The saying ‘Every cloud has a silver lining’ is perfectly reflected in the life of Mele Nabola.
She probably would have never discovered her gift and passion for painting. But luck was on her side and it was through the lockdowns and movement restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic that she discovered her creative side.
The Sunday Times visited Mele earlier this week and she spoke openly about her passion for her job as a public health worker and how she uses her talent as an artist to create awareness on various social issues, particularly climate change.
The 26-year-old hails from the village of Muaira on the island of Naviti in the Yasawa Group with maternal links to the island of Yanuca in the province of Serua. Mele is the eldest of four siblings.
After completing secondary school at the Suva-based St Joseph’s Secondary School, she went on to enroll in the Fiji National University’s Bachelor of Public Health program. She graduated in 2021 and now works at FNU’s College of Medicine and Nursing’s research department.
“I decided to take public health because I realised, I’m better doing field work than being in the office.”
“In the public health field, you go out to communities, you do health awareness, you do surveys, I’m very passionate about being out in the community, with the people, and contributing to society,” she said.
An issue that Mele holds very close to her heart and advocates actively on is reproductive health. She drew attention to the current trend of teenage pregnancies as well as the surging HIV and STI cases across the country and how it has negatively impacted the lives of people, particularly the youth.
“In my public health career, I want to create more awareness on these issues. I always advocate for family planning and the use of contraceptives. Just trying to emphasise to the youths that it is not something to be uncomfortable about so that they make the best decision for their future.”
Getting into art was somewhat a no-brainer for Mele. Her father, Apete Nabola, a military officer, is also a painter.
“My dad isn’t a well-known artist in Fiji, but he does a lot of painting and growing up I, always saw him painting all kinds of beautiful images.”
“Back in 2019 when COVID happened, like everyone else, I was stuck at home and attended all my classes online. There wasn’t much to do, so one day I found some of dad’s old paints and started painting,” she said.
Shortly afterward, Mele posted a picture of her artwork online. She received positive feedback from her friends and family, who showered her with compliments and encouraged her to continue.
“So, I started painting more, developing my style by incorporating the use of pencils and crayons — basically trying to perfect my craft.”
Her work soon caught the attention of Solomone Rabuli, the founder of Selfless Fiji, a non-profit NGO.
“So, in 2021 I joined Selfless Fiji and got involved in volunteer work in the west and central divisions, painting murals in care homes for the elderly and orphanages,” she said.
Working and collaborating with other artists in Selfless Fiji provided Mele with a platform to gain experience and forge connections. They enabled her to expand her understanding of art and how it could be used as a tool for influencing change.
Mele was recently part of a three-member team that worked on a magnificent piece of art on the wall of Greenhouse CoWorking located on Des Voeux Road in Suva. The mural is part of an initiative by the French Development Agency and Greenhouse CoWorking aimed at creating awareness on sustainable development.
“A fellow artist named Regina Vaka’uta reached out and told me about the ‘Art for Change’ initiative which was being facilitated by AFD and Greenhouse CoWorking,” Mele said.
“I said yes, and I went up to Greenhouse. Initially, I had no idea what it was or who I was going to be working with.”
Mele shared that as she got there, she met with two other artists, Hefrani Barnes and Jack Eastgate, who became their creative lead and mentored them on the skills and knowledge needed to paint a mural.
“Not only that, but he was also going to share with us how to use art to send a message on issues like conservation, climate change, and protecting biodiversity.”
“If you take a look at the mural, you will see bure with solar panels, there is a lady in the market selling her produce with a solar light above her head, a drua is floating in the sky, which signifies clean energy,” she said.
The theme of the mural is “Noda Vanua Ni Mataka” or “Our land of tomorrow”, with the message about how the fusion of technology, tradition, and culture is the key to a more sustainable future for Fiji and the region.
The big shift from painting on canvas to a whole wall was a challenge for Mele, who is grateful for the knowledge imparted by senior artist Jack Eastgate.
The 26-year-old emphasised that nothing in life comes easy
“I have never had any art certification and was just a self-taught artist, so to work with Jack pushed me to another level as an artist and helped me demand more from myself.”
“The hidden talents within an individual will never truly be realised until one looks within and learns more about oneself.
“Ever since I discovered my passion for painting it has been a source of joy and pride, not only that, if one thing I learned during the COVID-19 pandemic was using art as a form of financial support for me,” she said.
“The money I got from selling some of my artwork helped me to invest in my education and also contribute towards supporting my family.”
Mele also acknowledged that her art journey has given her a sense of security knowing it could also be a full-time career for her if university studies did not work out.
The Yasawa woman also expressed her support for a review of Fiji’s education curriculum to allow subjects like art and craft and music to become compulsory subjects and to be taken more seriously.
“I believe if the government takes this on board, we will provide a platform for youths to aspire to become entrepreneurs and make a career out of their hidden talents and skills. Some may be good at painting, masi printing, woodcarving, or even designing t-shirts,” she said.
“Remember there is a time for fun, but do not let it put your future at risk.”
That is Mere’s message of vigilance to Fijian youths of today.
“Before you make a decision, always keep your family’s expectations at the back of your mind, strive to make them happy, and give back to your community because these are the people who invest a lot to see you succeed,” she said.
“Nothing in life comes easy. Remember that whenever you put your mind to something, there’s always going to be obstacles. But hard work and dedication are the only way you’ll overcome them. Set your goals and stay passionate.”
