WARRIORS:

I have always been fascinated with the Hawaiian warrior helmet that is called “makaki’i” or “makini”, made out of gourd masks and feathers. These were worn by some priests during various ceremonies and also by ocean canoe paddlers. The warriors depicted in this piece were members of a warrior society called makini and were responsible with the protection of their high chief. They traversed the intimidating waters of the vast Pacific with little more than the stars with which to navigate.

ARIZONA ALOHA FESTIVAL

Here's a sneak peek of our booth in the Arizona Aloha Festival. Look for us in the upcoming events. On April 10, we will be in Salt Lake City celebrating with J Boog and many other talented Polynesian bands at the Gallivan Center. The fun starts at noon and will go to 6 pm before the real party begins. Come check us out!

TAUPOU:

The taupou is a representation of the rank and status of the female within the Samoan culture. She is a virgin from the lineage of a high-ranking chief within her village. She is greatly regarded amongst villagers, visibly respected by her peers and her hand is highly sought after by suitors of rank. The grace, power, elegance and prestige of the taupou in the ceremonial affairs of her village make her a person of esteem who is cherished amongst those who understand and revere her function. The “tuiga” (headdress) is the ancient symbol of her heritage and is worn when performing her duties of state. Her delicate hands mix the pungent ‘ava root in the ’ava ceremony of which her presence is considered to be the centerpiece.

TOA MAORI:

This ferocity, power, agility and the majestic qualities of a “Toa” Maori (brave man), stands as a testament to the warrior nature and abilities of the people of Aotearoa (New Zealand). Dominant in hand-to-hand combat and menacing in their pre and post-war rituals, the toa Maori is a symbol of bravery and their undying devotion to “whanau” (family), “iwi” (tribe) and “whenua” (land). His tattooed face is a sign of his intense loyalty and proud warrior heritage. Warrior societies were a common and feared segment of Polynesia and were relied upon to protect their people, a calling in which the warrior embraced with passion and zeal.

LAUMEI:

This piece was inspired by the grace and dignity of the majestic “laumei” (turtle in Samoan). Our ancestors tell stories of traveling from island to island on the backs of these impressive reptiles. In Polynesia, the turtle is often revered as a symbol of strength, virility and everlasting life. It is believed that the spirits of our ancestors live on in the turtle and therefore hold a spiritual significance in our cultures. This piece symbolizes our deference to this beautiful creature. It embodies the symbiotic relationship between Polynesian heritage and nature. The motifs of the different islands characterize the journey we take together on the backs of our ancestors as we advance toward the future.

ROOTS:

This piece is my personal interpretation of the Tree of Life and represents my own desire to delve deeper into my spirituality and understand my cultural roots. In this depiction of a sacred vision, a banyan tree, deeply rooted and standing firm in God, feeds the branches of our Polynesian heritage. It speaks of the importance of relying on our ancestral past, cultivated and pruned by God, in order to live and grow in present and future.

THE JOURNEY

Our journey begins as we recently launched our collection to the public in the Arizona Aloha Festival located in Tempe on March 14 & 15. It was a huge success! The feedback was great. The experience was amazing and you just had to be there. And best of all, to know that our artwork touched many people's lives in so many different ways was priceless. We are so excited for the response and are even more excited to show our future work. We are looking forward to going back to Arizona next year for another successful show. Being it was our first show ever, our vendor friends were so nice to showing us the ropes. We were educated on the do's and dont's and some helpful tips as a vendor. We thank all of you for your kind gestures and aloha.

VAOPELE FINE ART

Talofa and welcome to our blog. This blog discusses and announces different events for Vaopele Fine Art. We create and sell limited edition prints of Polynesian artworks.

The Polynesian Fine Arts Collection is a line of limited edition prints by artist Vaopele Tiatia to share, educate, and preserve a rich culture slowly disintegrating.

We are modern-day story tellers creating eye-catching and moving art that communicates the traditions of our past.

Our future depends on knowing and embracing our ancestor’s legacy, adapting to today’s society and applying this knowledge and gift as we determine our destiny.

TAHITI:
Tahiti is known for its hypnotic precise drumming made with “toere” sticks (tapered hardwood sticks) made of ironwood on the “toere” (Tahitian wood drum) usually made of milo wood. The numerous pulsating beats are mastered over a lifetime as the symphony of drums tantalizes the body in movement.

FIJI:

The “meke” is a traditional Fijian dance performed by males that enacts local stories and events and is my personal favorite dance of all the cultures. The “gata” (snake) club was the most widely used by Fijian warriors and was designed to cut and snap through bone. The club was their most cherished personal possession. Designed for specific purposes, there are approximately 30 different types of clubs. The distinctive Fijian patterns of pride represented in this piece are strong, clean and simple resembling the foundation of the people of Fiji.

TONGA:

This piece is my rendition of the Kingdom of Tonga’s coat of arms. At the center is the cross, representing the centerpiece of life in Tonga, which is founded on God. The crown and palm fronds are a tribute to Tonga’s reigning monarch and royalty. Today, the Kingdom of Tonga is one of the last known monarchy in the Pacific. The inscription on the seal, “Ko E Otua Mo Tonga Ko Hoku Tofi’a” translates to “God and Tonga are my inheritance.” The sun pattern of this artwork is symbolic of Tonga’s pride in their kingdom radiating outward towards those who are willing to embrace it.

HAWAI'I

Ancient Hawai'ians used the 'ipu heke in ceremonial chants and hulas. When pounded on the ground together with the heel of your hands, the 'ipu heke produces a hollow drumming sound that resonates the rhythm and tempo throughout ones soul. The checkered designs frame the 'ipu heke and is accented by plumeria or frangipani. It is a fragrant, yet elegant flower that is synonymous with Polynesia.