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Sigavou
Studios |
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| PAINTINGS ON HAND-MADE PAPER: A PACIFIC TRADITION |
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ROOMS
IN THE BARKCLOTH GALLERY: |
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 Masi fibres, magnified: The finished product is made of several such layers felted together. |
Barkcloth, or 'masi', as it is known in Fijian, is a uniquely Pacific tradition. It is a cream-colored, fiberous paper made by island women from the bark of tropical mulberry trees. The masi we paint on comes from the small island of Vatulele in southern Fiji, home to my husband's family on his mother's side. 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 process of masi-making is an environmentally friendly one - the trees are grown in sustainable plantations which are constantly renewed. Each piece of barkcloth goes through a laborious process of beating, soaking, and drying. Production involves sea water, sun, and sweat - no chemicals! For more details on masi-making, check out our "VISIT THE STUDIO" page... |
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| SIGAVOU STUDIOS has pioneered a new approach to the use of this traditional material. The results of our experimentations can be seen in the rooms of this gallery, as shown below. All artwork displayed is available for purchase as hand-painted limited edition originals. | ||
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One of our larger
barkcloth works: |
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ROOMS
IN THIS GALLERY: © SIGAVOU
STUDIOS |
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