ART FROM SIGAVOU: ISLAND LIFE COLLECTION by Sigavou Studios

BARKCLOTH ART FROM SIGAVOU

ISLAND LIFE 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.

ISLAND LIFE COLLECTION

This multi-media painting makes use of sand from our local beach. It depicts my favorite Fijian bird, the Red-headed Parrot-finch, or Kula Lailai (Erythrura cyanovirens). These cheerful little birds, with their iridescent green and red plumage, can often be seen near our home, flitting along fence lines and grassy road verges in search of seeds to eat. Size: 19 x 12.5cm (unframed) Medium: Acrylics and sand on traditional Fijian barkcloth Recommended frame: 8 x 10 inches Code: IL.KL-XC

SIGAVOU STUDIOS PO Box 10244. Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com

“KULA LAILAI II” by Maria Rova

ISLAND LIFE COLLECTION

This painting was inspired by a story in our local newspaper: For the last twenty years, the Fiji Ground Frog or “Boto Ni Viti” (Platymantis vitianus) was presumed extinct as a result of the invasion of mongoose and giant toads. However, it has recently been rediscovered in the dense rainforests of Fiji’s largest island. The Boto Ni Viti, one of two native species of frogs, is a great athlete, capable of leaping and swimming at speed. The patterns on my frogs are inspired by traditional Fijian barkcloth designs. Size: 28 x 14 cm (unframed) Medium: Acrylics on traditional Fijian barkcloth Recommended frame: 14 x 9 inches Code: IL.BV-XD SIGAVOU STUDIOS PO Box 10244. Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com

“BOTO NI VITI” by Maria Rova

ISLAND LIFE COLLECTION

This multi-media barkcloth art piece makes use of coral sand from the sun-soaked beaches of Fiji. With its delicately curved, waxy petals and unique fragrance, the frangipani is the quintessential tropical flower in the minds of many. Frangipanis are synonymous with celebration in Fiji: strings of them are worn around the neck during dances and feasts. And a frangipani tucked behind the right ear shows that the wearer is in a relationship, while a blossom sported on the left announces that the wearer is free and single! Size: 18 x 11 cm (unframed) Medium: Acrylics and sand on dyed barkcloth Recommended frame: 10 x 8 inches Code: IL.FR4-XB

SIGAVOU STUDIOS PO Box 10244. Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com

“FRANGIPANI IV” by Maria Rova

ISLAND LIFE COLLECTION

Fiji’s national flower, the legendary Tagimoucia, is said to have sprouted from the tears of a tribal princess who had fled her island village rather than be forced to marry a chief she did not love. This beautiful creeper, with its festoons of bright red and white flowers, grows only on the isolated slopes of extinct volcanoes in northern Fiji. Additional details have been drawn with coral sand from beaches in the Yasawa Islands not far from where the artist lives. Size: 18 x 11 cm (unframed) Medium: Acrylics and sand on dyed barkcloth Recommended frame: 10 x 8 inches Code: IL.TA4-XB

SIGAVOU STUDIOS PO Box 10244. Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com

“TAGIMOUCIA IV by Maria Rova

ISLAND LIFE COLLECTION

My favorite Pacific shell, the nautilus, is the inspiration for this design. The swirling energy of the ocean is represented by spiraling sand lines drawn in white coral sand, and dark, volcanic sand from two different beaches. Perfect nautilus shells can usually only be obtained by killing live specimens. Help to protect our reefs from such environmentally damaging practices by collecting a shell like this one, painted on barkcloth made from plantation-grown trees, a renewable natural resource! . Size: 19 x 12.5 cm (unframed) Medium: Mixed media on barkcloth Recommended frame: 8 x 10 inches Code: IL.SS- XB SIGAVOU STUDIOS PO Box 10244. Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com

