Minaira Fifita is a visual and performing artist whose artwork is grounded in her Polynesian and Celtic roots and nurtured by her faith in the unity of humanity. She grew up in the island nation of Tonga. The Baha’i faith and her family are very important to her and all of her siblings are artists.
Minaira has won various art competitions, including one for the Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra. She has found galleries to exhibit her work in both Australia and Tonga and continues to receive commissions.
After graduating, the World Bank commissioned her to illustrate some stories for a teaching programme in Tonga. With the money from this work she was able to make payments towards her student fees. She also had the opportunity to work with well-known New Zealand artist Robin White, assisting on a collaborative tapa work with her sister, Ruha Fifita.
She continues to paint and contributes to a website and a Facebook page that she and her siblings have created. They all continue to support each other as artists.
“I learnt how important creativity is; that in its development it requires a balance between skill and control and the freedom to experiment and take risks. It’s like worship – a way to reflect and praise the beauty and magnificence of life!”
(Excerpt from NZ NEWS The Learning Connection )
Be Illumined 
Reblogged this on Pearlz Dreaming and commented:
Introducing Minaira Fifita. Another of our collaborating artists for Illumine.
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