Lambert Ho is arguably one of the country’s most established and recognisable visual artists.
Despite having a sterling career spanning almost four decades under his belt, he has not shown any sign of slowing down.
On December 20 last year, the adventuring artist left Nadi for the far-flung island of Rotuma.
He is soaking in every ounce of goodness the island paradise and her people have on offer.
But not without showcasing what he loves best – painting.
Lambert is part of a group of volunteers who are on the island as part of an eco-camp organised for school children and youths.
“I traveled to Rotuma as an artist and volunteer for Läje Rotuma Initiative,” he said.
LäjeRotuma Initiative (LRI) is a community-based environmental education and awareness development program in Rotuma.
LRI is a voluntary initiative which encourages youths on the island to actively participate in activities aimed at informing and strengthening the capacity of the island community to make informed decisions on sustainable management of their natural resources.
“I am billeted in the village of Noatau, an amazing place with the sea at my doorstep. ”
LRI had earmarked a few spaces on Rotuma for painting and other art activities including murals on walls, art classes for children and fabric painting for the women.
The various art forms used were aimed at empowering young people to effectively express themselves, telling their unique stories and sharing their lived experiences.
“This is all a volunteer program that involves a few of us, namely environmentalists, teachers, artists et cetera, ” Lambert shared.
Aside from serious aspects of volunteering on the island, something that Lambert is very familiar with, enjoying the sights and sounds of Rotuma and the rare opportunity of interacting with islanders, is something the Suva artist has been enjoying.
“This isn’t new for me as I’ve traveled extensively through Fiji to share and connect with fellow Fijians through art. It’s wonderful and I’d never change it for anything else. When children are able to they will draw right after saying mummy or daddy!”
While the camp is volunteer-driven, Lambert did reach out to a few friends to sponsor some tetron cotton fabric, marquees and some art materials.
“I’m loving everything about this amazing land of Rotuma and her beautiful people. After my welcome ceremony or ‘ mamasa’ I was taken around the island to visit her amazing spots. ”
This was over the Christmas and new year season so there was a lot of dancing and merry-making the traditional way.
“There was a lot of feasting and dancing (the traditional ‘fara’). It was an everyday and every night affair! You’re pulled into the occasion politely and it’s an amazing experience.”
Rotuma’s natural aesthetics and the humility of the people are things Lambert will always cherish about the island when he finally returns to the capital.
He says he admires the values of simplicity and humility which abound on the island.
For food, Lambert misses his daily dose of vegetables. He eats a lot of taro leaves and bele in order to stay trim and fit.
“Rotumans would open a can of corned beef and have it with taro or biscuits every second or third day, I’m watching my diet and my figure!
“I am so honoured to be invited to Rotuma by my friend Monifa Fiu, the managing director for Läje Rotuma Initiative. A big vinaka vakalevu to the people of Rotuma and the care given to me. I am deeply grateful and humbled. Faiaksia!”
Lambert has travelled extensively around the globe doing and attending exhibitions and festivals. He has also travelled extensively through out Fiji.
Picnic on the beautiful beach at Oinafa wharf. Picture: SUPPLIED
Celebrations during the festive season with the people of Noatau.
Picture: SUPPLIED
Lambert’s work on the walls of the community center at the village of Kalvaka. Inset – Lambert Ho, one of Fiji’s iconic visual artists. In this photo his awesome crew, Monifa Fiu and Joshua, helps him paint Kan Store walls at Noatau Village. Pictures: SUPPLIED
Artwork on the wall of Lambert’s host, Monifa Fiu’s home. Picture: SUPPLIED
Food is something every visitor to Rotuma will always cherish. Picture: SUPPLIED
Lambert’s art in the room of three-month-old Mahana Manueli.
Picture: SUPPLIED
Lambert’s painting has brought life to the walls of a shop in Noatau.
Picture: SUPPLIED
