“Waters of Kiu”, 1989

James Brown

“Waters of Kiu” (Malaita, Solomon Islands), 1989

Oil and pastel on canvas

Size: 86.3 x 91.7 cm

Nearly forty years ago, I embarked on a remarkable painting expedition to an isolated village near Oibola in Malaita, accompanied by a wonderful friend and talented student, Anita Zerner. In those adventurous days, I relished the opportunity to dive into the unknown, serving as Anita’s chaperone during our weeklong stay with a local family. This experience would become one of my most memorable.

Our adventure began aboard the local overnight ferry, where we found ourselves nestled below deck among a sea of bodies, desperately trying to catch some sleep amidst the chaos. The cramped conditions were somewhat disconcerting, yet filled with the excitement of what lay ahead. On the night of our arrival, I was invited by a family member to travel with him in a dugout canoe equipped with an outboard motor to fetch supplies. Eager to share this experience with Anita, I suggested she come along, only to be met with a hushed “no” and the warning that it was too dangerous—we could easily hit a submerged log while navigating by moonlight. They lowered their heads at the thought, leaving me to ponder my own insecurities; although I could float, I was not a proficient swimmer.

This painting is set in the local lagoon, where coral can be seen through the crystalline water. The family we stayed with had been painstakingly collecting stones and coral from the water for generations to create their own small island—an incredible project that filled me with admiration. This little island became my painting paradise, a tranquil haven far removed from the busyness of everyday life, enveloped in the soft sounds of nature. It was here that I found inspiration, like a modern-day Robinson Crusoe (at least in my own mind).