Elements III

Well, how could I NOT post this photo!  Phil just finished the frame for it using scrap 2x4 board from our lanai projects.  And who'da thunk it would have turned out so beautiful.  I just had to post it.  L

“ELEMENTS III”

By Lunel Haysmer

You cannot live on this island and not be aware of the elements that surround you:  Fire, water, wind, and land. Some are intimate and nurturing; some are violent and destructive.  Having just come through a hurricane and now watching lava flowing a few miles from our home, that awareness has pushed through the emotions and fear to produce art! 

This series called ELEMENTS expresses how I feel inside as I respond to these forces over which I have no control.  Some friends think we are crazy to have even moved here, but I know this is where I want to live and die – here on the edge of life in all its inspiring vitality.

The colorful images used in this art are ones I have been developing for the last year.  They are digitally modified original fractals I have manipulated.  They are overlaid with hundreds of pieces of broken automobile glass that have been tediously arranged and grouted in place.  The details of the process are my trade secret at this time while I continue to play with these “ingredients.”

Smoke In the Air

USGS webcam looking east (our subdivision is far left)

Since all the windows are open in the house, it is pretty easy to notice the smoke in the air.  Yesterday as we left Pahoa and drove into Hilo (to drop off Lunel's art at Hawaii Museum of Contemporary Art for the "Trash Show") there was a plume of smoke visible rising from the new flow area.  Today, the trade winds are minimal and the sun coming up through the trees is casting long feathery rays of light in a eerie elongated fan shapes across the yard.  The photo above was posted this morning by USGS and is a remote view of the lava as it inches its way through the forest.  (** See Update at bottom.)  It is not always visible when it submerges down into cracks and fissures.  Don't let that "tiny" spot of orange fool you.  There's over 16 acres of "visible" lava, and the rest is moving slowing either on the surface or down fissures as this next photo illustrates.

Aerial shot from opposite direction.

Yesterday morning, it was clear and crisp, however, and we found this delightful couple of lovey dove sitting on the rusted wheelbarrow out in the back orchard area.  In the foreground you can see pineapple and behind you can see the edge of the avocado tree.  Behind is typical forest/jungle.

For a while, Phil was tossing out a handful of seed in the morning, but within a few weeks, we were inundated with about three dozen doves who were crowding out many of the other frequent visitors, so we decided to stop the feeding.  The dove population is now back down to less than a dozen.

Sadly, during the hurricane crises, we missed harvesting a few pineapples that got overripe on their stems.  We did, however, save the tops and have them rooting in pots for replanting.  You can see some of the pineapple plants in the foreground with avocado and woods behind.

What an interesting juxtaposition -- the real threat of "what could happen" mixed with today's coffee, dismal world events, and making brownies for tomorrow's Labor Day Party with friends.

(P.S.  By the time I finish this entry and push "Publish Blog" -- the smoke has dissipated some, the dogs are stirring; I leave the unknown and unknowable behind; shall we have pancakes?) 

** Email report in from our terrific Civil Defense Warrior, Darryl, about the ground-level smoke)
"I just got back in from this morning’s over flight. There was s prominent inversion this morning holding the smoke conditions down near the surface and not allowing it to dissipate. The conditions should as was starting to improve with the heating up of the morning sun and the pickup of winds.  As for the flow, it is a very slow moving surface flow and is fairly narrow in width. The burning of vegetation remains limited to only what is being touched by the flow and there is no brush fire or wildland fire threat. The leading edge of the flow is approx. 1.3 miles from the Wao Kele Puna Forest Reserve and no immediate or imminent threat."

Purple Haze Haysmers

violet paint is in preparation for tile on the floor

Between hurricanes and lava flows, life pretty much MUST return to some normalcy -- mostly because we can't take the adrenalin toxicity!! So, Phil is working on the hand made REDWOOD screen door that will be installed on our new lanai soon.  The work is being closely monitored by the corgis who have access through the door via their OWN doggie door.

