ENDINGS and BEGINNINGS

 

THE END...of 2021

 

That Was Then -- 12/12/12

 

Kilauea Iki at Volcanoes National Park

 

....Weather Permitting....

 

What's Under There? (Three years later....)

One of the projects we enjoyed living in Leilani Estates on the Big Island was finding unique features in lava that had flowed over the land in previous decades (called Pahoehoe - pa-hoyhoy) Odd to be doing that again in our new home in Volcano. Here are a few pictures of the work-in-process.  

A New Island for Hawaii

 

A NEW Island for Hawii –

If you read our recent blog about the recent earthquake activity, you see the epicenter of that activity near the south end of Hawaii Island.  And, it is near where another active and growing underwater volcano is also forming. 

About 19 miles off the southeast coast of Moku o Keawe, and approximately 3,200 feet below sea level, an active underwater volcano is slowly making its way to the surface. Back in 1955, scientists named the volcano “Lōʻihi” (long) based solely on its physical characteristics.

The new name chosen by  a select group is “KAMA ‘EHUA KANALOA.”  Because an undersea volcano is the birth of Pele from the ocean, the undersea volcano is a kama ʻehu a Kanaloa, a reddish child of Kanaloa.

Read more:  For the full Story from KA Wai Ola

Earthquake Hawaii

EARTHQUAKE

This morning Hawaii Island experienced a 6.2 earthquake (and after shocks.)

It was not part of the Kilauea Volcano but was located near South Point about 20 miles deep.

Yes, the house shook and it was a rock-n-roller with several significant after shocks of 5.2 and 4.1.  (Further updates from HVO/USGS indicate the earthquake was triggered by tectonic plates, a relief to those on the Big Island who associate earthquake activity with lava.)  Carry on!

Be prepared; you never know when a disaster of some kind might happen. We have a "grab it first" list and recommend everyone does as well. 

While it did shake us up a bit, we just have to remind ourselves that we can choose our response and we did. After we gathered ourselves and calmed the dogs we decided a walk was in order -- so, with a pair of umbrellas, we headed up Nahelenani for a brief walk. Then, we headed back to the art studio where we're both working on new projects.

Phil just finished this deeply carved bas relief of a Hawaiian Hawk, 'Io (EE oh) and I have just begun working toward a new 42" high garden sculpture of a figure found in France -- in an area where I toured a few years ago.

Mahalo for checking in to see what we are up to! 

STARS OVER HAWAII

 

When we retired and moved from California we were familiar with the constellations like Orion, Cassiopeia and so forth like this image (left)  

Because of our array of telescopes atop Mauna Kea, the island has very low lighting which means we do have excellent star scapes.

However, the star chart for Hawaii is very different. Early Polynesian navigators used four distinct “Star lines” to navigate  cross thousands of ocean miles.                                                                  

The Hawaiian names are, of course, in the Hawaiian language and translated they are: Kite of Kawelo and the Fish hook of Maui which can be seen in the fall and winter sky (shown below.) During winter/spring and spring/summer the star lines seen are named The Bailer and the Backbone. 

At Imiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo on the Big Island, lectures and special events offer educational opportunities to learn about Hawaii’s legacy of exploration.

 Imiloa Astronomy Center Hilo

The star line pictured here is called “The Backbone” -- one that is easier for us to see because it includes several more familiar constellations. It is Seen during the spring and summer months

For more information about star lines:

Hawaii Navigation by the Stars

Inside Kilauea - September 29. 2021

 ooops, date of photo is not 2020, but NOW...

WOW -- Just Look at Phil's Beautiful Wall

 We are so pleased with the lovely new arrangement of Phil's art at Michael Jayme Gallery, Honaka'a!

Just Look At That Face!

 

Lunel's Cute Garden Shed -- Mural Completed!

 

Make Art Not War

 

Hawaii's Independence Day - July 31st

 

Why July 31st is celebrated as HAWAII INDEPENDENCE DAY?

In the 1800’s the Kingdom of Hawaii was recognized internationally as a sovereign monarchy that entered into trade, treaties and friendship with many other countries  including – France, Denmark, Italy, Spain, Russia, Japan, Wales, Portugal and Hong Kong to name a few. 

The history of HAWAII INDEPENDENCE DAY:  In early 1843, Lord George Paulet, representing the British Crown, overstepped his bounds, landed sailors and marines, seized the government buildings in Honolulu and forced King Kamehameha III to cede the Hawaiian kingdom to Great Britain. When Queen Victoria, learned of these activities, she immediately sent an envoy to the islands to restore sovereignty to its rightful rulers. 

Monday, July 31, 1843, after five-months of occupation, the Hawaiian Kingdom was restored and Adm. Thomas ordered the Union Jack removed and replaced with the Hawaiian kingdom flag. It was on the occasion that Kamehameha III was reported to say, "Ua Mau Ke Ea o Ka ʻĀina I Ka Pono" - The life of the land is restored in righteousness. 

