Maria Rova Art Portfolio by Sigavou Studios

ART PORTFOLIO Maria Rova Fiji Islands

MARIA ROVA: ARTIST PROFILE

As one of Fiji’s prominent visual artists, Maria Rova is known for her vibrant, contemporary paintings on traditional Fijian barkcloth and habotai silk. Fiji’s natural environment and rich cultural heritage provide a diverse source of inspiration to this award-winning artist, who works from her home-based studio in Nadi, on Fiji’s main island, Viti Levu. Maria, who is of American-German heritage, describes her connection to Fiji as “a love affair in more ways than one”. While training as an elementary school teacher in England, Maria met her future husband, who hails from the small island of Taveuni in northern Fiji. Her decision to move to the South Pacific with him in 1991 has had a profound impact on her art: Maria’s work evolves out of a unique perspective – that of a newcomer finding her feet in an extended Fijian family with a rich cultural heritage very different to her own, in a tropical island environment full of exotic flora and fauna. The rhythmic, geometric patterns and earthy tones of Fiji’s ancient barkcloth art now find an echo alongside the dynamic colours and forms that characterize Maria’s paintings. “Growing new roots has been both challenging and exhilarating” explains the artist. “First impressions eventually give way to deeper layers of meaning if one takes the time to look and understand. This is something I have increasingly explored in my art, using overlapping forms to show connections and explore perceptions. I like weaving an open-ended element of abstract shapes into my compositions, inviting the viewer to interact with the artwork individually, forming their own, personal interpretation of what they see” Much of Maria’s current work is created in acrylics on traditional barkcloth crafted by women from her mother-in-law’s village on a small atoll. An integral part of Fijian culture, this papery material is made from the inner bark of tropical mulberry trees. Maria’s other medium of choice is dyes and resist on white habotai silk, though she is known to experiment with clay, cement plaster, and glass, as well as the occasional collage project. What started as a kitchen-table enterprise has become a way of life for the Rova family, with their own struggle to make a living from the arts inspiring them to develop a support network for local artists and craftspeople. Community craft fairs, children’s classes, group exhibitions, and a pottery training project have evolved from that. Giving back to the community is a central philosophy for Sigavou Studios Ltd, their family-owned art company, which now employs four additional art assistants who help to create the hand-painted limited edition ranges that Maria designs.

In the meantime, Maria’s paintings have won a string of awards at local and national exhibitions. Her art features prominently on the walls of resorts and corporate offices around Fiji, as well as in numerous private collections in Fiji and abroad. ARTIST’S STATEMENT: “Painting is a wonderful way of expressing my love of life and respect for Fiji’s uniqueness. In the fast-paced life of the 21st century, it is easy to become oblivious to the beauty hidden in our surroundings. My artwork seeks to rekindle in my own soul a sense of wonder in the small details of nature – the ordinary as well as the exotic. On a personal level, art has become a vehicle for exploring and celebrating that which gives meaning to my life, for helping me to find my way through all the ups and downs of day-to-day living in this amazing country: Fiji! On a wider level, I see art as a tool for nation-building – it has a dynamic role to play as a vehicle for empowerment through income-generation, as a means of strengthening identity in an ever-changing world, and as a positive channel of reaching out and communicating in our fragmented society.” Maria Rova Sigavou Studios Ltd PO Box 10244, Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com

“TREASURE WHAT WE HAVE” by Maria Rova Medium: Dyes and resist on silk Size: 75 x 50 cm A painting that celebrates the indigenous way of life in rural Fijian villages where subsistence living off the land can be a struggle, but family bonds are often strong and wholesome, and there is a dynamic connection with the natural environment. Imported mass media programming pervading Fiji since the advent of television two decades ago leads many to believe that urban life in the fast lane, preferably in a developed country overseas, is the ultimate goal worth striving for. Having been there and done that, I beg to differ.

