ORIGINAL ARTWORK BY MARIA W ROVA by Sigavou Studios

ORIGINAL ART

BY MARIA W ROVA

MAKING BARKCLOTH

Barkcloth, or 'masi', as it is known in Fijian, is a time-honoured Pacific tradition. It is a cream-colored, fibrous paper hand-crafted by island women, from the bark of Paper Mulberry trees (Broussonetia papyrifera). A treasured commodity at the heart of Fijian culture, barkcloth is still used in a wide variety of ceremonies, as symbolic gifts, as clothing, and as decorative wall hangings. The masi we paint on comes from the small island of Vatulele in southern Fiji, home to my children’s grandmother. The aunts and cousins who make our masi are part of a long line of hard-working women who have passed the secrets and rituals involved in masi-making from one generation to the next, keeping a proud tradition alive. The money they earn through the sale of their masi is used to buy household essentials, school supplies, and boat fuel for the extended families that are part of their remote island community. The process of masi-making is an environmentally friendly one. Masi trees grow in sustainable plantations where new shoots regenerate from the roots remaining after each harvest. Each piece of barkcloth goes through a laborious process of beating, soaking, and drying. Production involves sea water, sun, and sweat - no chemicals! Sigavou Studios has pioneered new approaches to the use of our local barkcloth, celebrating this ancient Pacific tradition while using it to create the vibrant, contemporary artwork we are known for.

TITLE: “Talanoa I” ARTIST: Maria W Rova MEDIUM: Woven barkcloth strips and acrylic paint on barkcloth-covered board SIZE: 117 x 106 cm inclusive of frame This artwork is inspired by the Fijian concept of ‘talanoa’ – a time-honoured form of communication central to the iTaukei way of life. Space for respectful exchanges, where hearing and reading-between-the-lines is as important as speaking, is creating by gathering people together, usually sitting in a circle on a large hand-woven floor mat. With yaqona (kava) shared around in a coconut shell bilo, animated discussions flow, represented in my painting by the local flora, fauna, and cultural icons around the edge of the woven barkcloth strips in the centre of this artwork. Stories are told, plans are hatched, and the relaxed communication gives rise to new, creative ideas as social bonds are forged and strengthened. The talanoa concept is a cornerstone of Fijian culture and hospitality: a lived experience that this painting seeks to celebrate and pay respects to.

TITLE: “Talanoa III” ARTIST: Maria W Rova MEDIUM: Mixed media using woven barkcloth strips and acrylic paint on barkclothcovered board SIZE: 117 x 107 cm (unframed) When Tropical Cyclone Winston ripped through Fiji a few years back, rain poured through the all the cracks around the windows of the small home my son and his wife were living in. A beautiful piece of ceremonial barkcloth that they had carefully stored away as a family treasure - full of remembrances - got thoroughly soaked that night, damaged beyond repair. We saved a few scraps of it, some of which have been pinned to the noticeboard in my studio ever since. I love the way that the storm water has interacted with the natural mangrove-sap dye that was used to stencil the original designs on to this piece of traditional ‘masi kuvui’, leaving unexpectedly beautiful fades in the rich russet colours. “Some day I will create a piece of artwork inspired these memories of loss and storm” I told my children. That’s how “Talanoa III was born.

Framing suggestion only—artwork is available unframed.

TITLE: “Talanoa II” ARTIST: Maria W Rova MEDIUM: Woven barkcloth strips and acrylic paint on barkcloth-covered board SIZE: 117 x 107 cm (unframed) This artwork is the second in a series I created during the isolating experience of our Covid lockdown, drawing inspiration from the Fijian concept of ‘talanoa’ – a timehonoured way of gathering together that is central to the iTaukei way of life. Space for respectful exchanges, where hearing and reading between the lines is as important as speaking, is created by sitting down, usually in a circle, on a large hand-woven floor mat. With yaqona (kava) shared around in a coconut shell bilo, animated discussions flow, represented by designs around the edge of this painting. These include cultural icons and motifs, some of which were inspired by rock art found on cave and cliff walls in various parts of Fiji. In the centre of this design, I have woven strips of textured barkcloth, symbolic of the communal ties provide the fabric of Fijian society. The talanoa concept is a cornerstone of Fijian culture and hospitality: a lived experience that this painting seeks to celebrate and pay respects to.