“SHELL AND STARS II” by Maria Rova

ISLAND LIFE COLLECTION

The endless energy of the ocean that surrounds our islands is represented here by spirals, drawn in white coral sand from an outer island beach, and dark, volcanic sand from our local beach on Fiji’s main island. This painting celebrates a lovely memory: While beach-combing with my daughter recently, I came across dozens of minute baby starfish, many of them not bigger than my fingernail. The unique beauty of these tiny creatures was a thrill to both of us. Size: 18 x 11 cm (unframed) Medium: Mixed media on barkcloth Recommended frame: 8 x 10 inches Code: IL.PS1-XB SIGAVOU STUDIOS PO Box 10244. Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com

“PACIFIC STARFISH I” by Maria Rova

ISLAND LIFE COLLECTION

Mystery surrounds the arrival of iguanas in Fiji, for these creatures are closely related to the jungle iguanas of Central America. Could they, or their eggs, have floated across the Pacific on rafts of vegetation in a bygone age? Today, as they struggle to survive encroaching civilization and imported predators, iguanas have become iconic symbols of Fiji’s native wildlife and efforts to conserve it. Size: 22 x 18 cm (unframed) Medium: Acrylics on traditional barkcloth Recommended frame: 13 x 10 inches Code: IL.GI2-XC

SIGAVOU STUDIOS PO Box 10244. Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com

“GOLDEN IQUANAS II” by Maria Rova

ISLAND LIFE COLLECTION

A lino-cut, with details drawn in textured metallic gold paint. The rolling hillsides near Fiji’s Sigatoka River Valley are covered in a patchwork of sugar canes fields. The tall cane stocks, ripe with sweet sap, bend as the sea wind blows through them. A hot afternoon sun catches the rhythm of the rippling fields, highlighting them in gold.

Size: 18 x 11 cm (unframed) Medium: Acrylics on traditional Fijian barkcloth Recommended frame: 8 x 10 inches Code: IL.SC-XC

SIGAVOU STUDIOS PO Box 10244. Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com

“SIGATOKA CANEFIELDS” by Maria Rova

ISLAND LIFE COLLECTION

“MOKOSOI I” by Maria Rova Mokosoi’ is the Fijian word for Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata), the delicate tropical flower renowned for its romantic aroma. In Fiji, the Mokosoi scent is synonymous with celebration. The blossoms are often added to wreaths of flowers or ‘salusalu’ worn around the neck during festive ceremonies such as weddings and graduations. Fijians don’t really need a special occasion in order to wear flowers though — Locals will often tuck a mokosoi flower behind the ear as they go about their daily chores... Size: 22 x 13 cm (unframed) Medium: Acrylics and sand on dyed barkcloth Recommended frame: 8 x 12 inches Code: IL.MO-XC

SIGAVOU STUDIOS PO Box 10244. Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com

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ISLAND LIFE COLLECTION

Fiji’s national flower, the legendary Tagimoucia, is said to have sprouted from the tears of a tribal princess who had fled her island village rather than be forced to marry a chief she did not love. This beautiful creeper, with its festoons of bright red and white flowers, grows only on the isolated slopes of extinct volcanoes in northern Fiji. The spiral wave motifs have been drawn with coral sand brought home from one of Fiji’s palm-fringed beaches. Size: 22 x 13 cm (unframed) Medium: Acrylics and sand on dyed barkcloth Recommended frame: 8 x 12 inches Code: IL.TF-XC

SIGAVOU STUDIOS PO Box 10244. Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com

“TAGIMOUCIA ~ FLOWER OF FIJI” by Maria Rova

ISLAND LIFE COLLECTION

This barkcloth art was created from a lino-cut print, with details drawn free-hand in textured metallic gold paint. Located next to the international dateline, Fiji is one of the first nations to welcome in each new day! The inspiration for this painting came by watching the sun rise beyond the Yasawa Islands, one of the many clusters of volcanic peaks that make up the Fiji Group. Size: 22 x 13 cm (unframed) Medium: Acrylics on dyed barkcloth Recommended frame: 8 x 12 inches Code: IL.ID-XC SIGAVOU STUDIOS PO Box 10244. Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com

