A collection of Vaine Artworks by Remiah Chanelle

Cook Island based visual artist Remiah, living in Rarotonga she has been honing her skills in painting for the past few years.

'My inspiration stems from my culture, my surroundings and mostly as a Cook Island woman. We hold a certain boldness about ourselves, as mothers, mama's, aunties, sisters, friends. With strength, elegance, playfulness and a touch of secrecy.

Remiah loves creating using a wide range of mediums, but predominantly working with acrylic. “Exploring contemporary art styles all with a Cook Island flair connects me more to culture.'

Some people leave a legacy through what they create. Others leave one through the knowledge they share.

Mike Tavioni has done both.

An artist, cultural historian, and one of the Cook Islands’ most treasured creative voices, his work has inspired generations and continues to preserve the stories of our people.

We are incredibly proud to stock Motifs of Nukutere, a beautiful book that celebrates the richness of Cook Islands design, symbolism, and heritage.

This is more than a book. It’s a piece of our culture.

Available in hard back only.

Cook Islands motif pareu (Sarong, Lava-lava).
Rayon
Size: 180 x 116cm

For those that want to wear their art.

Locally designed by Remiah Chanelle, encompassing the elements of our island.
Remiah is Aotearoa born, Irish, Aitutakian Cook Islander, now residing in Rarotonga. My creative performance with painting on multiple mediums projects a distinctive style - reminiscent of my reconnection to the Cook Islands.

My feminine approach to creating art is inspired by pop-culture, street art and everything in between. Finding the relationship between modern and traditional practices fundamental element in my work.

The treatment and process of my work adds value to my story telling, by respecting my Cook Islands heritage and Pacific Island living. My purpose is to set the foundation to contribute to the longevity to the future of Cook Islands art.

Cook Islands motif pareu (Sarong, Lava-lava).
Rayon
Size: 180 x 116cm

For those that want to wear their art.

Locally designed by Remiah Chanelle, encompassing the elements of our island.
Remiah is Aotearoa born, Irish, Aitutakian Cook Islander, now residing in Rarotonga. My creative performance with painting on multiple mediums projects a distinctive style - reminiscent of my reconnection to the Cook Islands.

My feminine approach to creating art is inspired by pop-culture, street art and everything in between. Finding the relationship between modern and traditional practices fundamental element in my work.

The treatment and process of my work adds value to my story telling, by respecting my Cook Islands heritage and Pacific Island living. My purpose is to set the foundation to contribute to the longevity to the future of Cook Islands art.

Locally designed Cook Islands motif pareu (Sarong, Lava-lava).
Rayon
Size: 180 x 116cm

For those that want to wear their art.

Locally designed by Remiah Chanelle, encompassing the elements of our island.
Remiah is Aotearoa born, Irish, Aitutakian Cook Islander, now residing in Rarotonga. My creative performance with painting on multiple mediums projects a distinctive style - reminiscent of my reconnection to the Cook Islands.

My feminine approach to creating art is inspired by pop-culture, street art and everything in between. Finding the relationship between modern and traditional practices fundamental element in my work.

The treatment and process of my work adds value to my story telling, by respecting my Cook Islands heritage and Pacific Island living. My purpose is to set the foundation to contribute to the longevity to the future of Cook Islands art.

Locally designed Cook Islands motif pareu (Sarong, Lava-lava).
Rayon
Size: 180 x 116cm

For those that want to wear their art.

Locally designed by Remiah Chanelle, encompassing the elements of our island.
Remiah is Aotearoa born, Irish, Aitutakian Cook Islander, now residing in Rarotonga. My creative performance with painting on multiple mediums projects a distinctive style - reminiscent of my reconnection to the Cook Islands.

My feminine approach to creating art is inspired by pop-culture, street art and everything in between. Finding the relationship between modern and traditional practices fundamental element in my work.

The treatment and process of my work adds value to my story telling, by respecting my Cook Islands heritage and Pacific Island living. My purpose is to set the foundation to contribute to the longevity to the future of Cook Islands art.

Size: 180 × 110cm

Here at Tivaevae Collectables, we stive to keep the art of Tivaevae alive. We our delightful team of local artisans we are delighted to welcome you to home, our slice of Pacific Paradise.

This is not a stitched Tivaevae but it honors the art of Tivaevae. Designed by Remiah Chanelle, a treasured artist of the Cook Islands:

Cook Island based visual artist Remiah, living in Rarotonga she has been honing her skills in painting for the past few years.

'My inspiration stems from my culture, my surroundings and mostly as a Cook Island woman. We hold a certain boldness about ourselves, as mothers, mama's, aunties, sisters, friends. With strength, elegance, playfulness and a touch of secrecy.

Remiah loves creating using a wide range of mediums, but predominantly working with acrylic. “Exploring contemporary art styles all with a Cook Island flair connects me more to culture.'

There is no written record on how and when the sewing of Tivaevae was introduced to the women of the Cook Islands.  Some say it was the wives of the London Missionary Society Missionaries who arrived in 1821 and others believe it was the three Catholic nuns (one Irish, two French) who came from Tahiti in 1895 and taught sewing at the local Catholic school.  I feel sure both these groups had an input into what is known as Tivaevae.

Tivaevae is a form of artistic quilting traditionally done by Polynesian women. The word literally means "patches", in reference to the pieces of material sewn together. Tivaevae is considered to be the ultimate gift presented at weddings, birthdays and funerals and are often used to decorate the walls around the wedding table and other prestigious events. 

‘Inner Thoughts’

Contemplating your next move? Staying in place, pivoting slightly, or making a leap all come with their own sets of risks and rewards.

Sometimes just sitting & enjoying this very moment can give you a sense of peace that will add value to your dreams

Acrylic on stretched framed canvas

40/50cm

Cook Island based visual artist Remiah, living in Rarotonga she has been honing her skills in painting for the past few years.

'My inspiration stems from my culture, my surroundings and mostly as a Cook Island woman. We hold a certain boldness about ourselves, as mothers, mama's, aunties, sisters, friends. With strength, elegance, playfulness and a touch of secrecy.

Remiah loves creating using a wide range of mediums, but predominantly working with acrylic. “Exploring contemporary art styles all with a Cook Island flair connects me more to culture.'

The Kalea pants are so comfortable and look beautiful dressed up with chunky sandals/heels or dressed down with jandals/sneakers for a stylish but comfy everyday look. Crafted from 100% crinkle cotton, it offers a soft, breathable feel with a lightly textured finish. These are a year-round island-style staple.

Women's off shoulder island dresses inspired by the vibrant colours and fun prints of the pacific. A great style that suits many body shapes.  Made from premium fabrics that are comfortable and hold their colour. Whether you're going to a big event or lounging on the beach, these dresses will keep you stylish and comfortable all day long. Sizing from XS to plus size 5XL.