“DEUBA SUNSET” by Maria Rova Medium: Acrylics on traditional Fijian barkcloth Size: 79 x 47 cm Wandering through beachside gardens full of Lipstick Palms (Cyrtostachys renda), I experience one of those ‘feel alive’ moments: The setting sun turns the sea to liquid gold. The rich red colors of the palm stems punctuate the cool green foliage in a vertical rhythm that compliments beautifully the rolling curves of sea and sand… This is a barkcloth painting, incorporating a touch of the traditional, geometric patterns used by Fiji’s kesakesa artists.

“YAU NI CAKAU: CRAB CATCHERS” by Maria Rova Medium: Dyes and resist on silk Size: 50 x 40 cm One of a series of paintings featuring rural Fijian women and their relationship to the reefs on which they and their families depend. Freshly-caught crab are bound up with tough strips of bark and strung in bundles, ready for sale. Women can often be seen along the roadside in late afternoon, holding up bundles of live crab to tempt passersby, Seasonal fruit displayed in palm-leaf baskets is an added attraction.

“SERE KEI VITI” by Maria Rova Medium: Acrylics on traditional Fijian barkcloth Size: 96 x 50 cm From the powerful rhythms of waves rolling in, to the soothing island melodies of men and women singing in spontaneous four-part harmony at a village gathering: Fiji is full of song! Modern development threatens the ecological balance of Pacific island nations on many fronts— cutting urban-dwellers off from the experience of living in sync with the tides and the seasons. This painting is a reminder that wholesomeness is still there— that preservation starts with falling in love... Those who tune in to the fading echoes can still pick up the beat!

“ISLAND FLOWERS ~ ALLAMANDA” by Maria Rova Medium: Dyes and resist on silk Size: 90 x 50 cm The allamanda is one of my favorite tropical flowers. It seems to bloom in abundance, all year around, fresh every day. And it looks glorious sprawled along our garden fence, one of the first plants to bloom again after a heavy storm... The designs in the background are inspired by the geometric patterns used by traditional barkcloth artists in Fiji. Their vivid blue and turquoise hues, reflective of the Pacific Ocean, contrast with the warm yellows of the allamanda blossoms...

“PASIFIKA IX ~ HIBISCUS” by Maria Rova Medium: Dyes and resist on silk Size: 50 x 50 cm A painting that epitomizes for me the bold, vibrant colours that permeate our lives here in the South Pacific, along with the rhythmic patterns and dynamic wave curves that resonate throughout our environment. I like including abstract elements in my art that are open to interpretation by the viewer: A rising sun, a magical full moon night, islands emerging from an oceanic horizon, a bamboo grove, a piece of ancient barkcloth, or the woven mat upon which family and friends gather after a long hot day to exchange the latest jokes and stories, or fill the night with gentle song... A simple shape, an evocative color - a memory kept alive...

“REFUGE” by Maria Rova Medium: Acrylics on traditional Fijian barkcloth Size: 24 x 24 cm While not exactly the idyllic white sandy beaches the tourists are after, the mangrove swamps that fringe Fiji‟s coast in many areas are vital to the wellbeing of our ecosystems. Tangles of tall, arching aerial roots provide a natural refuge for breeding fish, crabs, and other marine organisms that are part of the local food chain. Mangroves also protect coastal areas from wave and storm surge erosion. Yet in many parts of Fiji, developers are clearing away these vital natural habitats to make way for yet another hotel or factory! “Refuge” was painted as a reminder that our planet will only continue to be a safe haven for all of us if „progress‟ means respecting and caring for our natural environment.

“ROVATI III” by Maria Rova Medium: Acrylics on traditional Fijian barkcloth Size: 116 x 48 cm This barkcloth painting celebrates an ancient Fijian welcome tradition. Warriors returning from battle by canoe would be greeted on shore by the young women from their village. The maidens, with finely braided locks as a proud mark of virginity, would be bearing gifts, including swathes of barkcloth and treasured whale’s teeth. A variation of this custom is still used today, to celebrate the arrival of a new plane, boat, or other significant acquisition. In modern times, the young women often carry bales of brightly colored cloth, looped between them in a colourful and jolly procession.

