1987 - 1988 Exhibition Rabaul Coffee shop

One of the  things I enjoy about being here is the people and the colors. When I paint, I have to ensure I do not accentuate the vibrancy, as so many of the colors are already so bright. 

In our shop - tradestore - where we sell anything from fish hooks, lengths of material, underpants, and bicycles to tinned fish and out-board motors, there is a broad representation of all these colors. I often find myself rearranging the shelves, be it physically or mentally, so that the juxtaposition of patterns and colors, is pleasing.

For this exhibition I have completed a body of work where I have included some of the people who work for us, Kevin, Poro and Vusas, and I have used the shelves and counters, and their contents, to make what I hope are pleasing compositions. 

I have done the preliminary works in pastel. Am pleased with how these look and may explore pastels some more.

Painting, oil on canvas  18 inches x 18 inches.

                                       

 We have enjoyed our time here on Teopasino Plantation, however we can feel a certain build-up of unrest throughout Bougainville. Not that there is much directed at us personally, but it is worrying, especially as we have a small child to consider. Because of the unrest we have not travelled as much as usual which  means that I have had more time to paint. However Cameron has made inquiries regarding a transfer and a move seems imminent.