Description
The Milo tree (Thespesia populnea) is known as a “canoe plant” because it was brought to these islands by early Polynesian settlers who carried the seeds, and it was cultivated as a shade plant around homes near the sunny coasts.
A useful plant used for tannin, dye, oil, medicine and gum, from various parts of the plant. The milo wood was skillfully crafted into poi bowls called `umeke `ai, and into plates, too. Milo wood has an attractive grain that takes to a high polish and, in addition to food utensils and containers, was fashioned into paddles and other carved objects, as well as for an occasional canoe, although koa was considered to be the most popular material for canoes.
I came upon a milo tree on one of my morning walks along the south shore of Maui and was attracted to the glossy heart-shaped leaves. So I collected a handful of leaves to bring back to my studio for printmaking. The result is this original, one-of-a-kind imprint on washi paper.
Because the washi paper is delicate and tissue thin, I took an additional step to give the final piece more body by mounting it to a rice paper backing using a traditional mounting method used for Japanese and Chinese scroll mounting. It is PH neutral (acid free). The paper measures 8 inches x 10 inches and has a soft deckle edge.
Signed in pencil and stamped with my red seal in the lower right corner. It will arrive with a certificate of authenticity.