“IN THE SHADOWS OF SLEEPING GIANT MOUNTAIN II” by Maria Rova Medium: Dyes and resist on silk Size: 75 x 110 cm One in a series of five silk paintings celebrating the culture and wildlife of Fiji. The rugged skyline of the Sleeping Giant Mountains we see from our home runs through each painting. This one features a sacred moment in traditional Fijian ceremonies: the presenting of a whale's tooth as the ultimate symbol of respect. An earthenware cooking pot and water jar, along with the wooden paddle and smooth stone still used by village potters today, stand ready near to the freshly-harvested ingredients of an island feast...

“THE SIGIDRIGI MAT” by Maria Rova Medium: Acrylics on traditional Fijian barkcloth Size (with mount) : 66 x 66 cm This painting features a hand-woven, pandanus mat, such as found in every Fijian home, including ours. Mats like this are part of the rhythm of life here, presented, treasured, and passed on in a never ending cycle of funerals, births, marriages, and home-comings. .

They are used for the mundane as well as the ceremonial – we eat on them, sleep on them, and spend hours sitting on them, connecting with friends and family through conversation, story-telling, and informal singing sessions with a ukulele or guitar called “sigidrigi”. In this painting, the stories and songs have taken on a life of their own, creating a world of joyful colour that bursts forth irreverently from the straight, orderly lines of our traditional Fijian mat….

“TINANA II – STRENGTH OF A WOMAN” By Maria Rova Medium: Dyes and resist on silk Size: 30 x 60 cm This painting depicts symbolically the many roles a rural Fijian woman fulfills as she struggles to care for her family, provide for her community, and uphold the cultural traditions that are her identity. © Maria W Rova Sigavou Studios Ltd PO Box 10244, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com

“TRIBUTE” by Maria Rova Medium: Dyes and resist on silk Size: 50 x 76 cm This painting is a tribute to the seven Pacific Voyager vaka or doublehulled sailing canoes, which recently completed an epic journey across the Pacific Ocean, using traditional navigational methods and powered by wind and sun only. This project has seen indigenous people from island nations across the Pacific collaborate to revive traditional navigation methods, while spawning new interest in the preservation of island cultures and respect for our ocean environment. “Tribute” features the key methods used by our voyaging ancestors – and by the vaka crews of today: Charting the stars, observing the positions of sun and moon, noting the direction of prevailing winds, currents, and swells... Watching for significant cloud formations, reading clues in the presence of plant debris floating by, observing the migration patterns of ocean wildlife, the flight of seabirds... A fragment of a traditional Polynesian stick chart, used by sailors to show the direction of currents, wind, and waves, with shells marking the position of islands, is also featured.

“WAI MAI VANUA” By Maria Rova Medium: Dyes and resist on silk Size: 90 x 50 cm Inspiration for this painting came from the mountainous landscape, rugged coast, and wildlife of northern Viti Levu in Fiji. The title refers to the crystal waters that flow through this rough, but fertile terrain. A traditional clay water jar and corded whales tooth, symbol of great esteem in Fijian culture, are features of this composition, as are the roots of the kava plant, and a coconut shell of kava, offered up in welcoming. © Maria W Rova Sigavou Studios Ltd PO Box 10244, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com

“YAU NI CAKAU: FISHING FOR KABATIA” by Maria Rova Medium: Dyes and resist on silk Size: 50 x 40 cm One of a series of paintings featuring rural Fijian women and their relationship to the reefs on which they and their families depend. ‘Yau Ni Cakau’ translates as ‘Treasures of the Reef’. The ‘kabatia’ or sea bream, is a common ingredient in the diets of coastal villagers. Women are often seen wading waist-deep along the inner edges of a fringe reef, using home-made nets or fishing lines wrapped around empty bottles as their tools of trade. A woven palm-leaf basket slung across the shoulders keeps the precious catch safe, ready to cook over an open fire as the next family meal. © Maria W Rova Sigavou Studios Ltd PO Box 10244, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com

“YAVIRAU” by Maria Rova Medium: Dyes and resist on silk Size: 50 x 40 cm This silk painting features a traditional method of catching fish communally, still practiced occasionally in Fiji's outlying islands. Known as the ‘yavirau', this is a noisy and festive occasion that usually takes place in the lead-up to a big village feast. Both men and women participate in herding reef fish together into an ever-tightening corral formed from palm-leaves, vines, and human bodies. The resulting catch is shared out among all families in the village, with a special portion allotted to the chief.