Framing suggestions only—artwork is available unframed.

TITLE: “Sere Kei Viti” ARTIST: Maria W Rova MEDIUM: Acrylics on barkcloth SIZE: 118 x 78 cm (framed) “Sere Kei Viti” means “Songs of Fiji”. This painting celebrates the distinctive rhythms of life in our islands: From the ceaseless ebb and flow of moon-pulled tides, to the crashing of waves rolling shoreward, to the ‘thunk thunk thunk’ that rings out through the deepening twilight as the sun sets beyond the horizon, and yaqona roots are crushed, ready for another round of kava-drinking: the sound-tracks of our lives have an energy all of their own! The strains of a blistering day are soothed by melodies of men and women singing in spontaneous four-part harmony at a village gathering. “Sere Kei Viti” is a reminder of the vibrancy and timeless beauty that is the backdrop to the humdrum and struggle of our everyday lives. At the heart of this painting is a cultural symbol dear to every Fijian: our national flower, the legendary Tagimoucia. This enigmatic plant with it’s scarlet blossoms can be found only on the slopes of volcanic mountains in the north of the Fiji group, protected by thick, tropical jungle.

TITLE: “Sere Kei Viti” ARTIST: Maria W Rova MEDIUM: Acrylics on barkcloth SIZE: 118 x 78 cm (framed)

TITLE: “Colours of Yanuca IV” ARTIST: Maria W Rova MEDIUM: Dyes on Silk SIZE: 46 x 46 cm (unframed) This painting, created in dyes and metallic resist on silk, features one of my favourite Fijian trees, the screw palm, known locally as ‘vadra’. A member of the pandanus family, it grows in coastal areas all around Fiji. It cuts an exotic silhouette against our blue skies, with leaves bursting from angular branches, pompom style, and its distinctive areal roots fanning out at the base of its trunk. Protective and watchful, local barn owls or ‘lulu’ are part of Fiji’s rich folklore traditions, and still seen fairly often around our home in urban Nadi. The exquisitely-patterned flowers of the ‘sekoula’ or flame tree have found their way into several of my recent paintings – mainly because their vibrant colours are associated with joy: colorful heralds of the festive season here in tropical Fiji.

Framing suggestion only—artwork is available unframed.

TITLE: “Sere Kei Viti” ARTIST: Maria W Rova MEDIUM: Acrylics on barkcloth SIZE: 118 x 78 cm (framed)

TITLE: “Island Dancers I” ARTIST: Maria W Rova MEDIUM: Acrylics on traditional barkcloth SIZE: 60 x 60 cm (unframed, mounted on painted backing board) This painting series was inspired by watching a group of energetic rugby players practice a ‘Meke Ni Yaqona’. This lively dance is usually performed by young men during welcome ceremonies in Fiji. Wearing grass skirts and leaves, the men leap, stamp, and turn in unison to the rhythm of traditional chants, as a ceremonial drink is prepared from yaqona roots. The energetic movements and exuberant spirit of this dance are portrayed using the earth tones of traditional Fijian ‘masi kesa’ art.

TITLE: “Island Dancers II” ARTIST: Maria W Rova MEDIUM: Acrylics on traditional barkcloth SIZE: 60 x 60 cm (unframed, mounted on painted backing board) This painting series was inspired by watching a group of energetic rugby players practice a ‘Meke Ni Yaqona’. This lively dance is usually performed by young men during welcome ceremonies in Fiji. Wearing grass skirts and leaves, the men leap, stamp, and turn in unison to the rhythm of traditional chants, as a ceremonial drink is prepared from yaqona roots. The energetic movements and exuberant spirit of this dance are portrayed using the earth tones of traditional Fijian ‘masi kesa’ art.

TITLE: “Island Dancers III” ARTIST: Maria W Rova MEDIUM: Acrylics on traditional barkcloth SIZE: SIZE: 60 x 60 cm (unframed, mounted on painted backing board) This painting series was inspired by watching a group of energetic rugby players practice a ‘Meke Ni Yaqona’. This lively dance is usually performed by young men during welcome ceremonies in Fiji. Wearing grass skirts and leaves, the men leap, stamp, and turn in unison to the rhythm of traditional chants, as a ceremonial drink is prepared from yaqona roots. The energetic movements and exuberant spirit of this dance are portrayed using the earth tones of traditional Fijian ‘masi kesa’ art.

