ART FROM SIGAVOU: SILK & BARK COLLECTION by Sigavou Studios

SILK ART FROM SIGAVOU

SILK & BARK COLLECTION

SILK & BARK ART FROM SIGAVOU

Fiji is a place of joyful colors – our market places, reefs, and tropical gardens are bursting with brilliant hues! For award-winning Fiji artist Maria Rova, painting with dyes on pure white silk is her way of celebrating the vibrant palette of our tropical island home—and sharing her love of Fiji’s natural beauty and rich living culture with the world. Our Silk & Bark collection blends the ancient Fijian tradition of handcrafted barkcloth with the lively, contemporary colors of Maria’s silk art. It is the juxtaposition of the roughly textured barkcloth and the smooth silk with its eye-catching colour-blends, edged in finely drawn golden, silver, or copper lines, that gives each painting in our Silk & Bark range it’s unique and lasting quality. The designs in this collection are painted by hand in signed and numbered limited editions. They are presented ready to frame, mounted on black card and encased in clear cellophane. Each painting comes with it’s own signed Certificate of Authenticity.

Turtles symbolize good fortune and wisdom in traditional Fijian legends. This one has been hand-painted on pure silk, using dyes and gutta resist. The speckled effect around the edge of the painting comes from sprinkling salt on to the dye while it is still wet. “Vonu Lailai” (Little Turtle) has been mounted in barkcloth, a hand-made paper produced by village women on the remote Fijian island of Vatulele. Size: 20 x 25 cm (unframed) Medium: Dyes and resist on silk Matt: Traditional Fijian barkcloth Recommended frame: 10 x 13 inches Code: SB.VL-XE SIGAVOU STUDIOS PO Box 10244. Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com

“VONU LAILAI” by Maria Rova

This silk paintings, mounted in hand-made barkcloth, can be displayed individually, or with its partner, “Fiji Musing II”. The motifs for this series were collected during many a sun-filled day spent around Fiji’s beaches and reefs, and on quiet walks through damp rain forests further inland. The resulting collection of images represents aspects of life in Fiji that keep me falling in love with this country, over and over again! Size: 20 x 25 cm (unframed) Medium: Dyes and resist on silk Matt: Traditional Fijian barkcloth Recommended frame: 10 x 13 inches Code: SB.FM1_XE SIGAVOU STUDIOS PO Box 10244. Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com

“FIJI MUSING I” by Maria Rova

Being able to live in the moment - soaking in the beauty to be found in the smallest detail of the world around us - is a gift that is often so elusive in our fast-paced, goal-oriented world. My “Fiji Musing” series is an expression of my gratitude for the simple pleasures of island life. Size: 20 x 25 cm (unframed) Medium: Dyes and resist on silk Matt: Traditional Fijian barkcloth Recommended frame: 10 x 13 inches Code: SB.FM2-XE SIGAVOU STUDIOS PO Box 10244. Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com

“FIJI MUSING II” by Maria Rova

Hand-painted on pure silk, using dyes and resist, with a mount made from traditional Fijian barkcloth. A windy afternoon at one of my favorite Fiji beaches was the inspiration for this piece. The shimmering tropical sun created an interesting play of light and shadow, with cool lagoons beckoning beyond — time for a carefree swim! Size: 20 x 25 cm (unframed) Medium: Dyes and resist on silk Matt: Traditional Fijian barkcloth Recommended frame: 10 x 13 inches Code: SB.TA- XE SIGAVOU STUDIOS PO Box 10244. Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com

“TROPICAL AFTERNOON” by Maria Rova

This painting represents the feeling of tranquility that breathes life back into my tired soul when I turn off my computer, switch off my phone, and head out to a palm-fringed lagoon off the beaten track, where we can bathe and beachcomb, at one with nature. Size: 20 x 25 cm (unframed) Medium: Dyes and resist on silk Matt: Traditional Fijian barkcloth Recommended frame: 10 x 13 inches Code: SB.PN2-XE

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

“PACIFIC NAUTILUS II” by Maria Rova

Fiji’s reefs are home to at least twenty-seven species of butterfly fish. The Raccoon Butterflyfish, (Chaetodon lunula), painted here, is one of my favorites. With their distinctive face ‘masks’, reminiscent of their mammalian namesakes, raccoon butterfly fish can often be seen swimming around coral formations, scouting for their next meal of coral polyps or small invertebrates. Size: 20 x 25 cm (unframed) Medium: Dyes and resist on silk Matt: Traditional Fijian barkcloth Recommended frame: 10 x 13 inches Code: SB.ID-XE

