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His mother, Sherry Usenia, recalls how Waradi displayed a A unique approach to sustainability and vision
knack for crafting from an early age. For Waradi, art is more than just creating visually pleasing
“He would spend hours taking apart broken radios or old items—it’s a call to action.
toys, only to piece them back together into something entirely Waradi’s preferred style of art takes on deeper meaning given
different,” Usenia shared. the crisis Fiji is grappling with in terms of the nation’s growing
“It was as if he saw the world in a way no one else did. We litter problem.
encouraged him, but his drive and imagination were entirely his He crafts his pieces using things that would otherwise contribute
own.” to environmental pollution, such as plastic bottles, metal wire,
Waradi credits his family’s influence for his early start. and old appliances. His iron sculpture of a five-metre whale and
“Growing up, I was surrounded by art and creation,” he said. 1.2-metre dolphins, are possibly his best-known works, although
“My father’s skill with tools and my mother’s ability to paint his smaller creations are also symbols of sustainability.
and sculpt inspired me to see potential in the ordinary. They His main passion lies with using recyclable items like plastic
taught me that art isn’t just something you make—it’s a way of and remains of old gadgets.
thinking,” said the taciturn young artist from his workshop in a “Nothing’s thrown away,” Waradi explained. “Every piece of
rural area outside of Nadi. material has a purpose. I want people to see that waste can be
This may be a labor of love, but this is serious work and just transformed into something beautiful.”
like other tradesman, he has earned a good living off it. Well-known Fijian painter and National Art Gallery Project
Although a man of few words, Waradi prefers to let his Officer, Irami Buli, is among Waradi’s most ardent supporters.
creations do the talking. “Stanley’s art is fascinating because it’s not just about
creating—it’s about rethinking how we use resources,” Buli said.
Finding his footing in art “He’s elevating sustainable art in Fiji, and his work speaks to a
Like many artists, Waradi’s artistic journey began with small global audience.”
steps, firstly experimenting in sculpture using wax and plastic, Despite his growing fame, Waradi remains grounded and
creating miniature installations that caught the eye of local deeply connected to his roots. He dreams of a future where art
artists. becomes a central feature of Fijian public spaces.
“My first pieces were humble,” he explained. “I used whatever “We have so much talent in Fiji,” Waradi said, his eyes lighting
I could find—discarded items from under the house, the up with passion. “Imagine roundabouts with sculptures that tell
roadside, or scraps from workshops. Over time, I realised this our stories, or seawalls adorned with art that reflects our heritage.
wasn’t just about making art. It was about giving new life to Art can transform spaces and bring communities together.”
things people throw away.” Buli echoes this sentiment, envisioning monumental sculptures
One of Waradi’s defining moments came when he began becoming cultural landmarks across the islands. “There’s
crafting larger works from discarded umbrella frames, springs, untapped potential in sculpture,” he said. “It could become a
and metal scraps. “Those materials spoke to me,” he said. defining feature of Fijian identity, just like in cities around the
“They had stories, and I wanted to tell them in a way people world.”
hadn’t seen before.”
Waradi’s journey gained momentum with the support of Craig Inspiring the next generation
Marlow, a seasoned artist who offered him a space to work in Waradi hopes his journey will inspire other young Fijians
his Suva studio. Marlow introduced him to techniques like brass to pursue their talents. “Art saved me,” he admitted. “I wasn’t
wiring but left the rest to Waradi’s raw talent. academically gifted, but art gave me a purpose and a way to
“Stanley’s work is mind-blowing,” Marlow said. “Everything contribute to my community.”
he creates comes from his imagination. I never coached him; His mother believes his story is a proof of the importance of
I just provided the tools and space. With the right support, he nurturing talent. “Stanley’s success shows what can happen
can achieve international recognition as a sculptor working with when you encourage a child to follow their passion,” she said.
recyclable materials.” “Fiji has so many gifted young people. They just need someone
Marlow also facilitated Waradi’s move to Leleuvia Island to believe in them.”
Resort, after Colin Philp, the artistically-leaning late former Although Waradi’s work creates attention locally, his ambitions
manager at the resort, was captivated by an item Waradi crafted remain rooted in creating meaningful art that resonates with
from plastic bottles. sustainable practices.
The island offered a serene environment where he could “I want to see Fijian art recognised globally,” he said. “But more
hone his craft. It was here that Waradi, who became a resident than that, I want to inspire people to think differently—about art,
artist for two years, honed the talents needed to produce some about waste, and about what’s possible when you dare to create.”
of his most iconic pieces, including larger-than-life sculptures In his own unique way, the young artist is certainly helping
that now grace the waters of resorts like Fiji Marriott Resort in shape a brighter, more sustainable future for Fijian art.
Momi Bay.

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