Most of the works in the series are portraits of local children from small villages all over the islands. It wasn’t an intentional choice but in hindsight I think it’s a great way to tell a story about Fiji and the South Pacific region. The earnest expression in a child’s eyes is so disarming, it strips us of any prejudice and political bias, leaving only empathy and a feeling of true human connection. I met this fascinating little girl at a remote little village in Yasawa Island. She had wild hair – long, unlike the other girls. And unlike the other children she didn’t care much for white foreigners with cameras. She preferred to keep her distance and play alone on the beach. I was incredibly lucky to get a National Geographic worthy shot of her (or so I like to think!), which I used for this black and white drawing. This wild haired girl and her intense stare also make an appearance in one other ‪drawing in the series.