Josaia McNamara’s journey into the world of art began in the vibrant iTaukei community of Matuku in Lau, where he grew up immersed in cultural richness and rural life. Raised in Tamavua, McNamara’s upbringing involved hard work and a deep connection to the land, thanks to his family’s engagement in farming and his mother’s successful handicraft business.
Despite not having a father, McNamara speaks fondly of his mother’s efforts to raise him and his siblings, working hard to provide. By the age of seven or eight, he was already dabbling with charcoal and pencil, expressing himself artistically on walls and scrap paper. However, it wasn’t until he returned to Suva at 18, after finishing his primary and secondary education in Lautoka, that his passion for art began to flourish significantly.
While at the University of the South Pacific, McNamara participated in workshops with visiting artists. It was here that he began networking and searching for platforms to showcase his talent, eventually discovering the Fiji Arts Council, which played a key role in his development as a practicing artist.
McNamara recalls that the early days of his involvement with the council were inconsistent, but they laid a crucial foundation for his artistic journey. The National Fine Arts Exhibition, though less expansive at the time, provided emerging artists like him with an opportunity to make an impact in the art scene.
For McNamara, art transcends mere profession; it has been a spiritual exploration. He believes that through concentration and self-reflection, artists can uncover their unique realities—something that is crucial for personal and artistic growth. Despite facing challenges in his artistic endeavors, he persists in pushing through the mental and physical demands of the craft.
Looking to the future, McNamara envisions the Fiji Arts Council as a work in progress, a platform with immense potential to cultivate success for artists. He encourages young emerging artists to be patient with their practice and have faith in their abilities, emphasizing that what they possess is valuable and integral to their journey.
In summary, McNamara’s artistic journey reflects resilience and dedication, providing a hopeful message: success may seem out of reach at times, but with determination, it is achievable.
This article underscores the importance of perseverance and finding one’s passion, highlighting how art can serve as both a personal outlet and a community connector. McNamara’s story is an invitation for others to embrace their creative journeys, regardless of the challenges they may encounter.
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