DESIGN PROCESS
In Los Angeles, Otis students learned about the history and culture of Palau from assigned readings, lectures, research, film viewings and field trips to the Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum in Long Beach, CA. They gained exposure to the making of monuments and the public art process through lectures, field trips, visiting artists, film viewing and readings. Design and Fine Art majors collaborated with each other and formed teams to create initial designs and proposals.
When they arrived in Koror, Palau to present their initial designs they had the privilege of receiving first-hand critiques, encouragement and suggestions. They gave design presentations to President Toribiong and President Remengesau, the Queen (Bilung Gloria Salii), the Matriarchs and Chiefs of the 16 States, the Governor of Koror, as well as the students, faculty and staff of the Palau Community College. The general public also attended. The students also met with Palauan historians, and they were interviewed with their presentation models on OTV (Oceania Television Network). Field trips included visiting the Rock Islands and a trip to the southern island of Peleliu, the site of one of the most devastating battles of World War II, where there are still unexploded ordnances.
Cultural tours included visiting wood working shops where Palauan artisans created Storyboards, Belau National Museum, Etpison Museum and the Palau Cultural Center.
The students also learned about Palau’s environmental concerns and the steps the country has taken towards conservation. In the overall design, the one monolith and toluk bowl that sits out in the ocean can serve as a gage for measuring the level of sea rising.
In our last trip to Palau, stone sculptor Rude Calderon visited local quarries and met with wood carvers to demonstrate the fundamentals of stone carving.
Otis’ videographer interviewed family members of fallen veterans, and we saw the pressing need for a meaningful and culturally relevant veterans’ memorial that is specifically for Palauans. An environmental monument that recognizes, remembers and honors the Palauan veterans in their own country, the ones who gave their lives while serving in the United States military.
Turtle logo designed by Palauan artist Scott Weers
Palau Freedom Memorial