My studio practice was interrupted by the volcanic eruption of 2018 near our home home in Hawai'i, sustained through the Covid years near my partner's family in the Netherlands and now continues to flourish in our new home in Portugal.
The work from this period is infused with awe for Pele, the Hawai'ian goddess of fire and volcanoes, and resonates with
the Portuguese concept of saudade.
Tutu Pele, 2018, 12x22cm, lithograph, ink,
iron oxide,dye, metal leaf.
Yes, Pele is there in Hawai'i
Rumbling and hissing
As she reaches Puna
Reaching wildly to the heavens
The end is in the sea
May we find deep respect
O Pele
In the name of Pele
Your name is Pele
Ae, Aia la 'o Pele i Hawai'i
Uhi'uha mai ana la
Ke nome a'e la ia Puna
'Owaka i ka lani, nokenoke
Palena a'i kai
Eli'eli kau mai
E Pele E
Ma ka inoa o Pele
He inoa nou a'e Pele
Aia la 'o Pele, collection of Joseph Keali'iamoku 'Ilaia'ole (1873-1965)