These paintings are available in limited edition giclee prints. Each image is printed on high quality canvas, and is numbered and signed by John Stephenson. For economical shipping, the prints are rolled and shipped in mailing tubes. They can be stretched and framed at your convenience. All shipping is insured.
Hawaiian Olympia 30” x 40”
Inspired by Manet’s homage to Titian’s “Venus of Urbino,” this Olympia looks directly at the viewer while being tattooed by her servant. Her esoteric tattoos connect to her chakras while other tattoos represent her family and her personal protection.
30″ x 40″ Giclee Print- $450 (edition of 500)
15″ x 20″ Giclee Print – $250
A warrior from Nuku Hiva, in the Marquesas Islands, is after etching made by the first Europeans to encounter these fearsome fighters. The tattoos represent the gods he calls on for strength, the connections to his tribe, and the unity of his family. The spear throwers were always in the first into battle. In his boar’s head satchel he carried a sling and smooth stones for after he had thrown his spear. The shaved head and sculptured hair was the fashion.
48″ x 24″ Giclee Print- $450 (edition of 500)
24″ x 12″ Giclee Print – $250
Pu’ali Ali’i 48” x 24”
A noble warrior from the Hawaiian Islands, he is also a spear thrower. He fights in front of his men. He wears a malo (loin cloth) made from feathers. Around his neck is a Lei Niho Palaoa (a necklace made from braided human hair and a carved whale tooth) reserved for the royal class. His whicker helmet is covered in feathers of the royal colors of Kamehameha, and his tattoos show his devotion to his family, his potency as a man, and his aumakuas (guardian gods) of the sea and sky.
48″ x 24″ Giclee Print- $450 (edition of 500)
24″ x 12″ Giclee Print – $250
Koa Kane 48” x 24”
Koa Kane, or male warrior, shows a man who would have been an officer in Kamehameha’s army. He is not poor, but he not a noble either. He is wealthy enough to be tattooed over most of his body. His tattoos represent family, his aumakua (guardian gods), his direction in life, his passion for the sea – and the sea birds to guide him, and his honor for his ali’i nui (high chief).
48″ x 24″ Giclee Print- $450 (edition of 500)
24″ x 12″ Giclee Print – $250
Kupuna 36” x 36”
Kupuna means elder in Hawaiian. Whenever a new undertaking is begun, kupunas gather to bring their wisdom and mana (spirit) to the project. Each may chant a blessing and give their sanction for the success of the endeavor. The tattoo behind the kupunas is the overshadowing of the Spirit.
36″ x 36″ Giclee Print- $450 (edition of 500)
18″ x 18″ Giclee Print – $250
Ali’i Wahine 48” x 24”
A woman of the noble class from the Victorian era, this painting depicts the marriage of traditional and European styles. The dress, tiara and jewelry are haute couture from Paris, while the feathered cape and Lei Niho Palaoa (a necklace made from braided human hair and a carved whale tooth) are ancient symbols of the ruling class. Her tattoos show her aumakua (guardian gods) and her family traditions
48″ x 24″ Giclee Print- $450 (edition of 500)
24″ x 12″ Giclee Print – $250
Mea Oli 48” x 36”
The Chant. The chanter blesses all who come near. The couple behind bears witness. The tattoo behind represents the gate to paradise. On the figures are tattoos representing family, work, and spiritual oneness.
48″ x 36″ Giclee Print- $450 (edition of 500)
24″ x 18″ Giclee Print – $250
Pau Hana 24” x 36”
From Taiohae Bay, the island of Nuku Hiva, “Pau Hana” means finished for the day. These men are returning home after the horse races celebrating the Bastille Day fete.
24″ x 36″ Giclee Print- $295 (edition of 500)
12″ x 18″ Giclee Print – $195