(This statement has since become the official motto of the State of Hawaiʻi.) July 31, 1843 is now referred to as Ka La Hoʻihoʻi Ea, Sovereignty Restoration Day or Hawaii Independence Day and it is celebrated each year . Because of Britain’s support and recognition of Hawaii’s independence  Hawaii’s  flag of 1868 included the British cross.

Fifty years later, despite the world-wide recognition of Hawaii’s sovereignty, in January of 1893 the United States affected an illegal overthrow of Hawaii’s government in a coup against Queen Lili’uokalani by marines, businessmen and clergy.

While America’s independence is recognized on July 4th, the celebrations of July 31st retain a more significant date for the Hawaiian people.

(condensed from various sources)

Haysmers -- Havin' Fun at Hale Le'a

Celebrate With Us!!!

This week we celebrated Father's Day, Summer Solstice and Phil's (big 80th) birthday! It also happens to be the one-year anniversary of Lunel's bilateral knee replacements.

So, what could be more perfect than a day at our favorite beach. It may not be the beach most people think of -- white sands, palm trees and gentle rolling waves.  No...  We live on the more rugged east side of the Big Island of Hawaii where our path to the water is formed from beautiful swirls of ancient lava called pahoehoe and the beach is black sand and smooth black pebbles. 

Driving there we go from 3500 elevation a couple miles from Kilauea Volcanoes National Park down to about 35 feet! There's no sign for it on the highway and it is a half mile walk...but what a lovely walk.

The area is steeped in cultural history and well tended. Going on a weekday means there's likely to be only a few people -- only the strongest swimmers and surfers -- brave the ocean. But the tide pools are a delight.

This year marks our 10th year of island-love -- it has been quite the adventure!

Life In The Slow Lane

 

2021 Merrie Monarch - Big Island of Hawaii

The 57th  Merrie Monarch Festival

Volcano's own Halau will be presenting this year1

The Merrie Monarch Festival is dedicated to the memory of King David La‘amea Kalākaua, known as the “Merrie Monarch” for his flamboyant and fun-loving ways. Kalākaua was elected king of the Hawaiian Nation in 1874, and reigned until his passing in 1891. He was a patron of the arts, especially music and dance. (Shared from MerrieMonarch.com)

The central purpose of the Festival is perpetuating the traditional culture of the Hawaiian people; Developing and augmenting a living knowledge of Hawaiian arts and crafts through workshops, demonstrations, exhibitions and performances of the highest quality and authenticity; and enriching the future lives of all of Hawaiʻi’s children.

Our local Volcano Halau (school) is associated with the winds (makani) of Mauna Loa, we include the following LINK to see them perform:  Volcano Halau and a few photos of Mauna Loa.

WORLD COLLAGE DAY!

World Collage Day in 2020 was lonely because of Covid and much of my collage was related to the epidemic - the confusion, fear, loneliness and isolation including my personal responses. Later  KOLAJ Magazine featured some of my art. Here's a small grouping of images during that time.

Here's a link to see more Covid-related images in 2020:   April/May 2020 Covid Art

This year, feeling safer (immunized) and ready for more socialization the day was spent in the Haysmers' studio in Volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii --  "Hale Le'a" (house of joy.)

AND, NOW FOR

WORLD COLLAGE DAY 2021...

World Collage Day - May 9, 2021

In anticipation of World Collage Day, (sponsored by KOLAJ Magazine (May 9th) I am posting just a few samples of recent work, and when I complete my World Collage Day piece this weekend, I will post it separately.

In the first pair I am using similar color/texture palettes to create two different collage styles.

Using small 'studies' to experiment with a variety of collage techniques, producing if not great art pieces, at least interesting new ways to enhance collage. Here's a few examples.

 

For EARTH DAY I made this one entitled "What In The World"

Phil's Newest Bas Relief Art

Michael Jayme Gallery in Honaka'a features a lovely exhibit of Phil's bas relief art. If you visit the Big Island, be sure to visit. (Phone 520-270-7462)

Fissure 8 - Official Hawaiian Naming

We are happy to report that Fissue 8 (that opened in our front property) has now received its official Hawaiian name. Ahu 'Aila'au. This has been a long process since May of 2018 when lava first broke out in Leilani Estates in the Puna District of the Big Island of Hawaii. Names were considered from the public including input from long-time residents, elders and kupuna many of whom could trace their family (ohana) lineage back many generations. AHU means shrine/mound/altar/cairn. 'AILA'AU eater of forests.

In the summer of 2019 Hilo's Wailoa Gallery had a powerful exhibition featuring artists work inspired by the lava flow. While some people were talking about Pele, as an artist, Phil felt more connected to the legendary, former resident of Kilauea -- a personage named 'Aila'au....the forest eater. At that time he entered his artistic interpretation which was recently purchased by a neighbor.

The above photos show where our home was in relation to the remaining cone of cinder and lava. The photo below simply provides another perspective of size. 

