Raj Revives Talent After Being Laid Off

Daniel Nilesh Raj has always had a passion to paint as a young boy. Now, it is his source of income after he was laid off from Mickeys Supermarket in Lautoka.

The 39-year-old can sometimes be spotted painting in various street corners or at his home in Guruwaiya Street, Lautoka.

Mr Raj said he either sold his artwork or bartered them for groceries.

“I actually used to paint when I was young like when I was eight years old, but I didn’t really think anything of it until I was laid off on 20th March with 10 to 15 other staff,” he said.

“I saw this barter page on Facebook and thought of what I could barter so I decided to try painting again and realised my talent never really went away.”

He has bartered 10 paintings and sold another 10.

The price for his artwork depends on its size.

“The prices range from $10 to $150 and for the sculptures the right piece is $80 and the six piece is $60. I also do signage,” Mr Raj said.

“I have to do two self-portraits in Lautoka then on Thursday I am going to Yadua Resort to do a painting. Next week I’ll be going to Suva to paint for a hair salon, an office then right to Nausori for another hair salon, and I even have one ready to send to Sydney.”

Mr Raj has encouraged the public to use their talents and resources during this pandemic to provide for their families.

“Just use what you have or do what you are good at because companies can send people home any day,” he said.

Edited by Ivamere Nataro

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