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Born in 1962, I was first introduced to the world of art via an
intense love of comic books. I constantly drew the various
characters such as ‘ Spider Man ’, ‘ Daredevil ’, ‘ X-men ’, ‘
Hulk ’ and the like. Constant drawing led to an improvement in
my skill, which prompted my father to purchase my first oil
painting set in December 1974. This introduction to oils was
love at first sight. I liked the texture and effect that oils
possessed so much that I began painting excessively thereafter,
copying various paintings which I saw in art books. I also did
a lot of original still life and portraits, which tend to be a
personal favourite.
I
attended Hillview College during 1974 – 1981 and much of my
spare time was spent painting and studying various techniques in
oils. Unfortunately, much of my early works were given away
and, I say unfortunately because in some respects they represent
my greatest work since they were done with such passion and
instinctive flare they represent an era that I can never
reproduce.
After I left Hillview, I took one art course representing forty
(40) contact hours at U.W.I. Extra Mural where I learnt the
basics. Apart from that I have pursued my own studies using
books, magazines and the Internet and I am now poised to offer
the local art community my own interpretation of art.
I
have a love for the impressionists’ perspective and admire great
masters such as Monet, Rembrandt, Da Vinci and Renoir. I am now
painting far more frequently than at any other time in my career
and have noticed that my work is evolving right before my eyes,
and, my greatest dream is to offer the world of local art
something that it has never quite seen before; something rare
and beautiful. ART to me is primarily BEAUTY and there cannot
be art without beauty.
In
2001, I joined the Trinidad and Tobago Art Society where one of
my pieces, a still life, was exhibited. In 2002, my work was
featured in a group exhibition hosted by the P.A.C. (Private Art
Collection) held at Long Circular Mall where four of my
paintings were sold. In 2003, I again participated in a group
exhibition hosted by the P.A.C. at Long Circular Mall where I
sold four landscapes.
In
November of 2003, two of my paintings were selected for showing
in the Art Society’s exhibition. I have also sold paintings at
two of Trinidad’ premium art galleries: HORIZONS and ART
CREATORS. Recently one of my paintings was sold at an Art
Exhibition held at the Tobago Hilton in July 2003.
In
September 2004 I hosted my first solo exhibition at Framed Art
Gallery in Chaguaramas, which was a great success. The
exhibition ran for two (2) weeks and twelve (12) of the
twenty-six pieces were sold. The show also enjoyed favourable
reviews and commentaries from the media including that of Anne
Hilton a respected art critic. In November 2004 two of my
pieces were again selected for the annual Art Society
Exhibition.
To
begin 2005, in April I exhibited in a group show at Framed Art
Gallery, and, in May I exhibited with Art Creators in a two-man
show with artist Anderson Dyett. For the month of September,
Horizons Art Gallery invited me to exhibit with some of
Trinidad’s top artist such as Boscoe Holder, Ramon Navarro, Lisa
O’Connor and others.
My
second solo exhibition at Framed Art Gallery also took place in
September 2005 with its launch on 17th September. This exhibit
was coined ‘A New Perspective’. In this same month I was
invited to participate in a Grand Charity Art Auction to be held
at the President’s House by the Multi-Cultural Club, which, I
gladly accepted.
In
November 2005, I participated in the Trinidad Art Society’s
annual art exhibition. Also in 2005 I completed a full oil
painting course on two (2) CD’s entitled ‘The Insider’s
Guide to the Secrets of Oil Painting’ by artist Ethan
Semmel. This course comprised of twenty-two (22) core lessons
and numerous video tutorials.
For
2006, I completed an on-line oil painting course comprising
sixty (60) course units from beginner’s to advanced level,
supplied by Barry John Raybould, M.A. of ‘The Virtual Art
Academy’. In May 2006, I was invited to participate in a ‘Live
and Silent Art Auction’ hosted by the American Women’s
Club at the Queen’s Hall. In August 2006, I submitted
works for group exhibitions at Horizons (Mucurapo Road) and Voix
(Cocyea, San Fernando) art galleries.
I
am continuing my own research and experimentation with hopes of
advancing the impressionist approach and create either a variant
or even an entirely new art perspective. I am recording my
findings in a journal that may become the basis of a new
perspective.
At
present I am quite excited by the direction, my work is heading
and no doubt by the fair amount of success I am having.
Presently, my work can be viewed at HORIZONS, ART
CREATORS, VOIX and FINE ART galleries.
Artist Statement On A New
Perspective
There is a way a painting can maintain its freshness, its
uniqueness and its universal appeal; I call this a ‘painting
for all seasons’. I believe the way to do this is
hinged on creating a painting, the heart of which is based on
some ideology, a philosophy, a spirit that the viewer can
perceive. Keeping the style loose and free would release the
painting to multiple interpretations and this is the key to
making the painting timeless.
Impressionism is a powerful style which I have always maintained
but I believe it can be tailored to suit the subject matter,
and, even blended with other styles and techniques to create
something novel. This recent showing is an attempt at a more
bold approach at creating substance and essence in art. It is
based on a more intuitive and instinctive way of painting,
allowing the painting to lead the way.
This new perspective has only one rule, to paint from the heart.
My aim is to carry the impressionist work
even further, to break old barriers and to develop an art that
is truly free.
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