RiTUAL. A ceremonial act ~ Rites used in the course of worship ~ The performance of ceremonial acts ~ The prescribed form of conducting the ceremony ~ A method of procedure that is followed without variation ~ performance with gestures, words, and objects, often in a sequestered place.
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Jody Arthur is a writer, book artist and printmaker. She was born in American Samoa, has lived in Oregon, California, Philadelphia, and currently resides in Hawaii. Her transitory life inspires her work, which is concerned with travel and migratory patterns. Other projects include playful pieces that parody reference and informational materials such as guidebooks and safety brochures. She received a B.A. in English literature at Lewis and Clark College, an M.F.A. in creative writing at Mills College, and an M.F.A. in printmaking and book arts at the University of the Arts.
Before European contact, Pacific islanders made stick charts to map the locations of islands, ocean swell patterns and currents. These navigational tools were personal. The meaning of each map was a secret known only to the navigator who made the chart. These images were inspired by stick charts and designed by the artist. They were printed using polymer plates on an etching press.
