Maria Wiehler-Rova’s journey from America to Fiji via England took a transformative turn as she fell in love with the Fijian culture, its people, and the land. So deeply connected to her new home, she decided to marry into an indigenous family.

In 1997, Maria’s passion for creativity and art led to the establishment of Sigavou Studios. What initially started as a hobby soon grew into a thriving small business. From its humble beginnings as a home-based venture, Sigavou Studios has now expanded to occupy a spacious warehouse in Namaka, Nadi.

Driven by her artistic vision and dedication, Ms. Rova’s studio not only supports her own family but also empowers numerous individuals in urban and rural communities. One such community is Vatulele, which supplies the company with essential raw materials like ‘tapa’ or ‘masi’.

“We source our materials from villagers and grassroots people, and many times we are sourcing material directly from women in these communities. These women produce the bark cloth that is found in nearly all of the pieces that Sigavou produces have traveled to homes all across the world,” she said.

“To be able to give back to family like this means so much for us here at Sigavou. That’s why our vision and mission strongly hold high our values of development and giving back to the communities while also creating high quality art our customers can enjoy for decades.

Major Projects

Big projects include art for the newly renovated Radisson Blu Fiji Resort, Shangri-La’s Yanuca Island and Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort.

“This Sheraton project came as a massive blessing to us smack dab in the middle of COVID-19. This allowed us to provide income for 30 families from all walks of life, from all types of backgrounds,” Ms Rova said.

July Launch

Ms Rova added that now in 2023, with the world back on its feet, with people ready to explore, they are ready to find new experiences in the destinations they visit.

Sigavou Studios will be bringing ‘Colours of Fiji’ to the tourism market on June 1, a two- hour fully curated tour, something totally different.

“Fiji does not have a national art gallery and this is an opportunity at Sigavou to share their passion for the local Fijian art with their visitors to Fiji, while creating an authentic experience that is unforgettable and enriching,” she said.

Sigavou Studios have created something they believe is new for the Fijian tourism market, also new for the Art Scene in Fiji.

There has been a need for us to have an art gallery that has morphed into a totally new tourism product catering to both adults and children from ages three to – 99 that will be launched on June 1.

The tour will be running daily from 10am to 12pm.

Depending on the month, there will be pop-up galleries and displays from renowned artists from all over Fiji, starting with Lambert Ho in July.

“The activities on this experience will initially include of course our guided studio & gallery tour, but also spin painting, making your own tote bags, painting your own piece of barkcloth using traditional “masi kesa” methods, contributing to a community mural and more, as we will have an introduction of a new activity every month,” Ms Rova said.

 Story By:  Waisea Nasokia

Feedback: waisean@fijisun.com.fj