“WANRYU MASK”

“Wanryu” is my traditional PNG (Papua New Guinea) carving study begun in Liba Village, New Ireland (island). I was guided by Ben Sisia, the chief carver of the local carvers' collective. Inspiration, following local tradition, comes during an enhanced meditation that evokes an image (the drawing) while focused on the Malangan carving format. My drawing represents the initial ‘vision’ to be followed, in the subsequent ‘riff’ and carved elaboration. The painted details and color are traditional Malangan combinations used in Liba Village.