By FARISHA AHMED
Jewellery making in Fiji is showing progress and setting the Fijian-made jewellery apart from others.
A jewellery-making workshop program is being conducted by the Fiji Arts Council in conjunction with the Tutu Training Centre in Taveuni.
The series of workshops is being held over the course of 2013 bringing together 16 talented handicraft or jewellery producers from Macuata and Cakaudrove to gain technical skills and explore creative potentials.
Fijian Contemporary designer, Robert Kennedy taught participants to design and incorporate their own unique style.
“I showed the participants a sideshow of different jewellers from around the world with an emphasis on modern Tribal styles which they related to strongly,” Mr Kennedy said
“They were very inspired, especially as they realised that they had the raw materials at hand to make their own jewellers.”
The workshop
The workshops aim to encourage and support the group to create high quality jewellers that is unique, beautiful and bold, using local materials to capture the Fijian style and spirit.
Mr Kennedy, who comes from a strong arts background, said he was delighted when the Fiji Arts Council asked him to be part of the program.
“I said yes immediately and then asked (the) Tappoo (Group of Companies) if they would help sponsor me, which they said yes to immediately as well,” he said.
“Tappoo and I share the same vision of having as much as we can make in Fiji, and are really committed to reaching out and developing new enterprises that showcase Fijian talent.”
Mr Kennedy encouraged participants to design an ‘over-the-top’ piece that they could later re-interpret and refine into a commercial piece. He encouraged them to think creatively and ‘outside the box’.
Jewellery-making programme
The Jewellers Making Programme (JMP) is facilitated by the Fiji Arts Council, funded by the New Zealand High Commission and has the support, involvement and the guidance of key stakeholders.
The Tutu Training Center is a major stakeholder who has made valuable contributions towards the development of the program and extending its outreach.
The Department of National Heritage Culture and Arts and Culture has funded the purchase of equipment to be located in Taveuni, Savusavu and Labasa and Tappoos have funded the costs associated with engaging Mr Kennedy to conduct the design, pricing and display workshops.