Dialogue in Colour: A conversation with DF committee member and youth artist Kelerayani Gavidi about her painting titled Dialogue in Colour. The painting featured on Dialogue Fiji’s 2012 calendar. 8000 copies of the calendar was distributed throughout

DF:   How long did it take you to come up with the concept of the painting?

The concept took me two days to finally figure out.

DF:  Can you describe the painting?

 Its a painting done in acrylics. The painting highlights the colourful nature of dialogue. Dialogue is an animated as well as a serious process that requires inclusiveness and openness. Various interest groups are represented by the persons sitting in a circle. They don’t just include men, there are women and young people as well. The faces looking in from all angles are members of society and the interest groups that the main characters represent. They look hopefully to the process. Will it be effective and efficient? Dialogue can be exactly that

DF:  Are there reasons for the choice of colours you’ve used in this painting?

The colours are very random, They are there to show the differences in people. I wanted something very bright and very retro to capture the eyes first and then capture the interest in the obvious dialogue.

 DF: How did you feel about the finished product?

I'm happy with it.

DF: Have you ever received any formal art training if not, then how did you develop this talent/skill?

I did do a few art courses but I have always had this interest even before the training. I love art!

DF: Is this the first time your artwork has been distributed nationally through Fiji Times? If so, how did you feel about that?

In the Fiji times yes, but I have had previous art pieces produced on stamps, posters and books.

DF: As a youth representative on the committee of DF, what are your feelings about the potential of using the arts to promote dialogue particularly for youths?

I think the potential is enormous and cannot be denied! Using creative arts even in dialogue will make it interesting and it will allow for greater interpretation and understanding!

DF: Any other comments?

It was a pleasure doing this art piece for DFS.