Mere Rasue, a 34-year-old artist from Ra with roots in Somosomo Village, Gau, embodies the message that one’s talent is a divine gift. Her journey has been shaped by numerous challenges and a quest for self-discovery through art.
Growing up in Lautoka with both parents working in government—her father at the magistrate court and her mother as a school teacher—Mere didn’t pursue tertiary education after high school, choosing instead to build a family in Ba with three children. However, as life grew increasingly difficult, she began to contemplate her future.
Mere’s path shifted when her older brother, a lawyer, encouraged her to explore her potential. He urged her to respond to an advertisement from the University of the South Pacific seeking students for their visual arts program. Despite being unfamiliar with visual art, Mere submitted sketches and applied, leading to her selection as one of just three applicants out of 30.
This opportunity opened the door to a brand-new world of artistic expression, introducing her to various media beyond her initial understanding of just pencil and ink. Workshops and exhibitions expanded her horizons, fueling her artistic passions further.
A pivotal encounter at an art exhibition with Anare Somumu, a renowned artist and children’s book illustrator, marked another turning point in her artistic journey. His mentorship connected her with broader art communities and helped her engage more deeply with the local art scene, where she showcased her work alongside prominent artists.
Through her art inspired by her environment and heritage, Mere aims to pass down knowledge about cultural preservation to younger generations. She advocates for the importance of education, expressing regret about not pursuing studies fully in her youth while actively working to ensure her daughters balance academics with their artistic pursuits. Remarkably, her oldest daughter has already shown promise as an aspiring artist.
As she looks ahead, Mere is committed to furthering her artistic education and hopes to become an illustrator for children’s books, uniting her passion for art with storytelling.
This inspiring story of growth showcases how perseverance and a willingness to pursue one’s passion can lead to self-fulfillment and community contribution. Mere’s journey is a testament to the idea that it’s never too late to follow your dreams and share your gifts with the world.
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