BARKCLOTH ART FROM SIGAVOU
THE BLUE OCEAN COLLECTION
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.
NB: Art images shown here are not to scale—please refer to dimensions listed with each painting. Image and Text: © Sigavou Studios Ltd All rights reserved.
BLUE OCEAN COLLECTION
According to ancient Fijian legends, sea turtles are symbols of blessing and wisdom. The trans-oceanic migration of these large reptiles remains one of nature’s wonders. This painting portrays the forces of ocean currents, moon, sun, and stars which are said to guide sea turtles back to particular nesting beaches thousands of miles from winter feeding waters. Size: 22 x 18 cm (unframed) Medium: Acrylics on traditional Fijian barkcloth Recommended frame: 10 x 13 inches Code: BO.PV3-XC SIGAVOU STUDIOS PO Box 10244. Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com
Image and Text: © Sigavou Studios Ltd: All rights reserved.
“PACIFIC VOYAGERS III” by Maria Rova
BLUE OCEAN COLLECTION
The Storm Petrels that inspired this painting are a migratory species, passing through the Fiji group during our summer months from December to May. They are ocean-based most of the time, scooping up take-away meals of crustaceans and small fish from the sea’s surface as they fly low over the swells. When petrels fly inland, it’s a sure sign that a storm is on its way. Size: 18 x 14.5 cm (unframed) Medium: Acrylics on traditional Fijian barkcloth Recommended frame: 8 x 10 inches Code: BO.SB2-XB
SIGAVOU STUDIOS PO Box 10244. Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com
Image and Text: © Sigavou Studios Ltd: All rights reserved.
“STORM BIRDS II by Maria Rova
BLUE OCEAN COLLECTION
This design was inspired by a fish named after our islands: the ‘Fiji Blue Devil’ (Chrysiptera taupou). These bright blue damsel fish can often be seen darting about in rock pools or playing hide and seek amongst branches of coral. Washed into tidal pools by changing currents, they are often the first of many thrilling sights waiting to greet the visitor to Fiji’s reefs. Size: 16 x 13 cm (unframed) Medium: Acrylics on traditional Fijian barkcloth Recommended frame: 8 x 10 inches
Code: BO.IV2-XA
SIGAVOU STUDIOS PO Box 10244. Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com
Image and Text: © Sigavou Studios Ltd: All rights reserved.
“IKA NI VITI II” by Maria Rova
BLUE OCEAN COLLECTION
Diving into the Pacific Ocean alongside a school of giant manta rays rates as one of the most exhilarating experiences of my island life to date! Mantas migrate through Fiji waters seasonally, congregating to feed in the plankton-rich passages between certain islands. These gentle giants have a surreal, UFO-like appearance, as they ‘wing’ their way through the currents just beyond reach. Size: 16 x 13 cm (unframed) Medium: Acrylics on traditional Fijian barkcloth Recommended frame: 8 x 10 inches Code: BO.PM-XA
SIGAVOU STUDIOS PO Box 10244. Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com
Image and Text: © Sigavou Studios Ltd: All rights reserved.
“PACIFIC MANTAS” by Maria Rova
“BLUE CHROMIS ON MASI” by Maria Rova Pictured here gliding through a maze of sea whips, Blue Chromis (Chromis cyanea) are sociable fish, often swimming in large schools. Their incandescent blue forms can still be seen from the surface, even when they are some fifty feet below. This painting holds memories of the cool tranquility of a lazy afternoon spent snorkeling over one of Fiji’s pristine reefs. Size: 22 x 18 cm (unframed) Medium: Acrylics on traditional Fijian barkcloth Recommended frame: 10 x 13 inches Code: BO.BC-XD SIGAVOU STUDIOS PO Box 10244. Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com
Image and Text: © Sigavou Studios Ltd: All rights reserved.
