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It is time to start back creating again, you know it but you just can’t. You have everything you need but, when you sit down, you are blank like that blank canvas or page staring back at you. Frustrating, isn’t it? Whatever happened to that creative flow you once had? Have no fear because this is the most common challenge with many creatives, and this is why I wanted to offer some suggestions as an artist to another artist. In this blog, I share ideas on the concept of play and why it is essential as an artist. Here are some insightful and practical things you can do: Go outside and play I literally mean to go outside and play. We spend most of our lives indoors, going to school, being in an office or room in a building for work and we get busy with all the life things. In the whirlwind of life, we lose connection to the things we once loved and forget about them. We do not include it in our life schedule anymore because we get busy. Take the time to reconnect to those things you once loved. Make the time and take the effort, because that is where you would find your inspiration again. Do gardening again, go to the beach, take that dance class, take photos, collect shells…whatever you do, move and keep moving. Pursue the things you have always loved and play with those ideas that develop. It is the simplest things in life that can make the world of difference. You do not need the most expensive art materials or tools and you do not need to have everything in perfect order to get started. The popular Nike quotation says, “Just do it.” Play with the things you love and keep your mind open to new ideas and inspiration from books, videos and going to exhibitions. Connecting with other creatives and being part of collaborations are also beneficial. Create bad art and be unashamed about it. The greatest in the world did not wake up one day and was the best at what they did, so neither would you! Embrace your creative journey and create without expectations. It does not matter what it looks like because you need the space and time to play with your tools and materials to feel them out again. Splash paint, tear paper, create random brush strokes, create layers, make hand prints, throw some glitter, paint with your fingers! It does not matter. Give yourself a chance to be free creatively without any pressure. Play with your materials and create doodles, create patterns, draw the stack of books in front of you or abstract your cat! Have a book where when you feel stuck, you can be free in that space to create anything without judgement. Now hold on, don’t go throwing away your art now. Remember that Bob Ross said, ‘There are no mistakes, only happy accidents!” Keep your happy accidents to show your progress, recreate it into something else or even incorporate it in another work. Besides, these seemingly insignificant doodles would be worth millions when you get famous, right? Don’t go throwing away millions! Lighten up! Don’t be Oscar from Sesame Street! Throughout art history, Art has been considered a very academic subject, a discipline, and in the Renaissance times, it was seen as a sacred expression of the soul. As a creative, you know that it is very difficult to create work when you are frustrated, stressed and tired. You create better with a clear mind, when you are calmer and not stressed. There is a greater flow to your brush strokes and your creations. My last advice to you is to lighten up and not take every single thing so seriously. Remember you need the space to play. If something does not meet your creative and artistic expectations, that is okay. Take a break, return to work tomorrow and look at it with another perspective. Creative visions change, so be open to change in your works of art. Change the composition, revisit the lighting and colors, add more subjects and keep going. I know these tips will encourage and motivate your creative spirit. These are great ways to get back into creating, especially if you have not created in a while or if you are experiencing artist block. My dear creatives, as you continue on your artistic journey, whether it is a hobby, a career or therapy, I urge you to always play. Play with your ideas and materials, go outside, create bad art and lighten up! Do not take everything in life too seriously. As you continue to overcome the artist block, remember that you need to put in the work. You need to make the time and you need to make the effort, because no one is going to do it for you. Do not sit on your talent. Share it with the world because the world needs more color and more art. Don’t you agree? So go forth and create good art, bad art, great art and masterpieces.

