Join me for a 4 day Creative Journey in April exploring Hawaiian Palm Fiber Art in my private studio in Kealakekua on Hawaii island.
Monday, March 31st thru Friday, April 4th
Book now as space is limited to the first 4 participants!
Why learn from me? I've been playing in palm fiber for over 25 years, and have devoted the last 15+ years to honing my skills and craft. It is a unique art form and I've won awards in and out of Hawaii state, had solo shows, shown in exhibitions and galleries, and am grateful to be in collections around the world.
I enjoy a hands on approach from start to finish and my relationship with natural materials has deepened and expanded with time. I have created everything from baskets to giant stand alone sculptures, from every day use items to costumes for the runway, from inspirational vessels to Resting Vessels (for cremains). I have been asked to teach for years, and am finally ready to share my joy and skills with those desiring to learn.
YOU DO NOT NEED TO HAVE ANY SPECIAL SKILLS, NOR EVEN CONSIDER YOURSELF TO BE ARTISTIC OR CRAFTY.
The desire to create is inside you, we will just be opening that door and seeing who and what wants to come out.
This type of workshop is for the individual who is looking for a multi day personal creative experience while while weaving in a connection to the natural world, on Hawaii Island. It will include a day between (to allow for drying) that could include a different experience, free time or come back to the studio to play some more. Proprietary techniques will be shared, therefore this workshop is not designed for those desiring to learn for business purposes. It is designed for those who wish to explore their own creative journey, make items for themselves and experience the joy in working with natural materials and I look forward to sharing that joy with others.
Tuition is $1,200 (includes all materials and lunches)
Day 1: Monday, March 31st - 8:30 am til 4 pm
Day 2: Tuesday, April 1st - 8:30 am til 4 pm
Optional Day between days 2 and 3
Day 3: Thursday, April 3rd - 8:30 am til 4 pm
Day 4: Friday, April 4th - 9 am til noon
and Exhibit from 2pm to 5 pm
The Details
Spend a magical and creative 4 days learning with me first hand at my private art studio in mauka Kealakekua on the beautiful Kona coast of Hawaii's big island. You will receive individual attention and go home with at least two (or more) of your own creations. This workshop runs rain or shine. Hawaii is a dynamic environment and being in nature is a part of the process. and experience.
Day One - We will meet at my studio and get to know each other over coffee and muffins. You will see in person and up close examples of the styles we will be covering. We will set off on a gathering adventure and I will take you to one of my favorite (private) harvesting areas, up in higher mauka (mountain) elevations of Kona, where you will learn what to look for, how to identify different palms and harvest sheaths and other plant fibers. Then it's back to the studio for lunch in the private courtyard. Afterwards I will share my presentation on the history of the palm sheath in the islands, and uses throughout the world, along with a slide show of inspirational pieces. Then it's in to the studio to learn how to choose your sheaths, and learn how to prepare the fiber, and by having your hands on the fiber, you will begin to get ideas on what you want to create.
Day Two - We will meet at the studio for a full day on site. You will learn how to clean the material and gain knowledge about how the fibers bend and what shape a particular variety is willing to become. We will begin the proprietary steps necessary to manipulate and sculpt the fiber into its new shapes. You will learn 2 different forms, 1) the basket and 2) the standing vessel. Time permitting, we may touch on other forms.
You will learn how to hand stitch your pieces with a special needle (that you can take home) with different types of binding materials. Catered lunch (from the organic garden below the studio) will be served in the private courtyard. Some of your pieces will begin the drying process and you may begin to contemplate embellishment ideas for your vessels.
The Off Day - this is the day we hope is sunny and all our pieces dry well enough to proceed the next day. I will be monitoring their drying process and you can take this day to explore the Big Island or hit the beach if you would like to. Other included options would be to join me in the studio to participate in the drying process, or more time to make. Or experiment with some fun mark making on paper techniques to use the next day.
Day Three - Today is the day you begin to meet your piece. You will learn how to decide who they are and what message they want to share with you. You will learn how to create embellishments for your pieces, including how to make uniquely marked papers, and use natural or repurposed elements. *You are ENCOURAGED to bring something special from home (a piece of jewelry, beads to incorporate, special paper, meaningful verse or song lyrics, a favorite stone, branch or other gift from the earth. I will have other things to choose from as well.
This can be a deeply introspective day and your piece may change entirely from what you originally thought. You will learn to affix your embellishments in a permanent way and add finishing touches. You will write out their Birth Certificates and may be able to apply a finish depending on weather and time. Another lovely lunch in the courtyard.
Day Four - This is an optional day. Open studio time in the morning to apply finishes, or any other last minute details. We will then create a beautiful "Pau Hana" (finished work) exhibit of our completed pieces and enjoy sharing them with friends and family, along with pupus (appetizers), libations and refreshments. A short closing ceremony to bind us together in gratitude with our shared experiences throughout the week, sharing stories and insights with each other and our guests.
The studio can only accommodate 4 people so book now to secure your place. Class payment must be paid in full.
Class fee of $1200 includes:
- All supplies and materials needed
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4 days of personalized instruction in my own studio with one of those days learning hands on about harvesting (transportation from studio is included).
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4 lunches during full workshop days, coffee, tea and muffins each morning.
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Refreshments and snacks during workshop days
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Exhibit of completed pieces (optional) along with pupus (appetizers and refreshments) with guest(s).
- And the Creative Journey Continues... with access to a private Facebook group where you can ask questions, and continue your personal expression in palm fiber and be part of a tribe of fellow graduates of my unique class.
- Also this workshop week is a prerequisite to other palm fiber classes such as handled baskets or the Australian Aboriginal Water Carrying Basket.