Connecting the dots, star lines for a cliff

Made during the 2024 “Fruga Art Trail” in Rab, Croatia and organized by Der KREIS Gallery in Nuremberg, Germany

These four sculptures highlight and celebrate an islander’s relationship with navigating the ocean. Made in Croatia during the @fruga_art_trail residency back in April 2024.

In both the Adriatic Sea and the Pacific Ocean, seafaring has shaped the culture in profound ways. The islander’s understanding of the sea, sky, wind, and position on the celestial sphere isn’t just technical knowledge - it’s part of the local wisdom passed down through generations. Engaging with the elements aren’t mere interactions, they’re entities with their own personalities, woven into the fabric of both Hawaiian and Croatian maritime folklore.

These works represent four navigation patterns of the sky that expert Native Hawaiian way-finder, Nainoa Thompson, organized after learning them from Mau Piailug. There are four star lines: 1. Ke Ka o Makali’i (The Canoe Bailer of Makali’i), 2. Iwikuamo’o (Backbone), 3. Manaiakalani (The Chiefs Fishline), 4. Ka Lupe o Kawelo (The Kite or Stingray of Kawelo).

The works aim to highlight the connections islanders share with each other.