***New Art To Upload

Here's a page from my sketchbook, I finished it a couple of weeks ago and have only just scanned it like two days ago...That's pretty much my usual pace of things...It's how I roll lol...I was inspired by some graphic artist in a Graphics magazine, I can't even remember who it was or what the name of the magazine was HAH! Go figure! I've also uploaded this to my Myspace page along with another sketch that was inspired by my buddee Ipek...I've added the link below:

MY MYSPACE PAGE

www.myspace.com/ikihaangana

***THE H.Y.P.E. MOVEMENT

A few nights ago I stumbled upon this blog by a fellow Tongan by the name of Anapesi @ www.anapesi.blogspot.com and I found it somewhat liberating to have come across this movement that is slowly taking over and reaching people all over the world. H.Y.P.E. stands for Helping Youth Pursue Emancipation and it's a movement that encourages the youth to break free from the typical stereotypes and constraints that have been keeping them from becoming what they truly dream of. I can't believe I didn't stumble across this sooner. I think that the message that they are trying to convey is one of empowerment, courage and action and I believe it is something that not only pacific islanders, but people of all nations can relate to.

I remember back in high school, I was more into my art in all mediums than my sports and when I received recognition for topping my class it amazed me the number of people who would come up and congratulate me thinking I was awarded due to something sports related. To be honest, I found it a little frustrating, I mean don't get me wrong, I do love the fact that there is an area where we can excell and I am proud of that, because in a way it kind of paves the way for the rest of us to go forth into the world and achieve our own dreams of success. I just don't want there to be a cemented mind-frame set among Tongans (and all people alike) to think that that's the only way to it. I sit here running over countless stories in my mind of people that I grew up with who have fallen down the wrong path that ring true to the stories mentioned by the young children in the H.Y.P.E. Movement commercial above. And those kids, just by appearing in the commercial have already given us (and themselves) an immense head-start into our future.

I am proud of what we have accomplished already and am overwhelmed at the thought of what we can further achieve. I can't stress enough the hugeness of what we can grasp and to what lengths we can take it to. Join the movement, because I have. I am currently studying for my Bachelor of Design, majoring in Fashion. Once that's complete, I intend to take on the fashion industry head on.

***REST IN PEACE

Just a quick note to acknowledge a wonderful woman who was layed to rest on the 9th of April 09. She was always such a positive energy with a distinctive voice and the ability to always bring out a smile in you. This is how I remember her growing up as a child in Newcastle and although I had not seen her in several years, my memories of her great heart will never diminish.

Rest In Peace Elina...

***THE MAY'S LANE ART PROJECT

I think it's pretty obvious that my love for all kinds of art (especially street art) becomes apparent as soon as you lay your eyes on anything that I do.

Hence why the necessity for a second thought was thrown out the window when I attended the May's Lane Street Art Exhibition at Carriageworks a couple of weeks ago. It was AMAZING!!! Huge boards of art everywhere and my phone was in overdrive as a camera as I rapidly clicked shot after shot after shot. It was inspiring and I definitely have my favourites.

See the whole thing started when the director of the curated laneway Tugi Balog, moved to May Lane in 1999. Back then May Lane was a hotspot for theft and grafitti. So when Balog felt the need to do something he erected five massive interchangable boards for the grafitti to take place. Soon thereafter artists were coming from all around Australia and even overseas as well to energise and give this city a little colour. Tugi Balog does more than just put up boards but pitches in $30,000 a year to make sure that it continues to run year after year.

<--This one right here is my NUMBER1 choice of all the artworks there that day. It was just so different to all the others and if you saw it in person and witness it in it's large scale, you could actually see so much detail and appreciate the amount of work that went into it.

You can view all these pictures at my Myspace page...

WWW.MYSPACE.COM/IKIHAANGANA

***LATE UPDATES...

OK! first of all, I have taken off the Beyonce tour post in fear of being sued lol plus the video was actually removed by the owner so if it wasn't working when you were trying to play the video, THAT'S WHY!!! lol. I am currently on break from college and low and behold I have done diddly squat! Which is good because once college starts up again I will up to my neck in fabric swatches and sewing needles. SIDENOTE: Beyonce on the cover of US VOGUE magazine April issue, how good is that! B2WIWS* - Afew things have happened since I last posted so I'll do that ASAP...It's funny because I have already updated photo's on my Myspace page...

*B2WIWS = Back To What I Was Saying