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

“IKA DRUA” by Maria Rova

A flash of iridescent colour against the sunset sky: a pair of collared lories swoops down to rest on the limb of an old rain tree… Known to Fijians as Kula Ni Viti, these small, playful parrots still visit our garden now and then, though they are more common in areas where the forests are denser. In times gone by, Kula were sold in great numbers to Tongans and Samoans who used the feathers for decoration. Size: 20 x 25 cm (unframed) Medium: Dyes and resist on silk Matt: Traditional Fijian barkcloth Recommended frame: 10 x 13 inches Code: SB.KV-XE SIGAVOU STUDIOS PO Box 10244. Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com

“KULA NI VITI” by Maria Rova

The traditional way of life of the iTaukei, the indigenous people of Fiji, is closely bound to the sea. Each tribal community along coastal areas has its ancient ‘Qoliqoli’ or traditional fishing grounds. Men tend to dive for fish in deeper, offshore areas using spears, while the lagoons inside fringe reefs are generally the women’s domain. In times gone by, nets woven from plant fibres were common — now most women fish with nylon string wrapped around an empty drink bottle, standing waist deep in the warm sea. Size: 20 x 25 cm (unframed) Medium: Dyes and resist on silk in a matt made from barkcloth Recommended frame: 10 x 13 inches Code: SB.TC-XE SIGAVOU STUDIOS PO Box 10244. Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com

“TRIPLE CATCH” by Maria Rova

Echoing the misty greens and vibrant colours of a Fijian garden, this painting features my favorite tropical flower. There are about 40 different species of Heliconia to be found in tropical gardens and rainforests worldwide. A relative of the banana family, heliconias are sometimes called “crab claws” or “parrot flowers” because of the brightly-coloured, beak-like bracts that enclose tiny flowers. Size: 20 x 25 cm (unframed) Medium: Dyes and resist on silk Matt: Traditional Fijian barkcloth Recommended frame: 10 x 13 inches Code: SB.HH-XE

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

“HANGING HELICONIA” by Maria Rova

Colourful hibiscus flowers brighten up the entrance to many a thatched roof cottage in villages throughout Fiji. This hardy plant’s blooming cycle follows the turning earth: new blossoms open daily, lasting until sunset when they wilt to give way to the next morning’s generation! However, there is more than beauty to the hibiscus: the juice of it’s crushed leaves is used in traditional Fijian medicine to sooth stomach ache and facilitate childbirth. Size: 20 x 25 cm (unframed)

Medium: Dyes and resist on silk Matt: Traditional Fijian barkcloth Recommended frame: 10 x 13 inches Code: SB.SE1-XE SIGAVOU STUDIOS PO Box 10244. Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com

“SENITOA I” by Maria Rova

Hand-painted on silk using dyes and metallic gold resist, with a contrasting traditional barkcloth mount. 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: 20 x 25 cm (unframed) Medium: Dyes and resist on silk Matt: Traditional Fijian barkcloth Recommended frame: 10 x 13 inches

Code: SB.DS-XE SIGAVOU STUDIOS PO Box 10244. Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com

“DAMSELS ON SILK” by Maria Rova

There is mystery surrounding Fiji's Crested and Banded Iguanas. Their closest relatives live in the jungles of South America. How did their ancestors first arrive on our shores? Could they, or their eggs, have floated across the Pacific on rafts of vegetation? Fiji’s current iguana population is now endangered by imported predators and deforestation. The survival of our igaunas has become symbolic as nature-lovers work to protect Fiji’s unique fauna and flora. Size: 20 x 25 cm (unframed) Medium: Dyes and resist on silk Matt: Traditional Fijian barkcloth Recommended frame: 10 x 13 inches

Code: SB.PI- XE SIGAVOU STUDIOS PO Box 10244. Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com

“PACIFIC IGUANA” by Maria Rova

The davui, or conch shell, holds a significant place in traditional Fijian culture. A hole is bored at the pointed end, turning the shell into a wind instrument that creates an eerie moaning sound when blown by mourners during chiefly burial ceremonies. A conch trumpet is also used to call villagers together for other important meetings. Prized possessions in many a household, the harvesting of conch is not to be encouraged: They are one of the few natural enemies of the crown of thorn starfish which is decimating some of Fiji’s reefs. Size: 20 x 25 cm (unframed) Medium: Dyes and resist on silk Matt: Dyed barkcloth Recommended frame: 10 x 13 inches Code: SB.DA-XE SIGAVOU STUDIOS PO Box 10244. Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com

