Post #467531 by Lake Surfer on Tue, Jul 7, 2009 11:58 PM

I've always been interested in all the other Oceania art styles, and recently have been reading up and studying them.

For my latest piece, I focused on Micronesia.

A little description of Micronesian art:

The Austronesian-speaking cultures of Micronesia and related Polynesian outlying islands in Micronesia and Melanesia tend to stratify more than the non-Austronesian cultures in New Guinea and other Melanesian areas. They are frequently organized around chieftainships with craft and ritual specializations, and their religions include named deities as well as honored ancestors. Characteristics such as simplification and geometric abstraction of natural forms often differentiate Micronesian art from the arts of Melanesia, Polynesia, and Australia.

My latest carving was inspired by storyboards on the island of Palau.

A description:

Belau Art (Caroline Islands)

Ceremonial Hous Storyboards:

The Belau islanders create elaborately painted men's ceremonial clubhouses called bai. On a recently constructed example, the gable "storyboards" illustrate important historical events and myths related to the clan. Other elements on the façade include symbols and images of Belau deities. While the Abelam and Iatmul make their ceremonial houses by elaborate combinations of different materials, the Belau use joined wooden elements.

Here's my storyboard... carved and hand painted,

12" W x 34" H

Because I love to create more work for myself, :wink: I'll be carving and painting some more pieces inspired by storyboards for my collection of work at Tiki Oasis!

Stop by and check 'em out!

[ Edited by: Lake Surfer 2009-07-08 00:20 ]