From Concept to Creation

East Side Property - 12-12-12

East side property 12-12-2015 (3 year anniversary)

As we near the end of our third year of life in Puna on the Big Island, we look back somewhat amazed at what we have accomplished.

When we moved in there were no beds for garden areas.  There were either "bald spots" of nothing or areas where the forest/jungle had encroached 12-15 feet into the yard on all sides around the house which sits on the back 1/2 of the acre.  The front 1/2 was completely filled from property line to driveway with thick invasive species of trees, shrubs and vines.

As only two artists who have spent nearly 30 years together can tell you, there has been a lovely merging of ideas over the years, and we now share collaboratively on many of our creations.  That includes making the best of what "IS" when circumstances develop over which you have no control. This was the case when the University of Hawaii reached some conclusions about the fact that hundreds of beautiful hardwood Ohia trees were dying...including about two dozen (so far) on our small plot.


Months ago, we had tree specialists come out to cut down about 18 dead trees, and like many of our neighbors, we are finding ways to use them as edges for new beds.  Phil had the brilliant idea to cut some of them off at the 10-12' level so that he could use them creatively rather than just chop them down at ground level. One of his first sketches is attached.  Although he began to work on them in August, our summer reached all-time record-breaking temperatures -- months went by that were just took hot to work.

Front 1/2 of property - sketch

Now that cooler weather is back, it's nice to see him out again with chainsaw and chisels working again. Here's a photo of him taken just this week.


Similarly, after scraping the sides of the front 1/2 acre back I am excited to be getting inspiration from the land itself -- it's shape.  The shape of what "IS."  We have a straight driveway -- and "is" I've admittedly wished was just a little different. So, when an idea came to me at 3am (the best time for ideas) I made a sketch right away -- as it "appeared."   The land was undulating, flowing in a sinewy, but almost-flying movement.  Now I am slowing allowing the work to proceed -- from concept to creation.   Energy to Matter: that suits!

We are both amazed and amused at how much we are enjoying the creative juices flowing from this dynamic landscape in and through us.  What will 2016 bring??