While Phil was sanding the door, I went around the yard collecting flowers for the table ---BUT I didn't plan the colors and didn't notice the violet and purple theme until after I actually loaded the pictures for the blog.  Notice the HUGE hibiscus flower that measures over 8" across. It's one of those rather gaudy hybrids, but we much prefer our natives and plan to include more of those in our garden plans.

"Elements III"

Guess I can include the art here -- it certainly fits in the color palette.  This is one of my "crash glass" art pieces which were popular in Humboldt County before we moved.  I have made three since we moved -- all are inspired by the ELEMENTS that surround us here on this land -- the wind, water, and lava.  There is a great sense of being nurtured here, warm and womb like, but life on the "edge" can also be dangerous.  So much like life.  This piece is being auctioned at a fundraiser and party on Labor day with the proceeds going to help cover surgery for a friend. 

Stay tuned to our BLOG for more Lava Flow Updates.  Since there's a lot we don't know and can't know yet we are choosing to LIVE ALOHA, BREATHE, PICK BOK CHOY and have fun.
 

Lava Flow Heading Our Way!

Bird's Eye View in relation to our Subdivision

Last night we attended a packed-to-overflowing community meeting in Pahoa where Civil Defense Administrator, Hawaii Volcano Scientist and the Mayor lead a discussion about the current new surge of lava from Pu'u O'o vent.  If you look at the map it appears to be heading directly toward us.  Right now it is only two miles from Kaohe Homesteads subdivision, and traveling at the rate of 100-300 feet per day.  Our subdivision (Leilani Estates) is only about another 2-3 miles due east from Kaohe Homesteads

Lava flowing through a crack/fissure.

For anyone unfamiliar with this, Kilauea is one of our five volcanoes on the Big Island.  Lava has not come directly out of Kilauea in Volcano National Park for a long time.  However, lava from Kilauea flowed underground up and out through the Pu'u O'o vent in the early 1980's and flowed south (see grey area above) for over 30 years.  That flow stopped a few months ago, and began to flow in a new direction -- north and east.


Unfortunately, it is not like a river flooding – where you have some idea of what it will do or where it will go.  This new geological island is riddled with fissures, cracks, tubes and subterranean puzzles, so most predictions do not allay fears simply because of the unpredictable nature of this kind of flow.  We just ordered a detailed topo map which may offer more information.  We hear and see the helicopters flying over a couple times each day to take up to date photos.

Red shows lava, lava lake; Black shows our subdivision

If elevation were the only consideration, it would allow us some measure of peace, since it would have to technically climb uphill to reach us. You can see our subdivision is highlighted so you get a feeling for the elevation. Officials state there is "no imminent threat" -- but we are considering our own safety and some measures of response...just in case.    http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/maps/
 

There is no imminent threat, but it could develop into a threat fairly quickly,” he said.
Scientists have been monitoring very closely the June 27 flow — named for the date when it first emerged — as it moves to the northeast of its vent on the flank of Pu‘u O‘o on Kilauea Volcano’s East Rift Zone.
The flow has been active on two fronts, one to the north, and a more worrisome one to the south. As of 1 p.m., that flow had continued moving eastward within a large crack, leading it to within about 2 miles of Kaohe Homesteads.
- See more at: http://hawaiitribune-herald.com/news/local-news/lava-flow-within-2-miles-subdivision-officials-say-no-imminent-threat#sthash.TI5k3VUR.dpuf

Hawaii County Civil Defense Administrator Darryl Oliveira, as he spoke - See more at: http://hawaiitribune-herald.com/news/local-news/lava-flow-within-2-miles-subdivision-officials-say-no-imminent-threat#sthash.TI5k3VUR.dpuf

Bitter-Sweet

There are many many varieties of passion fruit which is called Lilikoi here in Hawaii.  Until our vine was fruiting, we were buying them by the bag, or getting them free from neighbors with prolific crops.  The bowl is filled with several local kinds.  Each fruit typically produces about a tablespoon of juice; compared to an orange, that may not sound like much, but it is extremely potent flavorful juice -- think lemon juice -- but very flowery.  Our vine is producing the LARGE purple colored on the cutting board, and the ones we just harvested and cut open had nearly 1/4 CUP of delicious juice; we save it, freeze it, and can pop it into fruit drinks or tea.  More ambitious cooks use it in a variety of desserts like cheese cake, pies, turnovers, etc.

