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)