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).