The process of collage takes Mary’s work into a new dimension. The use of Mary’s hand painted papers and additional hand made papers from around the globe create interesting texture and exaggerated movement in these collages. The effect is a visual cross between painting, mosaic and block printing. Light and color and shape taking flowers and water and landscapes to the edge of abstraction and back again.
Film Photograph Unframed 20" x 16" December, 2009.
While walking at her son's home in Keokaha, an early morning Hilo rain provided moisture for an indigenous, scarce, white Hawaiian hibiscus. The rain drops were beautiful.
Please allow two weeks for shipment. Each piece is still processed in a dark room.
Original watercolor - unframed Image size 15" h x 22" w
"You have probably heard the phrase “…like squeezing blood from a turnip”" shares Patrice Federspiel. "Did you ever stop to think about what it might look like to squeeze blood from a turnip? Or how silly the thought of doing so really is?
The idea of being frugal is in vogue these days. Hopefully, my image of this American colloquialism will bring a smile to your face."
Original watercolor, matted and framed 23" h x 19" w
Image size 15" h x 11" w
"Nature is the Master — I hope to learn to emulate her through observation and imitation," shares Patrice. "This painting reflects the intention of being more visible in the world. Whether it be the world of family and friends, or the broader world in general, stand in the sunlight of your being and shine brightly. This is how we become the light we need to see and feel."
The process of collage takes Mary’s work into a new dimension. The use of Mary’s hand painted papers and additional hand made papers from around the globe create interesting texture and exaggerated movement in these collages. The effect is a visual cross between painting, mosaic and block printing. Light and color and shape taking flowers and water and landscapes to the edge of abstraction and back again.
There are perhaps as many as 300 species worldwide in the genus Hibiscus. However, ma`o hau hele (Hibiscus brackenridgei) is found only in Hawai`i and federally listed as an endangered species. According to botanist David Lorence, “Hibsicus brackenridgei has been adopted as the official state flower of Hawai`i. Showy blooms of brilliant chrome yellow first catch the eye. [The species has] five delicately creped petals and a column of stamens tipped by five stigmas." The plant was once found on all the main islands except Ni`ihau and Kaho`olawe, but is threatened by alien animals, fire and weeds. - Melissa Chimera
Original collage on watercolor paper 22.5" h x 25"
The process of collage takes Mary’s work into a new dimension. The use of Mary’s hand painted papers and additional hand made papers from around the globe create interesting texture and exaggerated movement in these collages. The effect is a visual cross between painting, mosaic and block printing. Light and color and shape taking flowers and water and landscapes to the edge of abstraction and back again.
"These leaves, fallen from the ulu (breadfruit) tree were in various stages and shades of decay, from silver to red to brown — they captivated me. The shapes, the sizes, and the way they were layered one on top of the other looked beautiful," shares Patrice.
"The title, Seasons of Change, refers to changes in my subject matter, my color palette, and in the contours of the paper — something I’ve never changed before."
"Ulu (Breadfruit) grows on enormous trees with beautiful green leaves. The fruit is very starchy, but it takes on the flavor of whatever seasonings you use. They’re wonderful when smoked over an open fire," shares Patrice.
"The title, Second Chances, refers to the second chance at a longer life offered to these leaves through my painting."
"The Ulu, or Breadfruit Tree, is also known as the Tree of Life to island communities," shares Patrice Federspiel. "To say this tree grows quickly is to understate its amazing regeneration capabilities. I’ve seen one trimmed down to the trunk in one season, producing fruits by the end of the next. The beauty of the Ulu leaves is legendary; they’re widely depicted on Hawaiian quilts.
Ulu is prized for the beauty and shade provided by the leaves, as well as for the starchy breadfruit they produce. The fruits themselves don’t have much flavor but rely on the seasonings with which they’re cooked.
The leaves portrayed in this painting were blanketing the ground under the Ulu Tree in my cousin’s yard on Hawai`i Island. Their ability to retain their beauty in the myriad of subtle colors brings joy to my heart, reminding me that there is much more to life than meets the naked eye."
Cyanea macrostegia is known formerly from Lāna`i but now found only on Maui. Dark velvet purple-black curved flowers emerge from this rain forest tree. The nectar of these unusual flowers and the orange berries are food for Hawaiian forest birds. These palm-like trees with paddle-shaped leaves are evocative of a pre-historic jungle. The species is now only found in a healthy and diverse rain-forest. Lobelioids are one of the most spectacular examples of island evolution in flowering plants with curved flowers matching the bill of their bird pollinators. - Melissa Chimera
Breaking Open: Palila and Ma'o Hau Hele by Melissa Chimera
"The Ti plant was brought to Hawaii by the Polynesians as a source of food," shares Patrice. "Then known as “Ki,” the plant was considered sacred to Lono, the Hawaiian God of Fertility and Laka the Goddess of Hula. The plant was used as a symbol of high rank and power. Because it was thought to have the ability to ward off evil spirits, it was often used as a border plant to protect homesteads. Today this graceful flowering plant comes in varieties of colors. It grows tall in gardens of homes and businesses throughout Hawai`i."
"Behold the trunk of a Traveler’s Palm, also known as the White Bird of Paradise, or by its scientific name, Ravenala," shares Patrice. "The paddle-shaped leaves of this plant form a large fan as the plant grows.
The lore is that the leaves funnel water down into the trunk, creating a reservoir of water for drier times to come. It’s said that if you’re traveling and feeling parched, tap into the trunk to find water.
Whether or not the lore is true, we all have an inner reservoir of strength. Also known as resilience, we simply need to remember its presence and call upon it in times of need. May this image remind you of your own vast stores of inner resilience."
The process of collage takes Mary’s work into a new dimension. The use of Mary’s hand painted papers and additional hand made papers from around the globe create interesting texture and exaggerated movement in these collages. The effect is a visual cross between painting, mosaic and block printing. Light and color and shape taking flowers and water and landscapes to the edge of abstraction and back again.
"My friend’s yard has a large protea bush right at the entry. I’d never really noticed it before," shares Mary. "Generally, it’s kind of leggy–lots of branches, not a lot of leaves–so I wondered why it was prominently featured. In November I happened to be there and the shrubby bush had been transformed. Pink flowers everywhere!"
The process of collage takes Mary’s work into a new dimension. The use of Mary’s hand painted papers and additional hand made papers from around the globe create interesting texture and exaggerated movement in these collages. The effect is a visual cross between painting, mosaic and block printing. Light and color and shape taking flowers and water and landscapes to the edge of abstraction and back again.
"My friend’s yard has a large protea bush right at the entry. I’d never really noticed it before," shares Mary. "Generally, it’s kind of leggy–lots of branches, not a lot of leaves–so I wondered why it was prominently featured. In November I happened to be there and the shrubby bush had been transformed. Pink flowers everywhere!"
Painted Paper Collage on Panels 18" h x 72" w (18" x 24" each)
The process of collage takes Mary’s work into a new dimension. The use of Mary’s hand painted papers and additional hand made papers from around the globe create interesting texture and exaggerated movement in these collages. The effect is a visual cross between painting, mosaic and block printing. Light and color and shape taking flowers and water and landscapes to the edge of abstraction and back again.