“ISLAND DAWN” by Maria Rova

“ISLAND NIGHT II” by Maria Rova Tall palms bend as the night wind tosses their branches, their long fronds whipping and rustling like cascades of silver ribbons. Light of the new moon catches on the waves as they swell and recede in endless rhythm: the breathing of mother nature. Overhead, millions of stars pinpoint the darkness, adding their magic to the night on the beach that inspired this painting. Size: 22 x 13 cm (unframed) Medium: Acrylics on traditional Fijian barkcloth Recommended frame: 8 x 12 inches Code: IL.IN-XC SIGAVOU STUDIOS PO Box 10244. Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com

ISLAND LIFE COLLECTION

Many of the steeply rolling hills in our part of Fiji are covered in tall grass that billows and sways as hot winds ripple through it: the inspiration for this painting. One of the things I love about living on the western side of Fiji is the way prevailing trade winds tend to dump cloudfuls of rain over the mountains on the leeward eastern coast, leaving us to wake up to glorious sunshine almost everyday of the year! Size: 18 x 11 cm (unframed) Medium: Acrylics on traditional Fijian barkcloth Recommended frame: 8 x 10 inches Code: IL.TH2-XA

SIGAVOU STUDIOS PO Box 10244. Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com

“TROPICAL HEAT II” by Maria Rova

ISLAND ISLAND LIFE LIFE COLLECTION COLLECTION 2016

This painting is one of a set of two, celebrating emblems of Fiji’s forests and seas. ‘Vuata’ means ‘harvest time’ in Fijian. Featured here alongside geckos and parrots, and tropical fruit, is a bundle of ‘dalo’ - or taro - a staple in the diet of every Fijian family. During traditional festivals, dalo are cooked in large communal earth ovens, and eaten with freshly caught fish, pork, and other delicacies. Size: 20 X 25 cm (unframed) Medium: Acrylics on traditional Fijian barkcloth Recommended frame: 13 x 10 inches Code: IL.VU1-XD

SIGAVOU STUDIOS PO Box 10244. Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com

“VUATA I” by Maria Rova

ISLAND LIFE COLLECTION

Traditional legends feature many of the animals found in Fiji’s reefs, explaining how they got there, or attributing magical powers to them. One of the spirits worshipped by ancient Fijians was a sea snake, revered as especially powerful. Turtles, on the other hand, were symbols of good luck, bringing blessings to those who encountered them! Size: 20 X 25 cm (unframed) Medium: Acrylics on traditional Fijian barkcloth Recommended frame: 13 x 10 inches Code: IL.PA2-XD

SIGAVOU STUDIOS PO Box 10244. Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com

“PASIFIKA II” by Maria Rova

ISLAND LIFE COLLECTION

Fiji’s tree frogs (Platymantis vitiensis) range in color from olive to bronze to bright yellow. Though rarely seen in populated areas, they are well adapted to life in our rainforests. Since babies hatch from egg to tiny frog, skipping the usual tadpole stage, tree frogs do not need to emerge from their leafy habitat at any time. Sticky discs on their toes enable these little jumpers to negotiate slippery and vertical surfaces with ease, giving them their reputation as the acrobats of Fiji’s tropical jungles. Size: 22 x 18 cm (unframed) Medium: Acrylics on traditional barkcloth Recommended frame: 13 x 10 inches Code: IL.FF-XC

SIGAVOU STUDIOS PO Box 10244. Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com

“FOREST FROGS” by Maria Rova

ISLAND LIFE COLLECTION

‘Moko Drua’ means ‘pair of geckos’ in Fijian. These sociable creatures are a familiar sight in every tropical home, making their presence noticeable with the occasional chirping sound, and their skill in catching unwanted mosquitos! The metallic gold lines of the design, drawn free-hand onto dyed barkcloth, complement the traditional colours of ancient barkcloth art that are reflected here. Size: 28 x 14 cm (unframed) Medium: Acrylics on traditional Fijian barkcloth Recommended frame: 14 x 9 inches Code: IL.MD-XD

SIGAVOU STUDIOS PO Box 10244. Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com

“MOKO DRUA” by Maria Rova

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 Fijiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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