As you might know, I just returned home from an incredible two month trip. I had the pleasure of visiting Tahiti, Nuku Hiva, Rarotonga, Huahine, Bora Bora, Raiatea, Moorea, Savusavu, Darvuni, Suva, Nukualofa & Aotearoa. I often try to feature art from the islands I've recently toured in these newsletters, but this list is exhaustive! I certainly can't discuss every island, but there's a few fun links below.

How did I travel?  As a culture history lecturer on board a Holland America ship, the Maasdam.  This is a fantastic way to go as you are able to see so many more places than would be possible traveling independently.  Chances are I'll be lecturing on another cruise in the Fall of 2019. Watch upcoming newsletters for updates!

One of my favorite artists in the Society Islands, specifically Huahine, is Bobby Holcomb. In addition, he was an incredible musician.  His music was inspirational for many young Tahitians in the early resurgence of culture.  To read a bit about Bobby, see http://www.bobbyholcomb.net/aportrait.php . You can see his paintings (most of which correspond to legends) and hear more of Bobby's music at: https://youtu.be/o4N73QgKzo0 or for a taste of the islands, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFO8GH5WalM.

Huahine, west of Tahiti but still within the Society Islands, is an incredible island. Not only is it beautiful, uncrowded and mellow, friendly, but it's full of ancient & sacred sites as well as great art. Fare, the main town is sweet, but quite small, having only about 6000 residents. Here's an excellent site that will tell you a bit more about the island: http://www.farepotee-maevahuahine.com/huahine-legends.php  It's a wonderful place to visit! I thoroughly enjoyed my time there, especially visiting my friend Melanie's at her gallery. You can see her paintings at her online at  http://polynesiapaintings.com/

Raiatea, one of the Leeward Society Islands (about 235K west of Tahiti) is a gorgeous island that was once the center of education, religion, and navigation. It's sometimes called Havai'i or Hawaiki, the homeland.  I was impressed with the positive changes since I was last there (18 years ago) including some beautiful new murals & galleries.  Check out this blog: http://www.brooklynstreetart.com/theblog/2017/10/12/onou-tahiti-murals-from-the-raiatea-2016-edition/   and to learn a bit more about the history see https://www.nzherald.co.nz/travel/news/article.cfm?c_id=7&objectid=11118315. Galerie D'art Anuanua is a winderful all-around gallery of Polynesian art.  You'll find them on Facebook, although very little of their art is presently posted.  They also have a website, http://www.galerie-anuanua.com/  although I couldn't seem to enlarge any of the images.  Oh well ...

Now on to tattoo...

The Samoa News, a popular newspaper, ran a brief article that the Ministry of Health may soon be requiring tufuga (tattoo artists) to register.  See http://www.samoanews.com/regional/samoas-health-ministry-moves-register-traditional-tattoo-artists.

This is not a new article, but it' fairly new to me.  Read about Maori ta moko practitioner Karam Hood at https://www.theweekendsun.co.nz/lps/73-taa-moko-stories-carved-into-flesh.html

Te Papa Tongarewa, the Museum of New Zealand, does a great series of videos called Tales from Te Papa.  There's an episode on moko featuring master ta moko artist Mark Kopua, Steve Looney and Sean Mallon-- https://www.theweekendsun.co.nz/lps/73-taa-moko-stories-carved-into-flesh.html

Te Papa Press has recently published a comprehensive book on Samoan tattoo by Sean Mallon and Sebastien Galliot. Fortunately it was co-published with University of Hawai'i Press so it's readily available in the U.S.  You can buy online at https://www.uhpress.hawaii.edu/title/tatau-a-history-of-samoan-tattooing/ but hurry!  It was already sold out last month when I was at the Te Papa gift shop, but it's still available  through UHPress.

I've included this link before, but it's worth including again on the chance you missed it.  Art Body is a wonderful studio owned by ta moko artist Julie Paama-Pengelly in Mount Maunganui, Aotearoa. See https://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/teahikaa/audio/2018639327/taa-moko-sessions-julie-paama-pengelly

There's another excellent on Maori moko and culture with Katz at Te Puia in Rotorua at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgCZCcOwN3A  Te Puia is truly impressive.  Maori students enter as talented newcomers to  either wood carving, bone carving, flax weaving, and now tattooing, and become true masters. You can read about Te Puia at https://tepuia.com/ . Spend some time browsing the site!

Tricia's Tattoo Schedule

Until Mar. 3rd:   Home on O'ahu
March 9 - 31st:  North San Francisco Bay Area
April 6 -  21st:  Long Beach, PIEAM 
April 27 - mid-June:  Home on O'ahu
July - August:   Back in both LA & SF areas, dates TBA

If you are interested in an appointment, please call me at 808-734-8677 or email  tattoo@lava.net.  Sign up before Feb 15th for a guaranteed appointment during this upcoming trip. Late sign-ups will be accepted on a space-available basis.

I am also considering making a tattoo trip to Pennsylvania.  Please email me if you are interested in an appointment there, most likely in late May- early June.  Please put PA in the subject of your email.

If you'd like to just schedule a consultation for a future tattoo, no problem! Consultations are free by phone or in person. Just give me a call.

You can see my work & read more about the process on my website, http://www.thepolynesiantattoo.com/  If you are a new client it may be beneficial to read the FAQ on the site.

Mahalo! Tricia