BLUE OCEAN COLLECTION
BLUE OCEAN COLLECTION
This painting seeks to capture the magic of a South Seas night, with the wind tossing the glinting fronds of tall palms, and the ocean reflecting the light of the moon as the waves roll in. On remote islands where the blinding lights of electrical civilization are an unaffordable dream, the night skies are laden with myriads of stars, clearer and seemingly closer at hand, adding a sparkling touch to the beauty of a Pacific night. Size: 18 x 14.5 cm (unframed) Medium: Acrylics on traditional Fijian barkcloth Recommended frame: 8 x 10 inches Code: BO.TN-XB
SIGAVOU STUDIOS PO Box 10244. Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com
Image and Text: © Sigavou Studios Ltd: All rights reserved.
“TROPICAL NIGHT” by Maria Rova
BLUE OCEAN COLLECTION
The initial thrill of spotting a bright purple starfish (Linckia laevigata) amongst the shifting sand and swirling water of a Fijian lagoon formed the lasting impression which inspired this piece of artwork. Purple starfish are common throughout the reefs of Fiji, adding their vivid colours to the symphony of beauty waiting to be discovered underneath the waves. Size: 20 x 25 cm (unframed) Medium: Acrylics on paper Matt: Traditional Fijian barkcloth Recommended frame: 10 x 13 inches Code: BO.PS-XD
SIGAVOU STUDIOS PO Box 10244. Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com
Image and Text: © Sigavou Studios Ltd: All rights reserved.
“PURPLE STARFISH” by Maria Rova
BLUE OCEAN COLLECTION
In ancient times, “Dakuwaqa” was revered as the powerful Shark God, protector and benefactor of the tribes of northern Fiji. Legend has it that Dakuwaqa would take on the form of a huge shark, and swim through rough seas to challenge the ancestral gods of other islands. Still today, people from certain parts of Fiji perceive sharks as allies, honoring an ancestral promise to protect them from harm. Size: 22 x 13 cm (unframed) Medium: Acrylics on traditional Fijian barkcloth Recommended frame: 8 x 12 inches Code: BO.DW-XC SIGAVOU STUDIOS PO Box 10244. Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com
Image and Text: © Sigavou Studios Ltd: All rights reserved.
“DAKUWAQA” by Ravuravu Kuilalekaleka
BLUE OCEAN COLLECTION
‘Davui’ is the Fijian word for conch shell. These beautiful shells hold a significant place in Fijian culture as ceremonial items. They are used as trumpets to announce traditional events such as the anointing of a new chief. A small hole is bored at the tip of the shell and the herald blows through this, creating a low wailing sound that seems to resonate with mysteries of an ancient oceanic past. Size: 13 x 16 cm (unframed) Medium: Acrylics on traditional Fijian barkcloth Recommended frame: 8 x 10 inches Code: BO.BD-XA SIGAVOU STUDIOS PO Box 10244. Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com
Image and Text: © Sigavou Studios Ltd: All rights reserved.
“BLUE DAVUI” by Maria Rova
BLUE OCEAN COLLECTION
The seahorses found in Fiji’s tropical waters certainly have some fascinating habits. Male seahorses take fatherhood to a level that would be the envy of many a human feminist! They can be distinguished by a pouch, located just below their stomachs. The female deposits her eggs into this pouch, and dad is ‘pregnant’ with the babies for several weeks before they are born! Size: 13 x 16 cm (unframed) Medium: Acrylics on traditional Fijian barkcloth Recommended frame: 8 x 10 inches Code: BO.BS-XA
SIGAVOU STUDIOS PO Box 10244. Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com
Image and Text: © Sigavou Studios Ltd: All rights reserved.
