“Ceremony” was inspired by the preparation of a wedding in January at Gun Beach. My husband and I were swimming with our kids when we noticed Ron Acfalle and two others pushing a traditional canoe in the water. We’ve known Ron for years and asked if they were a part of the function on the beach, as we had seen people setting up tents, chairs and flowers. He shared with us that it was a wedding and they were going to take the bride in the canoe to the other side of the cliff and paddle her back to the beach for the ceremony. My kids were in awe and could not wait to see this grand cultural entrance.
We watched as they beached the canoe and stood there preparing. A young boy then got in the canoe and graciously took out his kulo’. He blew it several times and at that moment all I could think of was how sacred that sound was. It has been passed down from our ancestors. It symbolizes the beginning and a blessing of a new life. I knew at that moment I had to paint the image.
A few weeks later after the painting was done I found out who the bride and groom were. I don’t know them personally but we wish them all the love and blessing, and to say what an amazing and sacred journey you have taken so far.