If you are interested you can listen to some testimony explaining the Hawaiian name:  Ai La'au 'Olelo (Naming Story)

Footprints in the Ka'u Desert

 As our Valentines Day treat we decided to take a hike on the Ka'u (Caw-oo) desert trail, a part of the Volcanoes National Park. The first section (which we did) is a bit less than two miles round trip. It is a hike most people would not want to do in summer as it is very hot, the terrain is composed of lava and lava ash/sand from Kilauea volcano. The short version of the story of these footprints involves King Kamehameha and his cousins fighting over control of the Big Island. The battles between armies of the cousins was during the 1780's. The treks and battles  included traversing this huge desert area between Hilo and South Point.

You can read more of this story here: Ka'u Desert Footprints  

Here are some photos we took along the hike. It is not a desert in the usual sense of the word, but the ground is composed of layers and layers of volcanic ash, which, when mixed with rain water become hardened. Those people involved in the cousins' battles were not just warriors, but included their extended families and livestock. It was during one of the battles that Kilauea blew out a tremendous volume of hot ash, killing many people unable to escape. There are over 1700 recorded footprints through the area some of which sadly have been vandalized. The photo here is of an impression of an adult and child.

The area has a stark beauty with a backdrop of Mauna Loa. While we are familiar with the beautiful Ohia trees in our cloud-forest area of Volcano, the tortured Ohia trees that grow in the desert area have struggled to survive and are as contorted as the Sierra bristle cone pines!

By the way, this is the first big hike Lunel has taken with her new knees on the 8-month anniversary of her bilateral knee replacement. The next day the knees were tender, but her regular walks in our neighborhood are over 1.5 miles and she's improving weekly.

MAKE ART - In response to...

As our blog followers have known ART has helped me respond to PTSD after my coma in May 2018 and the lost of our home. After creating over 400 small collage images in four journals, I lept (lele) out of the small 5x9 format in 2020 to create another 50+ collages in larger sizes.

The most recent stress of covid, isolation, and politics has triggered PTSD-related 'stuff'  and I was able to more creatively respond with three brand new big 18x24 images. The first was done at NY -- the second in response to the "threat" in our nation's capital felt so keenly by so many. Finally, an image that reflects general sadness about the general threat, fear and impotence felt by me and others.

Created on New Years -working title was 'silent night'

"Threat"

"Sad Song" (for humanity)

Covid, Crisis & Connections

The Covid pandemic has effectively changed the whole world. In many cases it has brought denial, fear, panic, grief, death and, sadly, misinformation. It has separated people both physically and emotionally. And, in some strange ways it has brought many people closer together - reconnecting. Many people including us have found a renewed appreciation for the small things -- bringing a sense of wonder and joy to a dark time.

Last week Phil came into the house and said, "come see!" whereupon we both went out to discover a rare sight -- a King Kamehameha Butterfly, an endemic species (in decline) also known as "Pulelehua" (Pu lay lay hooah). We currently have a variety of milkweed plants for our Monarchs, so a quick search provided us with the name of this butterfly's favorite plant -- the endemic Mamaki revered by Hawaiian people.

When their wings are folded they are hard to spot because of their olive green camouflage - and just look at the color of that chrysalis. 

Consequently, on our trip to town yesterday, Mamaki plants were on our shopping list. Walking into the plant area at the local store coincidentally Mamaki plants were JUST!! being offloaded and we came home with three. 

Today, however they were planted in a sunny spot in honor of a re-connection with a much loved friend Erik whom we had lost touch with over 20 years ago!

35 Years of Collaboration

(again, having trouble with formatting -- had to revice this silly thing 3 times -- sorry)

In 1986 when Phil and Lunel met in Santa Cruz they were both artists - Phil was a creative graphic designer and developing a line of lighthouse paintings; Lunel was crafting reproductions of ancient museum artifacts that ultimately lead to a contract with DeYoung Museum. 

"We haven't stopped collaborating -- whether it was opening Many Hands Gallery in Eureka in 1990, or the retirement move to the Big Island of Hawaii!" We have always inspired and encouraged each others' art and process.  

Lunel helped compose the image by using Photo-shop, and Phil worked his magic in the most recent carved and painted piece. While other artworks of Phil's are selling in two galleries, this one is going to remain in our house!! The background is of the hills (pu'u) in the mesmerizing district of Ka'u just south of where we live.

Most recently on a road trip we ended up taking two photographs that were instrumental in another collaboration. Lunel helped compose the image by using Photo-shop, and Phil worked his magic in the most recent carved and painted piece.

 We are currently reading several books about Ka'u -- on the family relationships, cultural history, and geographic land-use as well as contemporary threat to centuries of cultural indigenous traditions. 

Learning never stops!

Kilauea Lava New Year Update

If you want words and explanations about this image -- check the previous blog. This lava lake seen here is about 2300' below ground level with the Halema'uma'u inner crater. That black "island" in the middle IS an island of lava (lighter consistency) afloat on magma. Powerful art-inducing image!.