Within the vibrant landscapes of Trinidad and Tobago, artist, Karen Sylvester, is a beacon of creativity and resilience. Born and raised in this culturally-rich environment, Karen's artistic journey has been a testament to overcoming adversity and finding strength in her art. Karen’s passion is its own brand, her trademark being photo-realistic landscape paintings. The naturalism in Karen’s landscapes is breath-taking; she has the unique ability to capture minute details, mood, and light that not only leave the viewer mesmerised, but also reflect the perfect and pristine landscapes within Trinidad and Tobago. Karen spoke with the members of Women in Art Organisation of Trinidad and Tobago on November 19th, 2023 at a group visit to her home. The visit felt like a transformative retreat. It allowed the artists to acknowledge that their creations are meaningful and unique, and that they do not have to overly conform to the style of others. Karen's talk sparked inspiration and hit a mental reset button for many. After graduating from Holy Name Convent, with her A-level certification in art and a great determination to be a professional artist, Karen Sylvester embarked on an artistic journey that would soon face the challenges of the often unforgiving art industry, more so one that was and still remains, male-dominated. She was very candid about her early experiences as an emerging female artist back then. It was not at all easy, she explained, She recounted her early days of organising her portfolio and travelling via public transportation to banks and other corporate entities, seeking sales in-person for her works. And then there were the raised eyebrows and negative feedback toward her work. Undeniable and exceptional talent it seemed, were not enough. "I had to endure a lot," Karen admits, reflecting on the hurdles she faced and how she had to weather storms of negativity, enduring racial slurs and hurtful rumours. At one point, someone callously remarked of her work, "The best thing about the painting is the frame." Others claimed that she used a lighting medium to achieve the remarkable detail in her work. WIAOTT also learned that contrary to the popular notion that the artist copies directly from photographs, Karen explained that she makes site visits and takes reference photos but paints her features her unique interpretation by she adding details and changing other aspects of the original composition. Amidst the harsh criticisms, Karen chose not to let negativity define her. She maintains a positive outlook, emphasizing the importance of surrounding oneself with people who nurture and support artistic endeavours. This resilience became the cornerstone of her journey, allowing her to stay focused on her craft despite the down side of public opinion. The artist who is based in the lush valley of Santa Cruz, stresses the importance of continuously creating art that you love as opposed to creating art for money. She stated that an artist must focus on patiently developing one’s distinctive style in art, taking time to explore styles before sticking to one particular style and subject matter. The subject of one’s artistic composition must always be carefully considered in myriad ways which can range from the weather, reflections of light, shadows, atmosphere, movements in water and time of day to name a few. Karen Sylvester's journey is not just about creating beautiful art; it's a story of process, positivity, and the invaluable support of loved ones. Central to Karen's support system is her husband, Michael, who plays a crucial role in the marketing aspect of her art. Michael, the self-confessed extrovert of the duo, found a connection with customers that complemented Karen's artistic depth. He goes above and beyond, carrying his wife's paintings in the car and ensuring they are never far from the reach of potential clients. According to Michael, successful art marketing goes beyond the canvas; it's about building relationships, understanding connections, and learning personalities. He emphasizes the importance of not overpricing pieces too early, a pitfall many new artists encounter. "You have to know how to market your art to meet the standards," Michael asserts, underlining the delicate balance between pricing and establishing a foothold in the market. In a world where challenges can sometimes overshadow creativity, Karen stands tall as an inspiration for aspiring artists to navigate the highs and lows, always holding onto the passion that fuels their art. Her story beautifully symbolizes the determination of a woman in a male-dominated art world, overcoming challenges and turning her passion into a fulfilling career. Within this tapestry of creative exchange, the visiting artists found validation, inspiration, and a reservoir of wisdom that reshaped their individual perspectives. December 2023 (photos published with the kind permission of Karen Sylvester)

Happy World Art Day to you lovely ladies in the local art community! Today we celebrate one of our young artists who has been making strides in the art community. Judah Crichlow is a talented young entrepreneur, artist and photographer based in Trinidad and Tobago. As the Creative Director of Lion of Judah Designs, she has been creating stunning artwork for over 7 years that have gained recognition not only in her country but around the world. Last year alone, she participated in five art exhibits, “Pin Up and Lime” by Ayrïd by Design, “Point of View” by Draper House, “REBORN” by Loftt Gallery, “A Tribute to George Chambers” by Rotunda Gallery and “Christmas Collab” by ThinkArtworkTT, showcasing her unique and innovative approach to art while also selling her work. Her pieces are unique, vibrant, sharp, and expressive, reflecting the essence of the Caribbean culture as well as the way she sees the world. Her use of bright colors and bold shapes captures the spirit of her energy, making her art pieces stand out from the rest. What's impressive about Judah's work is that she is not limited to one type of art form. She is constantly experimenting with different mediums and techniques, from acrylics to pencils, even digital