Artist: Siwa Allred
Title: Ulu and Ulua Woodburning
Medium: Pyrography
Size: 8" X 13"
Price: $350
About the Artwork: This piece was hand burned onto wood and features Samoan tattoo designs, Ulu leaves and fruit, and an Ulua over a reef. Ulu, or breadfruit, is a tree spread throughout the Pacific Islands by early Polynesians because of its importance as a traditional food source. Ulua, or Giant Trevally, are large fish found on reefs throughout the Pacific where they are prized for both food and game. Both Ulu and Ulua are symbols of my heritage. For me the Ulu is feminine. It represents my sisters, my mother, my grandmother. It is a symbol of my Polynesian ancestry and the strength of family. The Ulua is masculine. It is my brother, father, uncles and grandfather, the people who taught me to love and respect the sea; it is protection and guidance.
About the Artist: Siwa Allred is a multimedia artist who uses her art to share her love for her Polynesian culture and for the Pacific Islands where she was raised. Her work is inspired by the plants and animals found in the islands as well as by traditional Polyneisan designs and practices.
