MOANA

Pacific Islanders are mysterious people. If you follow our family trees far enough, you'll find our roots disappear into the sea, like the mangroves and coconut palms bordering our shore.

My family name is Fonoimoana. Moana means "the deepest, blue part of the ocean" Fonoi means "to meet, to gather"

My ancestors used to circle their canoes out in the deep sea to hold their sacred councils. And before long voyages, these legendary nomads stood at the edge of endless ocean, chanting prayers for safe passage and protection.

The music for this piece was written while I was far from home, visiting West Africa, and falling wildly in love. Creating this song was my act of prayer for safe passage and protection, standing at the edge of this 'moana' I was about to entrust with my life.

Months later, home on the same beach where my ancestors pulled their canoes ashore, I sat for this self portrait, looking back across the ocean where our souls met for a moment, in the deepest blue.