Dimensions: 31.5" high / base is 6.5" wide / 5.5" front to back
Ele Ele Kula means "black and gold" in Hawaiian.
Part of the original standing Passages* series, a giant, textured Alexander Palm sheath creates the vessel. Formed while wet and hand stitched with Raffia Palm, the vessel contorts and flows into a new shape upon drying. The imagery of an old twisted tree trunk comes to mind. Hand made paper with marbled colors of black, gold and orange trim the top and bottom of the vessel. The top appears ruffled with the natural edge of the palm sheath. Over-sized brass nail heads circle the bottom trim, and encaustic wax finish completes the piece.
Completed with a museum quality encaustic wax finish (an ancient preservation process using beeswax and Damar tree resin that fuses into the plant fibers when heated). It can be buffed to a shine or left to a matte finish.
*The Passages series was created to emulate tree trunks, as they are the passage that connects the earth to the sky. With the addition of dried branches they not only bring the eye upward and add presence to a larger space, but Shelley likes to think they are reminding us to be centered, by sending our roots down into the ground and sending our good vibes out to the world.
Like all of Shelley's creations, this is a one of a kind piece that cannot be duplicated; it is literally a piece of Hawaiʻi Island. Each sheath is sustainably harvested from natural fallen leaves from beautiful, giant palm trees (about 10 different varieties). A wonderful way to remember your island experience or bring the warmth of the tropics into everyday life. #takehawaiihome