SIGAVOU - ART FROM WHERE EACH NEW By: Litia Tuiqaqa DAY BEGINS

Maria Rova with one of her many artworks at the studio.

When Maria Rova donned swathes of traditional barkcloth and said “I do” back in September 1989 to Ron Rova from a small village in Taveuni, she never thought that eight years later she would be using the same barkcloth from her wedding dress to create her first Fiji designs, forerunners of a stream of reputable works of art from the company she and her husband would found: Sigavou Studios Limited. Maria, raised in the United States and Europe, recognises that in marrying Ron, she was also “marrying a new culture, an extended family and life in a developing country, with all its ups and downs” – a reality which strongly influences her artwork. The fact that this artist has fallen in love with her adopted homeland is reflected in her paintings. They have a modern, contemporary feel to them, yet are full of references to Fiji’s unique culture and traditions. Sigavou Studios started out as a small, family project creating and selling paintings in 1997. From a kitchen-table operation, Sigavou grew into a registered limited liability in 2003, based in Mountain View, mid-way between Nadi town and Nadi Airport. Unlike other enterprises, there was no business plan to start with. “Launching Sigavou hap-

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pened by accident really,” Maria, now managing director, explains. “I had decided to take a year out from my job as a primary school teacher here in Nadi, so that I could spend more time with my own small children. During this year, the company my husband was working for went through a difficult period, and his pay cheques began to bounce. It was time to think outside the box! The few paint brushes I had brought with me to Fiji suddenly became a life line,” the former school teacher reminisces. “Improvisation is an important survival strategy for any artist working in Fiji, where standard art materials can be hard to come by. I ended up cutting up part of my traditional barkcloth wedding dress to use as canvas for my first few Fiji paintings,” the artist smiles. Several Nadi area gift shops offered to display and sell the brightly coloured work Maria showed them. “I felt like a real newcomer into the art world, so I was amazed when a week after my first delivery, I had my first follow-on order!,” she shares. It soon became obvious that, with large numbers of tourists looking for authentic, locally-made gifts to take home with them, there was a real niche market for contemporary, Fiji-inspired art. It was time to put her teaching profession on hold long term, and live the dream! Sigavou Studios has, over the past fifteen years, become a reputable contact for original paintings on barkcloth and silk, with sculptured murals, mixed media collages, and hand-painted bookmarks and greeting cards adding to their eye-catching range. Referring to the roles of creamy white barkcloth lined up in her studio, Maria explains: “Our family has a direct link to the barkcloth producers of Vatulele, since my husband’s mother is from Ekubu, a small village on that island

which is renowned for the beautiful masi crafted by generation after generation of its women. It is very satisfying to be able, in a small way, to contribute to the economy of this village, and the survival of a traditional craft, by consistently buying barkcloth from our aunts and cousins. And the fact that our local ‘canvas’ is sustainably grown in plantations that renew themselves after each harvest - meaning no rainforests are being cut down - makes this environmentally-friendly product a real joy to work with.”. Realizing that her work was winning more hearts than anticipated, Maria took the plunge and displayed some paintings at the 1999 ANZ Art Exhibition hosted by the Fiji Arts Club. “I didn’t sell anything at this first event, but my artwork caught the eye of some resort developers who attended the exhibition opening, and my first major commission ensued. For any emerging artist, displaying one’s work in public is always a daring step. And then to discover that there are people out there who fall in love with a piece enough to want to take out their cheque books – that is a thrilling boost to one’s confidence,” she beams. Sigavou Studios still maintains the personal touch of a family-run business, with several full time and part time employees assisting with the production of limited edition paintings and barkcloth craft items. “I play a very hands-on role with production, administration, and marketing tasks during the day. I often work after-hours on fresh concepts and feature-paintings that cut new ground, keeping my artistic spirit alive. My husband Ron provides on-going critique and moral support,” the award winning artist explains. . The survival of this small but vibrant company, Maria points out, has a lot to do with the support of her husband,

children, and extended family, as well as her hardworking, loyal staff. “There have been many ups and downs to cope with”, she confides. “The national disasters of recent years, both political and natural, have hit us hard, as our business is closely tied to the fluctuations in Fiji’s tourism industry.”

at least some of our art affordable to those without the fat cheque books. So success can also be about eating humble pie – keeping a delicate balance between understanding and working with market demand, while still being true to yourself as an artist,” offers this straight-shooting mother of three.

