lots of art

I will post some photos soon, promise. I am flat out doing assignments, developing both techniques and my concepts for this semesters body of work (um, that just means art work). I also have been mingling with my Pacific Island family and bringing more culture into my work as a Pacific artist.
I am looking forward to a break in two weeks time, and spending some time with my boys. The dynamics at school have changed somewhat and I have been approached to be involved in a cultural initiative on campus.
I am also meeting with my dear friend Dagmar this week to start work on a collaborative project involving, of all things, a fashion show. But with a cultural twist. More later.
Things are developing along. As my mum so aptly put, dramas can be so temporal. You know, here today, gone tomorrow. Better to focus on what's important. And that is preserving one's sanity, being peaceful or at least avoiding more conflicting situations, and focusing on my destination. She is a wise old girl. I feel like I gained my mana back in that conversation. So onwards, and upwards.
My flow is so on at the moment with my work. I love it when it is like this, when it flows and flows deeply. I am consumed and enjoying that sense.
I went to visit Aunty Martha and we talked about art, the history of Aitutaki where she's from in the Cook Island. Her house is full of flowers, handcrafted from wire and dyed nylon stockings. Flowers in the islands are very important. They represent beauty, and "make your heart feel good" she said. I am looking forward to incorporating Pacific Island themes more into my work. I am also studying the intricate designs found on Niuean barkcloth, Hiapo. Screenprint, dyeing, embroidery and altered clothing. It's all there.
On Friday I will visit with the local Vaini Tini who meet together to create Tivaevae, a very unique form of sewing similar to applique but with a very Pacific flavour - floral and colourful. This art form comes from the Cook Islands where my mother-in-law Pari hails from. Niue is where my father-in-law is from. So it is my tamariki's heritage too. All this flavour is wonderful.
Thanks for the emails everyone, I haven't dropped off the planet, just head down tails up with mahi (work).

still here ...

I received some photos of my wee nephew via email today. How gorgeous is he? He looks Scottish. Check out those big baby blues and red curly hair. Mind you, my brother Sean is a strapping big white fullah and has blonde hair, blue eyes and is half Maori too. My other bro, Quinton is big and black and gorgeous. So funny. I had red/ blonde hair as a kid and have green eyes and olive skin. Stick us in a crowd and you wouldn't pick us to be family let alone siblings. My great grandfather was of Yugoslavian descent, which is now Croatia. He came from a little village on the coast

Both my bros are happily married in Australia and within months of each other, heralded in their firstborns, both sons. I sometimes wish I could tie a rope to Australia, and pull it a little closer so we wouldn't have to leave our homes and could live in our countries of preference while still being able to pop over for a cuppa and some fried bread.

Artwise I am making clayheads, a body form for fitting my clothes onto and completing my workbooks. Tomorrow I will make my own mannequin from chicken wire which will be fun. The craft hub was abuzz tonights, ladies working on altered clothing, books, jewellery and claywork. My friend Cheryl came along, it's so nice we will see each other often and make things too.

Counting down to a significant date for me later in April. It just might be I will get to meet someone I rave about here all the time, but I will wait until it happens before I spill. Until then, just know the anticipation is palpable and mounting. She is wonderful and American and quite possibly coming to visit me here. I already am thinking of Trash Palace and local op shops, Hongoeka marae, beach combing our windswept beaches for heart stones, a trip to Owen's house (a jeweller, carver and collector extrodanaire), lots of tea and coffees, maybe a few wines and some wonderful bonding. I want to make a gift, but I am not sure what to create as this person is so creative in her own right. Do you have any ideas? Do you think a felted eco-printed wool/silk scarf would be ok? I know I would love to receive one ... If you have any other ideas, let me know. Hahaha, no pressure, yeah right!

By the way, the RSI seems to have disappeared, I just have to remember to stay off the computer for lengthy periods.

Ok, go well friends and family, rest, play, smile, do what you love, and definitely kiss more.

Arohanui koutou

Rachelle