IN rural communities, local and passionate artists are struggling to shine out with their talents and sell their products compare to those in urban centres like Honiara.
In the recent Christmas and New Year festive season last year, Solomon Star met a passionate fine artist who has honed his pencil and paint art skills at his seashore home in the Elomana zone in Ughele village, South Rendova in Western Province.
Elomana is one of the 6th zones in Ughele village.
Rodney Tingo was enthusiastic about pencil drawing while he attended primary and secondary schools.
He has voluntarily supported local youths, churches, and students to print their t-shirts and drawing pictures.
He printed t-shirts by using homemade materials and dye bought in shops either in Munda or Honiara.
As his fine art work began gaining popularity, his work has been widely recognised by people at Ughele.
When Solomon Star visited his home, the first thing Tingo brought out was a portrait of the Member of Parliament for South New Georgia Rendova and Tetepare (SNR&T) Constituency, David Gina, which he drew using a pencil.
“I want to send this photo to you to write a story about, but I don’t have any chance to do it.
“I was so excited that you came to visit me,” he told Solomon Star in an interview.
In Ughele there is no youth hub for fine artists like Tingo to hone their skills and sell their artwork.
Local artists have to find opportunities or make their way to nearby urban centres to showcase their talents and sell their little work for little cash to support their family.
Before New Year, Tingo was called by Buruku 2 zone to design and paint their banner for the New Year celebration.
With excitement overwhelming his mind because Solomon Star has been frequently visiting him and keeping track of his drawing work, he was able to show the banner.
He explained how he designed and printed the banner and happy that Buruku 2 zone has recognised his work.
During the New Year 2025 celebration, Buruku 2 used the banner that Tingo designed and painted.
This is how Tingo utilised his God-given talent, but he stated there is no room for rural fine artists like him to shine compared to fine artists in Honiara.
By LACHLAN SHYVES EDDIE
Solomon Star, Honiara
