I first went to Hawa'i in 2001 and 2002 for a workshop on...belly dancing, with a little Hula on the side. Then I met art therapist Diana LaRose, who introduced me to Hawaiian healing practices. I became very intrigued and promised myself (and Diana, now a dear friend) that I would come back as soon as possible, and, behold behold, upon my return in the mainland I received a call for papers from the University of Hawai'i in Honolulu. My Hawaiian experience was launched.

Since then I have been back to Hawai'i twice, and I have been fortunate enough to meet many native Hawaiians, who have welcomed me with warm hospitality (which, now that I think of it, is one of the possible translations of Aloha). I also became aware of the gross injustices Hawaiians have suffered at the hands of Western people (which, in their case, should be called Eastern, that shows you how ethnocentric we are!....)

I intend to continue my work on human rights on their behalf. For now, a few images and a poem.

A natural formation pounded by the surf on new lava (no idea why this image is smaller than the following one)

Auntie Mahealani chants a greeting to the full moon at the hot pool

Eating Italian in Hawai'i can produce a surprise or two. Here is Mahealani and her husband with flowers on their pizza

This is a portrait I have done of Hawaiian Elder Uncle Robert.

Uncle Robert has 11 children and a evergrowing number of grandchildren

This is little Kai'imi, which means "my heart desire"

The Hula of the Rain

 

The wind calls her

His song is strong and remote

A chant

Come, he calls

It is time, come and dance

She responds

Spilling softly

Down the slopes and

Over the rocks dressed in moss

And she leaves her gifts,

Pearls of dew

Flowers awaken and drink

Together they dance

They shape the threes

In the steps of their Hula

They sway and reach up

And then stop forever,

Poised in their gift

But the Hula is not over

The wind calls again

And the sun shakes his colors

And laughs with them

I walk where the rainbow

Begins from the dew

The pot of gold other men search

Is in the dance

It spills and goes up

Come, it sings

Dance, the chant is for you

Dance

@Lucia Clark 2003

I am endlessly intrigued by the pristine coastline of the Big Island

I have managed to grow a little of Hawai'i in my house in the Boston area: here is a Plumeria on my windowsill.