Basic Fabric Art For North Entrepreneurs
Ms Rakai-Niumataiwalu is currently based in Sydney, Australia but continues to conduct fabric art printing workshops around Fiji.
Tuesday 26 April 2022 | 05:30
Participants showing their craft during the fabric art printing workshop in Labasa on April 21, 2022. Photo: Sampras Anand
Over 50 fabric art enthusiasts went home fully satisfied that they had acquired the basic knowledge and skills of fabric art printing.
They were part of a three-day fabric art printing workshop, which ended on Friday (April 22) in Labasa.
Facilitator Angie Rakai-Niumataiwalu, who has been a steward of fabric art for the past 35 years, said she had advertised the workshop on her Facebook page ‘Fabric Art with Angie Rakai-Niumataiwalu’ for interested participants.
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Ms Rakai-Niumataiwalu is currently based in Sydney, Australia but continues to conduct fabric art printing workshops around Fiji.
“The workshop is prepared for participants to understand the basics of fabric art and how certain variations of brush, sponge and hand painting can be utilised,” she said.
Screen printing, tie-dye Asian techniques and her own personal blotching technique were taught during the workshop.
Ms Rakai-Nimataiwalu said women must be passionate about how different colours could bring forward a unique fabric design.
“Women once mastering the basics of fabric art can sustain their families by generating income through these sales,” she said.
The workshop also provided participants with an opportunity to learn and later on impart this fabric art knowledge and practical skills to their communities, youth groups, and villages.
Despite what people may call an expensive participation fee of $155, Ms Rakai Nimataiwalu said the benefits of engaging in this workshop was an investment into growing their small business and supporting their income from this.
A similar workshop will also be held in Lautoka and Nadi next week and then the group would organise a community outreach programme at Naitutu Village in Tailevu.
Participant, Salaseini Silimaca, said despite attaining a Trade Diploma in Forestry, the workshop gave her life-sustaining skills and business options.
Labasa Market Vendors Association president, Mareta Tagivakatini plans to use this newfound fabric art printing knowledge to expand her handicraft business.
Feedback: sampras.anand@fijisun.com.fj
