Solomon Islands A3 Woodblock Print - Binule

This beautiful woodblock print was made by Aldio Pita, a printmaker and carver from a small island in Marovo Lagoon, Solomon Islands.

The nguzu nguzu (sometimes called toto isu) is the traditional figurehead which was affixed to canoes in the Solomon Islands. It was attached to the canoe's prow at the waterline, and was held to provide supernatural protection during expeditions. Holding the bird indicates the war canoe is coming in peace.

Aldio Pita lives on a small island in Marovo Lagoon, Solomon Islands, He is passionate about conservation – both environmental and cultural.
With logging seriously threatening the rainforests in his country,  Aldio joined a Paper and Printmaking workshop in 1996 offering a sustainable income from trees. Already a skilled carver, Aldio learned how to make paper from waste leaves. A pedal powered fibre beater – an old modified washing machine hooked up to an exercycle to beat the fibre was the answer in a village without electricity. He prints his woodblock designs with the back of a spoon or using an old car jack press!

Twenty years on, Aldio continues to create limited edition woodblock prints. The tree remain standing and “endangered” cultural images are records of revitalisation. Aldio and his wife have raised and educated their 5 children with their art.

Aldio Pita leads his community by example. He has represented Solomon Island at numerous Pacific and International Arts Festivals and Symposiums and has work in collections around the world

Made in Solomon Islands