Framing suggestion only: Artworks are available unframed.

TITLE: “Wasekaseka Wall Sculpture” ARTIST: Maria W Rova MEDIUM: Mixed media SIZE: 50 x 50 x 3 cm (unframed) Wasekaseka are ceremonial necklaces, originally crafted from carved strips of sperm whale tooth strung on to cords made from finely plaited coconut fibre. Necklaces like these, now symbols of traditional Fijian culture, were first brought to our islands by canoe craftsmen from Tonga, who presented them as gifts to Fijian chiefs. This contemporary tribute to an ancient expression of iTaukei identity and status was created as a mixed-media wall sculpture. Materials used include cement plaster, barkcloth, acrylic paint and magimagi (traditional Fijian string hand-crafted from coconut fibres).

Framing suggestion only: This artwork is available unframed.

TITLE: “Wasekaseka Wall Sculpture” ARTIST: Maria W Rova MEDIUM: Mixed media SIZE: SIZE: 50 x 50 x 3 cm (unframed)

TITLE: “Life Is For Living I” ARTIST: Maria W Rova MEDIUM: Acrylics on traditional barkcloth SIZE: 60 x 60 cm (unframed) Fijians are known for their warmth of spirit, and ability to enjoy with great passion the simple things in life. This painting is about the joie de vivre that is a special part of the Fijian experience, even when the going gets tough. It seeks to portray the gift of living fully in the moment, to celebrate with no holds barred in island-style merriment; a spirit of exuberance that is often missing from the fast-paced life of urban worlds elsewhere…

Framing suggestion only: Artwork is available unframed.

TITLE: “Life Is For Living I” ARTIST: Maria W Rova MEDIUM: Acrylics on traditional barkcloth SIZE: 60 x 60 cm (unframed, mounted on painted backing board)

TITLE: “Life Is For Living VI” ARTIST: Maria W Rova MEDIUM: Acrylics on traditional barkcloth SIZE: 60 x 60 cm (unframed) Fijians are known for their warmth of spirit, and ability to enjoy with great passion the simple things in life. This painting is about the joie de vivre that is a special part of the Fijian experience, even when the going gets tough. It seeks to portray the gift of living fully in the moment, to celebrate with no holds barred in island-style merriment; a spirit of exuberance that is often missing from the fast-paced life of urban worlds elsewhere…

Framing suggestion only: Artwork is available unframed.

TITLE: “Life Is For Living VI” ARTIST: Maria W Rova MEDIUM: Acrylics on traditional barkcloth SIZE: 60 x 60 cm (unframed, mounted on painted backing board)

TITLE: “Life Is For Living IV” ARTIST: Maria W Rova MEDIUM: Acrylics on traditional barkcloth SIZE: 60 x 60 cm (unframed) Fijians are known for their warmth of spirit, and ability to enjoy with great passion the simple things in life. This painting is about the joie de vivre that is a special part of the Fijian experience, even when the going gets tough. It seeks to portray the gift of living fully in the moment, to celebrate with no holds barred in island-style merriment; a spirit of exuberance that is often missing from the fast-paced life of urban worlds elsewhere…

Framing suggestion only: Artworks are available unframed.

TITLE: “Sandsong I” ARTIST: Maria W Rova MEDIUM: Mixed media on hand-made paper SIZE: 46 x 36 cm (inclusive of black card mount, unframed) I have used volcanic sand from Nadi’s Wailoaloa beach, and coral sand from the Yasawa Islands, to draw the detail into this painting. It is created on recycled paper hand-crafted locally. ’Sand Song’ was inspired by a golden afternoon of beach-walking: The rhythmic patterns of marine and shore life, rich in texture, fill my senses. Warmed by the sun, exhilarated by the power of wind and waves, the joy of being alive is intense….

Framing suggestion only: Artwork is available unframed.

