Post #329680 by bigbrotiki on Sun, Sep 2, 2007 8:47 AM

Yes, thanks to Pablus for holding the "missionary of classic Tiki" post in this last Poly pop refuge, while the natives are trying to subdue his resolve with voodoo potions designed to knock the strongest believer of his high bar stool! Hold on to the bamboo, big guy, the spirit(s) of Tiki is protecting you.:D

Though I doubt that Will is up to re-casting what he has already done, but I believe that Benzart is an elder here that has seen the Tiki generations come and go and would be totally happy and qualified to lend his experienced eye and advice to the proceedings.

I myself would gladly volunteer to find the equivalent original carvings to the Tikis in my vast Oceanic Art book library, if Will wants to post them.

Just to make one more thing clear (again), I am NOT promoting slavish copying of the original artifact color schemes. The creative re-interpretation of original primitive art was what made American Polynesian pop unique. But mid-century carvers like Leroy and Barney West and designers like George Nakashima and Gabe did so with the originals as a guide, preserving their character and style and while adding their own touch. It is all a matter of balance, and of how far does one go. Nowadays, many new Poly pop Tikis are simply based on 50s Poly pop Tikis to the degree of loosing all resemblence to the original source, which makes for a much less compelling effect.

So please Will, don't let all this " elder guidance" spoil your fun and creative impetus, paint away with gusto, but with care, too.