BARKCLOTH ART FROM SIGAVOU
SEA & SHORE 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.
SEA & SHORE COLLECTION
Silhouetted against the glowing evening sky, a reef heron waits patiently for a final minnow before flapping lazily home to its nocturnal roost. Fiji’s Coral Coast is a wonderful place to watch the setting sun change sea and shoreline into a vista of silver and gold. Size: 19 x 12.5 cm (unframed) Medium: Acrylics on dyed barkcloth Recommended frame: 8 x 10 inches Code: SS.CS-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.
“CORAL COAST SUNSET” by Maria Rova
SEA & SHORE COLLECTION
Guided by ocean currents, celestial light, and ancient memories, several varieties of sea turtle visit Fiji’s warm tropical waters to nest on sun-soaked beaches during their annual migration through the Pacific Ocean. Now listed as endangered species, these iconic ocean-dwellers feature in Pacific legends as symbols of wisdom and good fortune. Size: 22 x 13 cm (unframed) Medium: Acrylics on dyed barkcloth Recommended frame: 8 x 12 inches Code: SS.VD2-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.
“VONU DRUA II” by Maria Rova
SEA & SHORE COLLECTION
Created with a series of stencils, using using sponging, brushing, and drawing techniques, this design features sand from our local beach. The Freckled Hawkfish pictured here adds a dash of color to reefs throughout the Indo-Pacific region. It derives its name from its habit of ‘perching’ on coral or rock outcrops, apparently surveying the scene. The ‘freckles’ on its face are characteristic of this exquisite species. Size: 22 x 13 cm (unframed) Medium: Acrylics and sand on dyed barkcloth Recommended frame: 8 x 12 inches Code: SS.FH-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.
“FRECKLED HAWKFISH” by Maria Rova
SEA & SHORE COLLECTION
These remarkable sea creatures have some especially fascinating habits. As a working mother, I was delighted to find out that male seahorse actually participate in the birth of their offspring! Males 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: 22 x 13 cm (unframed) Medium: Acrylics on traditional Fijian barkcloth Recommended frame: 8 x 12 inches Code: SS.GS-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.
“GOLDEN SEAHORSE” by Maria Rova
SEA & SHORE COLLECTION
After two months inside an egg, buried in warm, tropical sands, baby Hawksbill turtles hatch at night. The reflection of the moon on the water provides a primeval beacon that draws the newcomers toward the ocean, where they start their lives as solo migrators, feeding primarily on sea sponges. Hawksbill turtles, a critically endangered species, use several of Fiji’s beaches as nesting grounds.
Size: 18 x 14.5 cm (unframed) Medium: Acrylics and sand on dyed barkcloth Recommended frame: 8 x 10 inches
Code: SS. LH-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.
“LITTLE HAWKSBILL” by Maria Rova
SEA & SHORE COLLECTION
Fiji’s reefs are teaming with numerous species of butterfly fish. Among my favorites are raccoon butterfly fish, (Chaetodon lunula), pictured here gliding leisurely past sprigs of scarlet sea fan. Another reef favorite is the eye-catching blue starfish(Linckia laevigata). These beautiful echinoderms continue to inspire my art, both because of their intense color, and their smooth, five-pointed symmetry. Size: 23 x 23 cm (unframed) Medium: Acrylics on traditional Fijian barkcloth Recommended frame: 12 x 12 inches Code: SS.BS-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.
“BUTTERFLIES AND STARS ” by Maria Rova
SEA & SHORE COLLECTION
The rhythmic designs and earthy tones of this little painting reflect the unique qualities of indigenous Fijian art. Today, as in the past, traditional artists use tree sap, clay from certain river banks, and crushed charcoal to obtain the dyes used in their paintings. The geometric patterns typical of ancient barkcloth prints gave rise to the idea of “Ga Ni Viti” Size: 18 x 11 cm (unframed) Medium: Acrylics and pigment pen on dyed barkcloth Recommended frame: 8 x 10 inches Code: SS.GV-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.
“GA NI VITI” by Maria Rova
SEA & SHORE COLLECTION
Sea turtles are perceived to bring blessings from ancestral sea gods in ancient Fijian culture. 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: SS.PV2-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 II” by Maria Rova
SEA & SHORE COLLECTION
Humbug Damsels (Dascyllus aruanus) often swim in close-knit schools around coral formations. Should danger threaten, the whole shoal seems to turn in beautifully synchronized movement, disappearing into cracks and crannies within the coral. These black and white dance troupes are a familiar sight in Fiji’s underwater world. Size: 22 x 18 cm (unframed) Medium: Acrylics and pigment pen on dyed barkcloth Recommended frame: 10 x 13 inches Code: SS.HD3-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.
“HUMBUG DAMSELS III” by Maria Rova
SEA & SHORE COLLECTION
For the uninitiated, Fiji is a place full of surprises. Snorkeling over a tropical reef for the first time, I was delighted by one unexpected sight after the other: fish of all shapes and sizes, with the most amazing patterns and colors! “Tropical Tang” is a fanciful response to meeting a Zebrasoma flavescens - one of the more eye-catching members of Fiji’s coral reef community. Size: 22 x 18 cm (unframed) Medium: Acrylics on traditional Fijian barkcloth Recommended frame: 10 x 13 inches Code: SS.TT-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.
“TROPICAL TANG” by Maria Rova
SEA & SHORE COLLECTION
The Storm Petrels that inspired this painting are a migratory species, passing through the Fiji group during summer months. Except for when they are nesting in coastal cliffs, they live out at sea, scooping up take-away meals of crustaceans and small fish from the ocean’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 dyed barkcloth Recommended frame: 8 x 10 inches Code: SS.SB1-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 I” by Maria Rova
SEA & SHORE COLLECTION
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. Size: 22 x 15 cm (unframed) Medium: Acrylics on dyed barkcloth Recommended frame: 8 x 10 inches Code: SS.TT4-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.