“BLUE SEAHORSE” by Maria Rova
BLUE OCEAN COLLECTION
‘Ika Bula” is the Fijian word for sea turtle in dialects spoken in western Fiji. These beautiful reptiles are revered in local legends as symbols of wisdom and blessing. Several species of sea turtle visit Fiji’s warm waters annually, to forage on our abundant reefs, and nest on our sun-soaked beaches, before journeying onwards through the Pacific Ocean, along ancient migratory paths. Size: 13 x 16 cm (unframed) Medium: Acrylics on traditional Fijian barkcloth Recommended frame: 8 x 10 inches Code: BO.IB.XA
SIGAVOU STUDIOS PO Box 10244. Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com
Image and Text: © Sigavou Studios Ltd: All rights reserved.
“IKA BULA” by Maria Rova
BLUE OCEAN COLLECTION
The Fijian word for starfish is poetic: ‘ilokoloko ni qio’, which translates as ‘shark’s pillow’! Our tropical reefs are home to starfish of various shapes and colors. They add a magical touch to Fiji’s underwater wonder-world! Size: 13 x 16 cm (unframed) Medium: Acrylics on traditional Fijian barkcloth Recommended frame: 8 x 10 inches Code: BO.SS4-XA
SIGAVOU STUDIOS PO Box 10244. Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com
Image and Text: © Sigavou Studios Ltd: All rights reserved.
“SEA STARS IV” by Maria Rova
“LITTLE REEF SERIES” by Maria Rova These four designs can be displayed as a set for greater impact... Size of each painting: 13 x 16 cm (unframed) Medium: Acrylics on traditional Fijian barkcloth
“Sea Stars IV” - Code: BO.SS4-XA “Ika Bula” - Code: BO.IB.XA “Blue Seahorse” - Code: BO.BS-XA “Blue Davui” - Code: BO.BD-XA SIGAVOU STUDIOS PO Box 10244. Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com
Image and Text: © Sigavou Studios Ltd: All rights reserved.
BLUE OCEAN COLLECTION
BLUE OCEAN COLLECTION
Streamlined playmates, a pair of dolphins leap and dip through the sparkling waves just beyond the reef. Spinner and Bottlenose dolphins can be spotted year-round in Fiji, with Moon Reef to the east of the mainland being a notable dolphin-watching sight. The artist has used a sponging technique learnt from traditional masi painters to create this design. Details have been drawn freehand with metallic silver paint.
Size: 22 x 13 cm (unframed) Medium: Acrylics on dyed barkcloth Recommended frame: 8 x 12 inches
Code:
BO.DD-XC
SIGAVOU STUDIOS PO Box 10244. Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com
Image and Text: © Sigavou Studios Ltd: All rights reserved.
“DOLPHIN DUO” by Maria Rova
BLUE OCEAN COLLECTION
The Dakulaca, or Leatherback, is the largest of all sea turtles, weighing up to six hundred kilograms when mature. The bony ridges running up and down its back make it easy to distinguish from the other three species of turtles that visit Fiji’s plentiful reefs. Leatherbacks come to Fiji to nest, but are now rarely seen due to decreasing numbers. Size: 16 x 13 cm (unframed) Medium: Acrylics on traditional Fijian barkcloth Recommended frame: 8 x 10 inches Code: BO.DL-XA
SIGAVOU STUDIOS PO Box 10244. Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com
Image and Text: © Sigavou Studios Ltd: All rights reserved.
“DAKULACA” by Maria Rova
BLUE OCEAN COLLECTION
This mixed media painting features white coral sand from the palm-fringed shores of Fiji’s Yasawa Islands, and dark, volcanic sand from the shores of Nadi Bay, near to where I live. Bright blue starfish (Linckia laevigata) are a common sight among the shifting sands and coral outcrops of Fiji’s lagoons, where they add their vivid colour to the symphony of beauty waiting to be discovered beneath the waves. Size: 18 x 11 cm (unframed) Medium: Acrylics on traditional Fijian barkcloth Recommended frame: 8 x 10 inches Code: BO.OS2-XB SIGAVOU STUDIOS PO Box 10244. Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com
Image and Text: © Sigavou Studios Ltd: All rights reserved.
