you painted this in a "hurry", looks mighty fine to me- and I went over every inch.
    Mahalo Nui Loa for the moving story and thoughtful submission. I look forward to seeing more art from you.

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  6. Calypso Moon...who are you? You address me as "aunty" and know where I live. You appear to be of Hawaii. Tell me about you.

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  7. Loke, lovely and timely. I love what you do with flowers!

    Last Wednesday night I was able to bestow upon Noelle the aquamarine solitaire that my Dad gave my Mom for her 40th in March of 1963. Mom gave it to me before she passed to entrust Noelle with when she was old enough to appreciate it. I think 15th birthday was appropriate. Her b-day is only two days after Mom's. As with your sake set, it's a small but meaningful item that is actually the thread holding generations together. Miss Ellie will pass the sake set to her progeny, as will Noelle with the ring, to hers. And the cycle of life continues.

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  8. Tia...so glad that you are now able to connect directly to the blog. I like what you say..."it's a small but meaningful item that is actually the thread holding generations together"...beautifully put.

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  9. Lokelani, I am Calypso Moon and Alice Thompson.
    I use both names. My father was in the army and stationed in Oahu when I was little girl and I later returned to Hawaii as an adult stationed in Pearl Harbor. After about 5 years I left and went to do some traveling and moved to the Big Island in 2004. I called you Aunty out of respect. I knew you were in Tennessee because it's posted in your blog. I noticed you have Herb Kane listed in sidelines. He is also one of my favorite artist. I am fortunate enough to have one of his originals -non hawaii subject matter. Are you aware of Hawaii artist Leo Hone? She is magnificent painter you might want to research.

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  10. Lokelani, both these paintings are wonderful!
    Your story about them is beautiful!
    I've been to Maui many times, so I feel a connection, or at least would like too!
    Your paintings here are the fruits of people coming together in inspiration.
    You've done wonderful paintings that now we all can share! I enjoy this post very much!

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  11. Alice...thank you so much for the show of respect. Your story is very interesting, so much time spent in Hawaii - no wonder I thought you were one of my nieces. Herb Kane is amazing. Thank you for the introduction to Leo Hone - she truly is a magnificent painter. She paints realism and Hawaii - both which I love doing.

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  12. Thank you Bill. I'm glad you enjoyed the paintings and story. Maui is where I was born and raised - many fine as well as sad memories for me. I truly miss "home" and try to get back as often as possible. Thank you so much again...I can feel your connection to the islands.

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  13. An elegant painting, Lokelani ! Enjoyed your story..ahhh, precious memories. Also like your painting of the set.

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  14. Thank you so much Dean. Yes, memories are very precious.

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  15. There is something so obviously loving about your beautiful rendering of the sake set. Your story is lovely too. I never knew such beautiful antique sake sets existed, and I'm a big fan of sake and antiques.

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  16. Thank you so much Barbara. I forgot to also mention that the little green birds whistle when the sake is poured. I don't know how old this set is, but I've had it in my possession almost 40 years.

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  17. These pictures just glow on this monitor, Lokelani. Isn't that interesting!

    Thank you for your comments. I love how our thoughts on beauty expand over time.

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  18. This is good story and beautiful paintings!

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  19. Thanks for your comments on my challenge picture. I really like the way the sake set just jumps forward with the black background. It's a great story, too.

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  20. How nice! I like to hear about the stories behind your artwork. It makes it come alive.

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  21. Thank you Aho...all part of your heritage. Love you.

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  22. Your painting is lovely Lokelani as is this sake set. We should paint things that are precious to us. Loved you story too.

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  23. Barbara, thank you so much for looking and commenting. I agree...paint the things you love.

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  24. Lokelani, I've been here looking at these wonderful paintings, reading your interesting story and marveling at the way this lovely little sake set is touching so many and making new friends for you along the way! Yes, your grandmother is smiling! Your appreciation for this set and all its history come through with your brushstrokes! Thanks so much for sharing!

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  25. Rosemary...thank you so much for your most encouraging comments. I am so touched by what you had to say. Thank you so very much again.

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  26. Lokelani these are beautiful paintings! What a nice way of acknowledging a treasured gift from a dear one!
    Hugs,
    Sadia

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  27. Really like this painting, love the composition as well! What a neat idea to challenge the audience with a painting like this, great idea!

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  28. Nice story Lokelani, a great job on the whites!

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  29. Thank you so much Sam. Really enjoyed this challenge.

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