“TURTLE TRIO IV” by Maria Rova
SEA & SHORE COLLECTION
‘Davodavo Ni Qio’, the Fijian word for starfish, translates literally as ‘shark’s pillow’ ! The name has its roots in ancient local legends about sea-life. Fiji’s tropical reefs are home to starfish of various shapes and colors. They add a magical touch to Fiji’s underwater wonder-world! Size: 18 x 14.5 cm (unframed) Medium: Acrylics on traditional Fijian barkcloth Recommended frame: 8 x 10 inches Code: SS.DQ-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.
“DAVODAVO NI QIO II” by Maria Rova
SEA & SHORE COLLECTION
The earth tones and geometric patterns woven into this design echo those of traditional Fijian barkcloth art. Turtles are revered in island legends as symbols of wisdom and blessing. Though their numbers have been dwindling, greenback, hawksbill, and leatherback turtles still visit Fiji’s beaches to breed as they journey through the Pacific Ocean along ancient migratory paths.
Size: 18 x 14.5 cm (unframed) Medium: Acrylics on dyed barkcloth Recommended frame: 8 x 10 inches Code: SS.VV3-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.
“VONU NI VITI III” by Maria Rova
SEA & SHORE COLLECTION
This painting was inspired by the brightly colored Squirrelfish that inhabit Fiji’s tropical reefs. As with many of my designs, I have woven an element of the rhythmic geometric patterns of ancient Fijian barkcloth art into my portrayal of this cheerful little fish. Size: 18 x 14.5 cm (unframed) Medium: Acrylics on traditional Fijian barkcloth Recommended frame: 8 x 10 inches Code: SS.GF-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.
“GOLDEN FISH” by Maria Rova
SEA & SHORE COLLECTION
The spines of the living Venus Comb Murex permit it to crawl on the sand around the reef without being swept away by ocean currents. This painting is part of our “Golden Shell” range, depicting some of the fascinating shells that a lucky beachcomber may find while wandering along the palm-fringed shores of Fiji. Size: 18 x 14.5 cm (unframed) Medium: Acrylics on traditional Fijian barkcloth Recommended frame: 8 x 10 inches Code: SS.VC2-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.
“GOLDEN VENUS COMB II” by Maria Rova
SEA & SHORE COLLECTION
This painting is part of our “Golden Shell” range, depicting some of the fascinating shells that a lucky beachcomber may find while wandering along the palm-fringed shores of Fiji. The nautilus shell, with its spiraling architecture and jagged stripes, is perhaps especially symbolic of the beauty of wildlife in the Pacific Ocean.
Size: 18 x 14.5 cm (unframed) Medium: Acrylics on traditional Fijian barkcloth Recommended frame: 8 x 10 inches Code: SS.NS2-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.
“GOLDEN NAUTILUS SHELL II” by Maria Rova
SEA & SHORE COLLECTION
Empty vivili shells can often be found on the beaches near coastal villages in Fiji , since locals are fond of collecting vivili as a seafood delicacy! Cooked in coconut milk and eaten with lemon and chilies, a serve of vivili is definitely worth a try! This painting is part of our “Golden Shell” range, inspired by the fascinating variety of shells that my children and I invariably collect as we wander along our favorite beaches. Size: 18 x 14.5 cm (unframed) Medium: Acrylics on traditional Fijian barkcloth Recommended frame: 8 x 10 inches Code: SS.VS2-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.
“GOLDEN VIVILI SHELL II” by Maria Rova
SEA & SHORE COLLECTION
Each beach in Fiji seems to have it’s own variety of shells, washed up on to the shore according to season and storm. The scallop shell, with its simple curves and symmetrical beauty, can be found in a range of colors. This painting is part of our “Golden Shell” range, depicting some of the fascinating treasures that a lucky beachcomber may find on Fiji’s palm-fringed shores. Size: 18 x 14.5 cm (unframed) Medium: Acrylics on traditional Fijian barkcloth Recommended frame: 8 x 10 inches Price Code: SS.SS2-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.
“GOLDEN SCALLOP SHELL II” by Maria Rova
SEA & SHORE COLLECTION
The inspiration for the design came from a snorkeling trip to reefs near the remote Yasawa islands of western Fiji. The seas around these outlying islands are still pristine, with abundant marine life. As a novice snorkeler, I was astounded by the amazing variety of fish in all shapes and sizes, giving me the feeling that there is no limit to the imagination when it comes to designing reef fish! Size: 50 x 25 cm (unframed) Medium: Acrylics on traditional Fijian barkcloth Recommended frame: 13.5 x 23.5 inches Code:
SS.IC3-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.
“IKA NI CAKAU III” by Maria Rova
SEA & SHORE COLLECTION
‘Vonu Ni Cakau’ means ‘Turtles of the Reef’ in Fijian. Turtles are revered in island legends as symbols of wisdom and blessing. The patterns on the backs of these turtles echo the geometric designs of traditional Fijian masi art. Though their numbers have been dwindling, greenback, hawksbill, and leatherback turtles still visit Fiji’s warm waters and nesting beaches as they journey through the Pacific Ocean along ancient migratory paths. This painting celebrates their annual return. Size: 50 x 25 cm (unframed) Medium: Acrylics on traditional Fijian barkcloth Recommended frame: 13.5 x 23.5 inches Code: SS.VC1-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 I” 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 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