Our house is the WHITE dot and shows our relation to possible flows.

In other bitter-sweet news, we are headed to a town hall meeting this coming Monday to hear the latest reports about Kilauea continued volcanic flow through the Pu'u O'o crater.  Earlier this year, the flow from Pu'u O'o changed directions.  For nearly 30 years it has been flowing to the south and out to the ocean -- making for spectacular views from air land and sea.  However, a few months ago, it changed directions and began to flow north.  Since this island is relatively new (in geologic terms), there are many underground vents and lava tubes so the flows are not always visible from the air.  In January the above map was constructed to illustrate where the flow might go -- based on the topography of the island.  "We don't know" is the bitter-sweet reality.  As with any natural disaster, all you can do is be prepared for the worst, but on the heels of hurricane Iselle, we'd prefer a little SWEET with our bitters!

Lunels New Art

Does Enlightenment Have to Hurt

Music of the Spheres

Those of you who have known my assemblage art and process will understand the absolute DELIGHT in having my art table covered with stuff!

The 25th Annual Hilo "Junk Show" call to artists went out and I figured it was just about high time for me to dug out my remaining collections of found object and see what I could come up with.  Some of you know I have been obsessed with a series of fractals I have been dreaming of andcreating for months, so I decided to use three "rejects" for the back ground as there was nothing I could use them for as art pieces.

Mind Your P's & Q's

It was an emotionally interesting experience because as soon as I began to "assemble" I found myself excited about creating.  However, I was sad too, because there were so many boxes of materials I left behind; I found myself clearing identifying the "perfect thing for just this spot...." only to reach for it and remember -- oh, it isn't there anymore.  So, I pushed through and past that part and allowed the wave of positive creativity to just flow and for a week or so, I was captured by these three pieces.

What you may not be able to see clearly in "Enlightenment..." are the tiny light bulbs, and the central golden crystal.  What you will see clearly are the old razors, bullets and such.

In "Music of the Spheres" I finally got to use the xylophone keys to a kid's music toy -- and I have been waiting at least SIX years to find the right place for them.

In "Mind your P's & Q's" I got to use parts from old typewriters I actually used many, many years ago.  I learned to type on an old Royal, and in my late teens, was typing on a Selectric typewrite which was the latest and greatest "new thing" -- that was 1966???

Phil I have have met the charming man who introduced the "Trash Show" here 25 years ago, Ira Ono.  He has a delightful gallery and eatery up in Volcano where we have visited many times.  (I must admit, however, that I really prefer Humboldt County's show name better -- "Junque Arte" -- oh well.)

The exhibit will be in September at the East Hawaii Cultural Council building which houses the Hawaii Museum of Contemporary Art

Room With A View!

What an exquisite birthday gift!  Yesterday, our dear contractors installed windows and screens in our new lanai.  August is one of the hottest months here in Puna on the Big Island, but with the additional screens on the north side where most of the trade winds blow, we will have great circulation.  (There is a charming pair of french doors that open out from our dining room onto this lovely room - not pictured.)

The round window is five feet in diameter and is framed by cedar -- the same wood as our five foot diameter cedar hot tub which is on its way to us right now.



The pair of windows (shown above) are two of three screened windows that, again, face north.  I managed to catch the late afternoon sun for these photos, so that light brings out the colors perfectly.

This last window is very special to Phil, particularly.  Many years ago, his mother Margaret (who died in May) gave this window to him.  We had it installed in our Eureka Victorian home and enjoyed its lovely light in our dining room for 20 years.  It came from the original family home (built by Phil's grandpa) where his mother was born -- a place where young Phil spent afternoons on his grandparents' big bed.  He remembers the sun coming in through the window making rainbows on the bed.  It is such old leaded glass, Phil took it all apart to clean, and install plexi-glass on both sides and a wooden frame.

