Making Siapo with Fa’aSamoa Arts
What is Siapo? Siapo is an ancient Samoan art form, similar to painting, but instead the canvas is called tapa (made by pounding barkcloth stripped from the mulberry tree), the paintbrush is a paogo (pandanus seed), and the inks are made from nature. The lama (black...
FAPAC ava ceremony demonstration
Some photos I snapped at a little gathering for the first American Samoa chapter of Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC). There was an ava ceremony demonstration, a taualuga by the cutest taupou, and of course, no event is without food in American Samoa!...
2021 Farm Fair at Fagatogo Market
March 26, 2021 - Snaps around the Fagatogo Market during the Farm Fair Gabs got us each a fresh cold niu sans straw because we're good earth warriors over here 🙂 It's always hard trying to snap 'street photography' photos, but they're forever some of my favorites......
Samu’s Ice Cream Shop – Street Photography
Now for the next stop, Samu’s Ice Cream shop, where I brought my camera and shot these mostly candid photos.
Around Pago Plaza – Street Photography
The next stop on Gabby’s errands was a visit to Pago Plaza. I snapped these photos, and actually I love these!
Fagatogo Marketplace and Bus Depot – Street Photography
I’d say the Fagatogo Marketplace is probably one of the best spots to play around with street photography in American Samoa.
Fagatogo Fish Market – Street Photography
I braved the stares from strangers and brought my camera with me on errands… first stop, the Fagatogo Fish Market!
Pacific Roots Open Mic #19 — August 2020
Photos from the Pacific Roots Open Mic (PROM) at Sadies by the Sea in August — made possible by local creative and performing artists.
P.R.O.M. at Sadies by the Sea
Pacific Roots Open Mic (P.R.O.M.) on July 31, 2020. Organized by Tamiano Gurr and Traci Porotesano. Host venue at Sadies by the Sea.
American Samoa for Black Lives Matter
Black Lives Matter peaceful protest — American Samoa stands in solidarity with BLM & justice for George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and SO many others.
Alafaga Waterfall Photoshoot
Spontaneous and natural photo shoot with Alafaga. Her creativity & drive to make ish happen is inspiring & she’s a muse in front and behind the camera.
Virtual Pacific Roots Open Mic #16
Pacific Roots Open Mic #16 went virtual! The theme ‘Mental Health’ raises awareness of mental health issues, empowering youth of American Samoa.
Pacific Roots Open Mic #14
Pacific Roots Open Mic #14 Last month's open mic night, hosted by Pacific Roots founder Tamiano Gurr, powered by his better half Traci Porotesano, with the support of a creative village Gabby, Tulaga, Ammon, Jacinta and Saia, Toa, Athena, and a whole lot more people...
Palolo in American Samoa 2019
Stayed up til 3am waiting for palolo at Fatumafuti. Some people got lucky but we left the shore with empty nets still waiting for the big one.
Candid scenes on the Samoan streetside
Candid snaps around the coast of Upolu, Samoa. From our trip last weekend.