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finding inspiration in maui

Inspiration, Travels

Finding Inspiration on Maui | Olowalu Sugar Mill Ruin

By Charmaine

August 21, 2017

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I just returned from visiting my father on beautiful Maui. I’ve traveled to Hawai’i many times and with every visit, Hawai’i becomes more special to me … it’s one of my favorite ways of finding inspiration. In the 9o’s, I was fortunate to call Maui home. And even then, as a self indulgent teen, wanna-be tough girl, I was able to momentarily appreciate Hawaii and its beauty, history and otherworldliness.

Wondering through Nature

This trip home was quite special. It was filled with a LOT of family time and thanks to my fearless father (whom was born and raised in Hawaii) my time was also spent with lots of exploring. Wondering through nature and stretching my eyes are favorite pass-times of mine – and as an artist, very necessary tasks.

The Sugar Mill Ruin

My dad took us to one of his new discoveries. The beachside Olowalu Sugar Mill Ruin – one of the first sugar mills on the island – dating back to 1864. And when I say “beachside” I mean beach side – you can even spot a tiny seashell wedged inside of a crack in the foundation! *insert gasp*

Mending | The Beauty of Repair

By Charmaine

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I’m currently researching “Mending” and the beauty of repair. Coming from a flawed and unconventional up-brining, I find that my subconscious to be drawn to reconstruction and the various forms of repair. I am finding there is much beauty within and around the process. When observing the process we find stories wedged in the before, during and after. I see the beauty of repair as a narrator – a visual storyteller. And it is the viewers gift to unearth those stories.

Here are a few beautiful examples of storytelling through repair.

Changing perception through repair.

Artist: (unable to find resources)

Bringing different stories together with mending. The artist has constructed (re-imagined) a family portrait of mother, daughter and son.

Artist: Annegret Soltau

Highlighting damage is the beauty of repair. Cleverly bringing attention and admiration to something that would ordinarily be overlook or expected to exist.

Artist: Jan Vormann,

Adding value where there is seemingly none.

Artist: Catherine Bertola

Repair is a reminder of our own impermanence.

Artist: Anya Kristin Beeler

Mending

Mend v

[object]: to make (something broken, worn, torn, or otherwise damaged)whole, sound, or usable by repairing. to remove or correct defects or errors in. to set right; make better; improve.

[without object]: to progress toward recovery, as a sick person. (of broken bones) to grow back together; knit. to improve, as conditions or affairs

Mend n

the act of mending; repair or improvement. a mended place.

*All images found on Pinterest

Mending the Cracks

By Charmaine

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Cracks and mending have an impact on me metaphorically and artistically. They speak to the human experience in a poetic way. Cracks inspire me and remind me of our stories. Cracks encourage me to seek the beauty in physical and emotional evolution. And to see them as reminders of impermanence instead of dreaded flaws.

Mending reminds me of genteelness. It can, at times, feel as painful as the cracks themselves, but there is a beauty within the process. Repairing a fractured bone. Condoling a broken heart. The rebuilding of a life disrupted by unforeseen circumstances – some mending must be done with the same delicacy and compassion as with a cherished heirloom.

Mending requires that we take notice of the need for repair. To recognize that need, we are beckoned, first, to acknowledge the cracks.

Top: Sterling silver Mended earrings with 14 karat gold mending stitch. Bottom: Sterling silver small cracked dangles with 14 karat gold fill ear-wire. *small dangles available soon.