Alchemy exhibition: 10 local artists unite to turn ordinary into extraordinary

Ten local artists have come together to celebrate creativity, culture and connection through their collective showcase, through the Alchemy exhibit.

Featuring works by Alice Hill, Peter Lancaster, Filimoni Koto, Shane Bower, Stanley Waradi, Lynn McLaren, Georgia Gremore, Lisa Philp, Sai Tawanakoro and Sandra Hiett from Mana Clay Collective, the exhibition is a testament to the power of art to inspire and unite.

While speaking at the event, U.S. Ambassador to Fiji Marie Damour says art is more than just beauty; it is a bridge that connects people, tells stories and transforms simple materials like clay, glass and wood into extraordinary creations.

She says this exhibition not only showcases the talent of these artists but also celebrates the cultural and economic significance of their work.

In an interview with fijivillage News, 53-year-old glass artist Alice Hill from Sigatoka says the idea for the exhibition came from thinking about how art is created and what is needed to create it.

She says the art begins with raw materials like glass, clay or metal.

Hill says she loves the ocean, rivers and nature and she wanted to reflect that in her medium, which is glass.

She adds that many of her pieces are made using a complex technique where she places the pattern on the outside of the glass rather than the inside.

While describing her craft, Hill says she is a glassblower and she uses raw glass, melts it at 1,100 degrees Celsius, and then shapes it into finished pieces.

She says while creating a piece can take as little as five minutes to an hour, it takes 30 years of practice to reach that level of expertise.

Hill says this exhibition is about working together and collaboration and it not only enhances creativity but also inspires to push boundaries which can not be done alone.

She urges people to keep honing their skills.

The artist says if you are interested in the arts, keep working, draw, paint, sculpt—whatever your medium, strive to master it and engage with other artists, share ideas and build an artistic community.

She adds collaboration and persistence helps people truly grow as creators.

The art exhibition is open to the public, free of charge, from 9am to 6pm Thursday to Sunday, and 9am to 8pm on Monday at the Grand Pacific Hotel.