TITLE: “Sandsong I” ARTIST: Maria W Rova MEDIUM: Mixed media on hand-made paper

TITLE: “TURTLES OF FIJI I” ARTIST: Maria W Rova MEDIUM: Acrylics on dyed barkcloth SIZE: 120 x 40 cm (inclusive of barkcloth-covered mount board) Endangered sea turtles have become symbols of ocean conservation in the face of climate change and environmental pollution. Several species of these ancient reptiles visit Fiji’s waters seasonally, nesting on our sandy beaches as they migrate through the Pacific Ocean. According to traditional Fijian legends, sea turtles bring blessings and good fortune to those who encounter them.

Framing suggestion only: Artwork is available unframed.

TITLE: “TURTLES OF FIJI II” ARTIST: Maria W Rova MEDIUM: Acrylics on dyed barkcloth SIZE: 120 x 40 cm (inclusive of barkcloth-covered mount board) Endangered sea turtles have become symbols of ocean conservation in the face of climate change and environmental pollution. Several species of these ancient reptiles visit Fiji’s waters seasonally, nesting on our sandy beaches as they migrate through the Pacific Ocean. According to traditional Fijian legends, sea turtles bring blessings and good fortune to those who encounter them.

TITLE: “TAGIMOUCIA DREAMING” ARTIST: Maria W Rova MEDIUM: Acrylics on traditional barkcloth SIZE: 80 x 46 cm (inclusive of barkcloth-covered mount board) Fijian culture and identity are deeply connected to the land and the sea. This painting echoes that, with a tanoa, or kava bowl, as a symbol of the communal way of life still found in Fijian villages. The scarlet Tagimoucia flowers feature in local legends that champion love against all odds, while the fish signify the abundance of ocean life that sustains our island communities. Central to this design is a sea turtle, the traditional harbinger of wisdom and blessing.

Framing suggestion only: Artwork is available unframed.

TITLE: “TAGIMOUCIA DREAMING” ARTIST: Maria W Rova

TITLE: “FIRST VISITORS” ARTIST: Maria W Rova MEDIUM: Acrylics on traditional barkcloth SIZE: 80 x 65 cm (inclusive of barkcloth-covered mount board) Early explorers of the South Pacific traversed wide stretches of open ocean in double-hulled sailing canoes made from hollowed-out tree trunks. Their awe-inspiring navigation skills, passed down from generation to generation of intrepid seafarers, included reading the positions of stars and sun, interpreting winds, cloud patterns, and ocean currents, and watching the flight paths of sea birds, and the migratory journeys of other marine life. While painting “First Visitors”, I was imagining the incredible sight of a fleet of such voyaging canoes arriving for the very first time in what we now know and love as Nadi Bay – a place I often go to when in need of broader horizons and new inspiration.

TITLE: “FIRST VISITORS” ARTIST: Maria W Rova MEDIUM: Acrylics on traditional barkcloth SIZE: 80 x 65 cm (inclusive of barkcloth-covered mount board)

SIGAVOU STUDIOS LTD A family-owned company founded in 1998, Sigavou Studios prides itself in its reputation as a source of high-quality, unique artwork . Our flagship product is original art by company director Maria Rova. A look through our studio gallery will reveal the trademarks of Maria’s work: Eye-catching , contemporary designs on pure silk and traditional Fijian barkcloth - all of them infused with Maria’’s love of Pacific Island life ! Maria was raised in the United States and Europe, but has lived and worked in Fiji for the past 30 years. Her art is inspired by Fiji’s tropical environment and the rich cultural traditions of her Fijian family. However, Maria’s international background gives her the added edge of feeling at home in a variety of cultures; her artwork is sought after by corporate clients and collectors from around Fiji and across the world. Apart from the women from Maria’s extended family who supply our hand-crafted barkcloth, Sigavou Studios supports a team of young emerging artists and studio technicians to assist with the design and production of hand-painted limited edition art on barkcloth and silk. Fiji-style gifts and mementos such as hand-painted barkcloth book marks and greeting cards are also part of our product range. We look forward to sharing the warmth and vibrant colors of our Pacific Island home with you too!

With warm Fijian greetings from all of us at Sigavou Studios!

Maria Rova Creative & Managing Director Sigavou Studios Ltd PO Box 10244, Nadi, Airport, Fiji Islands Tel: (679) 672 0717 Cell: (679) 935 0421 sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com