The Fiji Arts Council held its first solo exhibition on Thursday night, showcasing the creative works of 37-year-old woodwork artist and enthusiast, Rachael Halstead.
It featured a collection of handcrafted décor and furniture, including wall art and tables made primarily from plywood and discarded timber.
Rachael, who describes herself as a woodwork enthusiast rather than a trained joiner, said her inspiration stemmed from nature and a desire to honour the life of trees.
“I saw a lot of timber being discarded while working in timber yards, and I don’t like to waste anything,” she said.
“The trees have lives, and we just take them for granted. I wanted to honour their life through my pieces.”
Originally experimenting with Vaivai wood, Rachael has since embraced plywood as her main medium, aiming to demonstrate its creative potential despite its frequent association with construction or budget-friendly projects.
She also shared her personal connection to Fiji, noting that her mother is from Kadavu while her father is English.
“I’ve been here for over 10 years, and I feel very connected to my roots.
“This exhibition is a bit scary for me.
“But I took a leap of faith, and I’m really enjoying it. I think we need more creatives in society.”
Rachael’s pieces range in price from $180 for small mirrors to $2000 for large table sets.
