Course
This beginner-friendly online course introduces you to traditional and contemporary Pacific Island art practices from Samoa, Tonga, Aotearoa Maori, and the Cook Islands.
Guided by a Pacific Island artist of Cook Islands heritage, you will learn the cultural foundations, meanings, and hand-on techniques behind MDF wood carving, Cook Islands tivaevae, lei making, and lavalava fabric printing.
This course is designed for Pacific community members, art students, and anyone interested in learning Pacific Island arts in a respected and accessible way. No previous experience I required.
Though step-by-step demonstrations, storytelling, and creative practice, you will gain practical skills while developing a deeper understanding of Pacific Island identity, symbolism, and artistic values.
By the end of the course, you will have completed several art pieces and gained the confidence to continue your creative journey.
COMING SOON
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Module 1: Pacific Worldviews & Art
What is Pacific Island art?
Art as identity, storytelling, and community
Differences between Samoan, Tongan, Maori, and Cook Islands styles
Respect, protocol, and cultural safety
What is Pacific Island art?
Art as identity, storytelling, and community
Differences between Samoan, Tongan, Maori, and Cook Islands styles
Respect, protocol, and cultural safety
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Module 2: Materials & Tools
MDF wood carving tools & safety
Fabrics, inks, dyes, stamps
Lei-making (fresh vs artificial)
Tivaevae fabrics & preparation
MDF wood carving tools & safety
Fabrics, inks, dyes, stamps
Lei-making (fresh vs artificial)
Tivaevae fabrics & preparation
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Module 3: MDF Wood Carving (Beginner)
Introduction to motifs & patterns
Transferring designs to MDF
Basic carving techniques
Safety and finishing
Introduction to motifs & patterns
Transferring designs to MDF
Basic carving techniques
Safety and finishing
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Module 3: MDF Wood Carving (Beginner) (Copy)
Introduction to motifs & patterns
Transferring designs to MDF
Basic carving techniques
Safety and finishing
Introduction to motifs & patterns
Transferring designs to MDF
Basic carving techniques
Safety and finishing
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Module 4: Lavalava Fabric Printing
Patterns & symbolism (what’s ok to use)
Creating stamps or screens
Printing techniques
Colour choices & layout
Patterns & symbolism (what’s ok to use)
Creating stamps or screens
Printing techniques
Colour choices & layout
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Module 5: Lei Making (Foundations)
Cultural meaning of lei
Basic styles (floral, ribbon, leaf)
Technique and presentation
Care and storage
Cultural meaning of lei
Basic styles (floral, ribbon, leaf)
Technique and presentation
Care and storage
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Module 6: Cook Islands Tivaevae - Introduction
History and cultural importance
Patterns and storytelling
Beginner stitching or applique practice
History and cultural importance
Patterns and storytelling
Beginner stitching or applique practice
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Module 7: Bringing It Together
Combining skills
Respectful creativity
Sharing your work
Reflection art & identity
Combining skills
Respectful creativity
Sharing your work
Reflection art & identity
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Module 8: Focus Practices & Design
Stronger carving techniques
Advanced printing layers
Tivaevae pattern planning
Creating a personal -inspired piece
Stronger carving techniques
Advanced printing layers
Tivaevae pattern planning
Creating a personal -inspired piece
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Meet your instructor
Christy Storey - I am a Pacific Island artist and educator of Cook Island heritage, raised in Aotearoa New Zealand and now based in Ireland. My work focuses on Samoan, Tongan, Maori, and Cook Islands art forms, with a strong emphasis on MDF wood carving, tivaevae, lei making, and fabric printing. Though this course, I share Pacific Island arts in a respectful, practical, and accessible way - creating cultural bridges between Te Moana and Europe.
Cultural Respect Statement
This course shares Pacific Island art knowledge responsibly. Some symbols and practices are sacred or restricted and are not taught. Students are encouraged to learn with respect and acknowledge cultural origins.
Join the course and begin your Pacific Island art journey today.