“OCEAN STARS II” by Maria Rova
BLUE OCEAN COLLECTION
This little barkcloth painting was inspired by a fish named after our islands: the ‘Fiji Blue Devil’ (Chrysiptera taupou ) Even small children swimming in shallow waters can glimpse the iridescent blue colors of these tiny fish as they dart about in tidal rock pools beside Fiji’s many white sand beaches. Size: 16 x 13 cm (unframed) Medium: Acrylics on traditional Fijian barkcloth Recommended frame: 8 x 10 inches Code: BO.IK-XA
SIGAVOU STUDIOS PO Box 10244. Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com
Image and Text: © Sigavou Studios Ltd: All rights reserved.
“IKA KARAKARAWA” by Maria Rova
BLUE OCEAN COLLECTION
The Fijian word for the vivid indigo starfish that are common to our tropical reefs and lagoons harks back to ancient local legends about sea-life: ‘Davodavo Ni Qio’ translates poetically as ‘shark’s pillow’! The warm turquoise waters of Fiji’s abundant reefs are home to starfish of various shapes and colors, all adding to the visual feast awaiting the underwater explorer. Size: 18 x 14.5 cm (unframed) Medium: Acrylics on traditional Fijian barkcloth Recommended frame: 8 x 10 inches Code: BO.RS1-XB
SIGAVOU STUDIOS PO Box 10244. Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com
Image and Text: © Sigavou Studios Ltd: All rights reserved.
“REEF STARS I” by Maria Rova
BLUE OCEAN COLLECTION
‘Vonu Ni Cakau’ means ‘Turtles of the Reef’ in Fijian. Turtles are revered in island legends as symbols of wisdom and blessing. Though their numbers have been dwindling, several species of sea turtle still visit Fiji’s warm waters and breeding beaches as they journey through the Pacific Ocean along ancient migratory paths. This painting celebrates their annual return. Size: 60 x 34 cm (unframed, painted mount card included) Medium: Acrylics on traditional Fijian barkcloth Recommended frame: 13.5 x 23.5 inches Code: BO.VC3-XG
SIGAVOU STUDIOS PO Box 10244. Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com
Image and Text: © Sigavou Studios Ltd: All rights reserved.
“VONU NI CAKAU III” by Maria Rova
BLUE OCEAN COLLECTION
“MAI YASAWA” by Maria Rova
Size: 16.5 x 35 cm (unframed) Medium: Acrylics on traditional Fijian barkcloth Recommended frame: 8.5 x 15 inches Price Code: BO.MY-XE
SIGAVOU STUDIOS PO Box 10244. Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com
Image and Text: © Sigavou Studios Ltd: All rights reserved.
This painting was inspired by a boat trip to the Yasawa Islands in Western Fiji. Jutting up out of a turquoise sea, the tips of volcanic mountains form a dramatic skyline. The reefs fringing these remote islands are teaming with an amazing array of sea creatures. The sight of a school of spinner dolphins, leaping playfully through the waves, is always special thrill!
Sigavou staff sun out sheets of barkcloth in our studios garden.
CREATING OUR BARKCLOTH ART: Our barkcloth paintings come in numbered, limited edition series of 150 to 600. Each piece of art is painted by hand, with careful attention to detail and workmanship. Inspired by Fiji’s traditional masi kesa artists, we apply layers of colour to our barkcloth with sponges, using a series of stencils. Details are added in freehand, often using metallic gold or silver paint for the line work. Our barkcloth art is then mounted on to backing card, with a signed Certificate of Authenticity attached to the back. Since most of our end-buyers are based overseas, we generally sell the artwork unframed. Encased in cellophane envelopes, the paintings are lightweight and travel easily. International flights depart daily from Fiji, making it quick and easy to ship our barkcloth art world-wide, by registered airmail or international courier. The hand-crafted barkcloth we paint on is cleaned with an anti-fungal agent and heat-treated , to ensure it retains its beautiful, natural quality.
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 25 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 employs 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