Tutu Pele, 2018, 4x9", detail, ink, dye, metal leaf, lithograph, cotton rag paper.
My wife and I were forced to leave our beloved home in Hawai'i because of the volcanic eruption in 2018. We are happily resettled in Portugal, with its understanding of saudade, the deep longing for something lost.
Aia la 'o Pele -- Joseph Keali'iamoku 'Ilaia'ole (1873-1965)
Ae, Aia la 'o Pele i Hawai'i
Yes, Pele is there in Hawai'i
Uhi'uha mai ana la
Rumbling and hissing
Ke nome a'e la ia Puna
As she devours and creates the land of Puna
'Owaka i ka lani, nokenoke
Flashing in the heavens, grinding on and on
Aia ka palena a'i kai
The end is in the sea
Eli'eli kau mai.
May a deep respect come to us
E Pele E
O Pele
Ma ka inoa o Pele
In the name of Pele
He inoa nou a'e Pele
Your name is Pele