BY KHAMA LINCOLN In Gizo
WITH a few painting tools and limited resources, a hoarder pushing his limits at a backyard neighborhood corridor, local Artist, Activist, and Youth Animator, Nascia Pae utilizes whatever at his disposal, keeping his passion alive and making a living as well in a COVID era.
“I acknowledge Mauri T2 Copy and Print, for providing the space for me to utilize my talent as an Artist. And that I can be a role model to young people and also small local businesses can be lifted or promoted.”
That’s his first words as we started chatting, while he was working on a signboard for a local shop in Gizo Town.
He mentioned the Owner of Mauri T2 Copy and Print recognizes his skills and passion and allows him space to paint and display at the shop.
His passion for visual Art started in his primary school days and now he’s into painting, digital graphics, theatre acting, and activism. He paints on various materials such as canvas, plywood, Aluminum, Tapa, and bottles “which helps in recycling.”
“I did a lot of signboards for free for schools and communities,” he said.
The outspoken artist left his job in 2019 as a graphic artist for Musiboko company in Noro due to the pandemic. During his time with the company, he utilized his traditional Roviana knowledge especially from his home in Rarumana, Vonavona Lagoon, the home of the Tomoko, Western Solomons’ Traditional Canoe.
“My theme is based on oral stories from my ancestors from Western Province.” Pad who is part Gilbertese explained.
“I also involved in building a Tomoko and painting Nguzu Nguzu,” he maintains, I want people to know that it’s worth something. One of my ancestors was a painter of the Tomoko, using Charcoal. That has inspired me into transforming it with the use of different materials,” He added.
“Young people don’t sleep with your talents,” he advised. Make use of your God-given talents, you’re born to do greater things.”
“I urged the authorities, that there should be a proper mechanism to ensure justice and fairness takes place in our society,” The youth advocator said.
“Please don’t regard us young people as time bombs,” He pointed out, and don’t count us in figures like 70 percent or 50 percent, that’s offensive to us.
“We are young community ambassadors for equality and change,” he continued, we are change-makers, not time bombs.
“When you refer to young people as a time bomb, you put pressure on them. These are change-makers, not time bombs.
“One important thing is, everyone in the society has a mindset of inclusiveness,” Pae added, left no one behind in terms of decision making.”
Last year 2021, he was appointed by Side by Side to lead young people in theater role play and advocate for gender equality. He also involves youths in activism against violence against women and girls.
He said, while he is also a member of the Western Province Youth Caucus, the Non-Government Organization has created a link with the Provincial Youth Organization.
“What we advocate is movement on gender equality. That is one thing I see that will gear up young people to be responsible leaders in the future, for I see that it’s a space for youths to speak anytime for equality,” He stressed.
“It’s the right time to build a platform for them to grow and prosper as change-makers.”
“My age is 35, those of us who were at that age know the values, norms, and procedures of society. Youths now are born into the era of technology like social media. They can post anything on social media, where cyberbullying comes in,” The youth leader further stressed.
“We need to build them up, this is the right time to advocate and target groups that misuse social media, and I’ll do it on the theatre platform.”
Pae also mentioned challenges his new group of Gizo-based theatre actors is facing. He pointed out, the youth group needs to work on an organizational structure and to pursue support for a youth hub.
“We need a youth hub, a place for youths to practice, and working with people is challenging especially when it comes to decision making.
“Like, it’s hard to take them out of Gizo for outside programs, I have to consult their parents, So, we call on authorities to provide a space or hub for youths to utilize their skills.
“There’s are many talented youths, like Painters, Singers, Film Makers, and even good leaders, the hub is mainly to promote them,” Pae said.
The Artist and youth leader pointed out that youths need to continue engaging in worthwhile activities to help curb, lessen and stop anti-social and criminal activities in the communities.
