2019

One day, after my sculpture students departed, someone called at the studio doorway, “Hello! Where is the ladies room?” It was a stunning young woman looking like she'd arrived from Gauguin’s Polynesia. My heart started beating in the almost painful way it does when sheer beauty presents itself and overwhelms me with a need to capture that beauty in clay. I asked if she’d model for a portrait; she agreed.
It became an exciting journey into the Bay Area’s Pacific Island culture; she spoke of her Samoan clan as I sculpted. And just as exciting as her stories, her regal presence spoke of Native dignity and island warmth. I am grateful for the unexpected gift of this lovely tamaitai's warmth.