Dimensions: 16" wide / 7" front to back / 13" high
Ho'o ku'u A Heahea 'Alalā means "Release and Welcome 'Alala".
Alexander Palm sheath creates the vessel basket body and back collar, the front collar is the natural edge. Stitched with waxed linen, the Hawaiian Ohia branch portrays a resting branch for the returning birds silhouettes created from handmade paper. Small ohia branches and a suggested nest of Spanish moss complete the scene. The entire piece is finished with encaustic wax medium as a preservative.
This was created to honor the bird biologist who taught me how to make my first basket (while working on the "Alalā project!). So when the Volcano Art Center created a competitive exhibit in celebration of the release of the endangered Hawaiian crow, I knew I needed to honor my friends. I'm proud to report that this piece won Honorable Mention in the exhibit.
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.
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