YO’ AMTE GIYA LITEKYAN (HEALERS AT RITIDIAN)
This painting was inspired by several visits to Litekyan at the northernmost point of Guam, and by a recently-published book about Litekyan by University of Guam Press, called Lina’la’ (Life). Its pristine, natural beauty includes rare, endemic plants that only grow in this wildlife refuge. Depicted here are the Gaosali, the white box flower that grows up the side of the steep cliffs, along with more common ferns, cycads, and the majestic banyon tree (Nunu) that extends its roots downward from high perches in the cliffs. Focus is on the woman and child – the Yo’ Ampte (traditional healer), who is teaching the child about the plants. She is showing her the Nånasu, a small flower whose 5 white petals grow on one side of the blossom. Generations of children have played the game of matching two flowers together to create a whole blossom. Batik on Silk 2018 Size: 38”x 21” Placed 1st at Isla Gallery (UOG) 2018 juried exhibit, Creative Hands On loan to 35th Guam Le