Today work began on a handmade Humboldt County  redwood screen door that will feature pieces of curly redwood we collected while we were in Eureka.  (The dogs will have their OWN door installed as well.)

Iselle Clean Up

During and after the storm people have been posting images that reflect both the fierce power of the hurricane itself, the extensive damage to many communities, homes and perhaps most moving, the aloha spirit you could see as neighbors climbed mounds of debris to be sure neighbors were safe.  Rescue operations, and maintenance crews, National Guard, volunteers, CERT, Red Cross, United Way county workers, electric staff, state and county employees and TONS of neighborhood volunteers have made the best of a bad situation.  (There are over 40 different agencies coordinating efforts to provide food, water, medical assistance, etc.)  Power on our street came on yesterday (for Lunel's birthday), but other streets in our subdivision do not have power, and there are subdivisions that are more heavily impacted that we were, by far.  Some of the progress has been slow because there were not enough power poles, wire and transformers.  These had to come both from other islands and some from the mainland.  When you observe these photos -- send prayers for families.

Phil's New ART!

The Hokule’a – Star of Joy

By Philip Jon Haysmer 2014

This art commemorates the world voyage of the Hokule’a that began May 30, 2014.  The Hokule’a is a double hulled, ocean going, deep water canoe patterned after the ancient Polynesian voyaging canoes.  These amazing vessels called “wa’a” use the stars, wind and wave direction to navigate.  The Koa’e Kea is the Tropic Seabird that is usually the first bird the crew sees when land is near (but still not visible over the horizon.) This graceful bird is the symbol for the Polynesian Voyaging Society and nests in the cliffs of Kilauea volcano on the Big Island.  The two paddlers at the bottom are from Hawaiian petroglyphs and are offering a salute to departing Hokule’a.  During the1970’s, when it was first built, the Hokule’a played a key role in the Hawaiian cultural resurgence known as “The Hawaiian Renaissance.

$800

Iselle Hit PUNA Hard

It took a few hours/days for everyone to realize how destructive and widespread the damage was.  We include some photos and excerpts from a news story here.  

Hawaii News Now
By Mileka Lincoln


A Hilo Army National Guard crew took Hawai'i County officials on a damage assessment flight Saturday afternoon and the destruction in lower Puna is extensive.  "It's a lot worse than we expected," said John Medeiros, the Deputy Director of Environmental Management. "Our priority is to open those arteries so we can get down to those areas where people are trapped," Medeiros said, referring to the dozens of toppled albezia trees that are blocking roadways.

The area is surrounded with the invasive tree, which Medeiros says grows tall rapidly and is very brittle. "It's just like toothpicks breaking when it dries out. That's a devastating tree we have all over this area, that's why we had such a problem." 

(We know several people who live near us who had trees land on their houses.)


Officials say Nanawale and Leilani Estate  (this is OUR subdivision)  neighborhoods, along with coastal community Kapoho, appear to be the hardest hit and are their top priorities.

"It's pretty devastating the amount of trees on the ground and the community the roads are really blocked. Across the islands, it's not devastated but I tell you there are some communities here that are devastated and that's what we need to consider," said Major General Darryll Wong of the Hawai'i National Guard, who was onboard the Black Hawk flight.

"The National Guard are the sons and daughters here in Hawaii and these guys are leaning forward and they want to help. We are supporting the County and Mayor Kenoi in every which way they can. Whatever the Mayor of this County needs, the entire assets of the Hawai'i National Guard and the United States as well is ready to support. We're totally committed to get them help and back on their feet as soon as we can," Maj. General Wong said.

We are OK, but are still without electricity.  Our 12v battery/solar connection is running our water, and the generator is keeping our refrigerator, freezer and computer operational. 

PRAYERS AND ALOHA GO OUT TO ALL!