As to her secrets to success, Maria mentions determination, a willingness to slog it out and go the extra mile, learning from mistakes, taking pride in high standards, and an approach to living and working that involves open eyes, an open mind, and recognising with each new day that we are sustained by the grace of God, source of all creativity. “I also believe in the principle of giving back to the community – hence our involvement in a range of educational and arts-development projects over the last few years,” Maria shares. “I see art as a tool for nation-building – it has a dynamic role to play as a vehicle for empowerment through income-generation, as a means of strengthening identity in an ever-changing world, and as a positive channel of reaching out and communicating in our fragmented society.”

Vibrant and contemporary, Maria’s art can be seen on the walls of the Sofitel and other local resorts, as well as in numerous corporate and private environments around Fiji and abroad. Sigavou Studios has branded displays at shops run by Jacks of Fiji, who is currently their main buyer. Namana Art Cart at the Outrigger Resort also carries a range of their limited edition paintings. A number of hotels display and sell artwork from Sigavou in their in-house boutiques too. Craft fairs and art exhibitions organised by local NGO’s provide further opportunities for exposure – with Maria’s feature paintings attracting a line-up of awards, both locally and nationally. Referring to the new “Fijian Made, Buy Fijian Made” government initiative, Maria believes this is a step in the right direction. However, she is of the view that to be really effective, the new branding has to go hand in hand with legislation that makes it compulsory for all product sold in local shops to have labels of origin, enabling shoppers to make truly informed choices. Maria also pointed out that it would be great to see the Fijian Made campaign make stickers and other branding material readily available for registered small and medium enterprises to purchase and use at affordable prices.

“On a practical note,” she adds, “we have learned that it is important to create and sell a range of product, with price tags to suit every pocket. From book marks costing just a few saqamoli, to large feature paintings attracting several thousand dollars – there is something for everyone at Sigavou Studios.” “It’s every artist’s dream to sit in their studio and simply paint cutting edge art for art’s sake. However, selling enough big feature pieces to secure the steady income needed to raise a family is very challenging – unless you are lucky enough to achieve international acclaim early on in your career! We have found that creating smaller, more affordable paintings alongside the big ones not only keeps sales ticking over; I like the democratic aspect of keeping

When it comes to the development and support of creative industries in Fiji, Maria is full of ideas. “More needs to be done in terms

of raising awareness about copyright issues so that local artists can benefit fully from the rights they own to their creative works, even after the original is sold,” she explains. “On a different note, legislation requiring developers of tourism plants and other public buildings to tender their interior décor projects to local artists would greatly assist in giving Fiji artists an edge,” she points out. “In our experience, once you have a foot through the door, with artwork hanging in public places, new orders and other commissions follow. It’s a win-win situation as both locals and visitors respond enthusiastically to the authentic feel of local art. The old argument about lack of choice and quality really does not hold water anymore – there are a good number of Fijian artists doing amazing work these days!” “Painting is a wonderful way of expressing my love of life and respect for Fiji’s uniqueness” Maria reflects. “In the fast-paced life of the 21st century, it is easy to become oblivious to the beauty hidden in our surroundings. My artwork seeks to rekindle in my own soul a sense of wonder - in the ordinary as well as the exotic – and I hope it does the same for my viewers.” With Sigavou Studios making its mark as a birthplace of new ideas, Fijian art lovers can certainly anticipate more exciting works in the foreseeable future.

The motivating force behind the Sigavou Studios-Rova Family.

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Maria Rova Sigavou Studios Ltd PO Box NMK218, Nadi, Fiji Islands Tel: +679 672 0717 Cell: +679 935 0421 sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com