“DAVUI I” by Maria Rova

One of our most sought-after paintings, this artwork combines roughly textured Fijian barkcloth and the smooth, finished look of pure silk. The whorl-shaped structures formed by mollusks such as the nautilus represent some of natures most remarkable architecture. A tentacled head extends from the shell of the living nautilus, which, since it can’t retract fully into its shell like most other mollusks, makes for dangerous living! Size: 20 x 25 cm (unframed) Medium: Dyes and resist on silk Matt: Dyed barkcloth Recommended frame: 10 x 13 inches Code: SB.PN3-XE SIGAVOU STUDIOS PO Box 10244. Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com

“PACIFIC NAUTILUS III” by Maria Rova

A painting to take you away from the heat and stress of life in the fast lane, and back to the cool peacefulness of Fiji’s beautiful reefs! I like framing my silk art in mounts made from traditional Fijian barkcloth (masi). The smooth, refined quality of the silk contrasts well with the rough, hand-made nature of the masi. This painting is part of a series depicting the amazing diversity of our marine environment. Size: 20 x 25 cm (unframed) Medium: Dyes and resist on silk Matt: Traditional Fijian barkcloth Recommended frame: 10 x 13 inches Code: SB.MM1-XE SIGAVOU STUDIOS PO Box 10244. Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com

“MARINE MOTIFS I” by Maria Rova

This painting reflects the joy I have felt when exploring Fiji’s reefs together with my children. Sharing with them an amazement over the unexpected colours and weird life forms, completely immersed in our exploration of an underwater world full of surprises, has been one of life’s very special experiences for me! Size: 20 x 25 cm (unframed) Medium: Dyes and resist on silk Matt: Traditional Fijian barkcloth Recommended frame: 10 x 13 inches Code: SB.MM3-XE SIGAVOU STUDIOS PO Box 10244. Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com

“MARINE MOTIFS III” by Maria Rova

Turtles are revered in island legends as symbols of wisdom and blessing: When a turtle swims into the lagoon near to our family’s village, it is welcomed as a good omen and everyone is happy. Several species of sea turtles visit Fiji’s warm waters to breed as they journey through the Pacific Ocean along ancient migratory paths. In some outlying islands, turtle-calling traditions are still practiced, with turtles surfacing in response to ancient chants. Size: 20 x 34 cm (unframed) Medium: Dyes and resist on silk Matt: Traditional Fijian barkcloth Recommended frame: 12 x 16 inches

Code: SB.VW-XF SIGAVOU STUDIOS PO Box 10244. Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com

“VONU NI WAITUI” by Maria Rova

There is a beautiful garden on a mountainside near our home where hundreds of orchids grow—a veritable feast for the eyes when blooming season arrives. I have spent several blissful afternoons wandering through the banks of orchids, camera and sketch book in hand. Green and red parrots flying overhead have added to the inspiring magic of this tropical retreat. Size: 20 x 34 cm (unframed) Medium: Dyes and resist on silk Matt: Traditional Fijian barkcloth Recommended frame: 12 x 16 inches Price Code: SB.TF-XF SIGAVOU STUDIOS PO Box 10244. Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com

“TROPICAL FIRE” by Maria Rova

A native of South Africa, the “Bird of Paradise” plant (Strelitzia reginae) is a member of Musaceae or the banana family. Its regal flowers can now be seen in gardens throughout the tropics, including Fiji. The uniquely shaped blossoms rise above leathery, paddle-shaped leaves like exotic birds basking in the sun. Size: 32 x 25 cm (unframed) Medium: Dyes and resist on silk Matt: Traditional Fijian barkcloth Recommended frame: 12 x 16 inches Code: SB.BP1- XF SIGAVOU STUDIOS PO Box 10244. Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com

“BIRD OF PARADISE I” by Maria Rova

A stand of ornamental bananas (Musa ornate) can give even the simplest of gardens and exotic aura. One of over 50 species in the Banana family, this beautiful plant is native to south-east Asia, but flourishes in Fiji’s moist, tropical climate too. Discovering this plant in a near-by garden, with its cheerful pink fruit and strangely-shaped blossoms, was a ‘must-paint’ experience for me! Size: 32 x 25 cm (unframed) Medium: Dyes and resist on silk Matt: Traditional Fijian barkcloth Recommended frame: 12 x 16 inches

Code: SB.OB-XF SIGAVOU STUDIOS PO Box 10244. Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands sigavou@connect.com.fj www.art-sigavou.com

“ORNAMENTAL BANANAS” by Maria 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 childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.

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