art and writing poetry. This versatility is what makes her art unique and allows her to reach a broader audience. But Judah's creativity doesn't stop at her art pieces. As a young entrepreneur, she understands the importance of merchandising her art. She has been exploring different ways to promote and sell her artwork, including creating merchandise such as tote bags, t-shirts, and even canvas prints. Judah's passion for art began when she was just a child. Growing up home-schooled, she spent most of her time drawing and exploring, honing her skills and perfecting her craft. Her love for art led her to pursue a Bachelors’ Degree in Graphic Design at the College of Science, Technology and Applied Arts of Trinidad and Tobago (COSTAATT). Here, she had the opportunity to learn from some of the best lecturers in the Caribbean and further develop her skills by networking with other talented individuals in the industry. Her brand, Lion of Judah Designs, has become a well-known name in Trinidad and Tobago, with some of her work being featured in publications, including The Caribbean Beat and Newsday. Judah's success is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and passion for her craft. She is an inspiration to young artists and entrepreneurs everywhere, showing that with determination and creativity, anything is possible. In conclusion, Judah has made a significant impact on the art scene in Trinidad and Tobago. Her vibrant and expressive art pieces capture the spirit of the Caribbean, and her creative merchandising strategies have made her brand a success. For World Art Day, Judah would be doing what she always does, drawing inspiration from whatever meets her eyes. Hopefully taking a dip in the ocean then checking out the Fine Art Market at Anchorage. We can't wait to see what she has in store for the future, and we have no doubt that she will continue to inspire others with her passion and talent. You can follow Judah on her artistic journeys by following her social media on Instagram. Lion’s Den - @lionofjudahdesigns Muse868 - @muse.868

Among the things that bind are those universal themes that affect most humans... the weather, love, death, things we share in common... like the air we breathe. But sometimes a few of us are conjoined by those rare experiences that are ground-breaking for those who manage to push through the clouds to where the air is rare. And in watershed moments like these, we as onlookers can celebrate because a new avenue has been created for us. Such a pathway has been created by Vidya Birkhoff, with the opening of her art gallery Yellow Butterfly Studios, in the heart of Scarborough, Tobago. The gallery opens with the launch of her premiere solo exhibition, Transitions, on February 10th, at the height of the Carnival season, an exciting time for an exhibition and a change of pace for those looking for an alternative to the pulsating crowds at carnival fetes. Apart from the launch of her exhibition, the gallery itself provides a prime locale for artists to properly showcase their work at one of the main hubs in Tobago, with ease of access to pedestrian traffic. The Yellow Butterfly Studios will also be a treasure trove for patrons and art lovers visiting the island for it is through its art that the culture of a people is revealed. An added feature of the gallery. is access to artist quality materials and framing, hitherto non- existent on the island. This service would provide much needed relief as well as opportunities from which students as well as professionals within the industry may benefit. It would alleviate also, the stress and expense of having to purchase return airfare/ boat tickets to shop for art materials or to frame artwork in Trinidad. The establishment of this art gallery in a prime location in Tobago by a woman artist from Trinidad, is no small feat, as those familiar with the peculiar politics on the island shall attest. Indeed, it is uncommon... thus we are bound to say with resounding applause, "Congratulations Vidya Birkhoff!"

Today we highlight the works of two of our members – Avie Bacchus-Hopkins and Askala George - as they nurture young artists in Tobago High Schools. I had the pleasure of judging a High School Art Mural Competition, here in Tobago. The theme for the mural was “Building a Nation, Building Excellence”, to commemorate Trinidad and Tobago’s Diamond Jubilee as we celebrated 60 years of Independence. The winning mural is four feet high by eight feet wide and was created by five young artists from Bishop’s High School, on Mount Marie Road, Scarborough, Tobago. Coincidentally, the five artists are all female, and ‘animatedly’ expressed excitement and satisfaction for their finished ‘masterpiece’. They said it took them about four days to execute the painting but a bit longer to sketch the surface. They weren’t sure how the painting would turn out, but they had to trust the process and each other. The young ladies were enthusiastic and thrilled about their work. They said they were happy that they were able to combine their individual skills to create this masterpiece and realized it was not just about them, but it was about creating a memorable piece of art. This project also pushed them to research parts of the History of Trinidad and Tobago so they could better communicate it through the artwork. They said the artwork is an indication of our culture and depicts the evolution of the history of Trinidad and Tobago as they paid homage to our ancestors, and proudly illustrated the present. Slavery, as depicted by the bodies buried is the foundation for the piece of artwork. The three largest religious groups, Catholics, Hindus and Muslims as depicted by the church, mosque and deya. The three people in the painting represent, sports, farming and tourism. Other elements of the painting included the shoreline, national birds, Caribbean Airlines, running with goats and children of our future – all describe the attributes of our twin islands. The ladies said that no one in particular came up with the idea as they incorporated each other’s ideas and worked as a team although they did have disagreements and minor squabbles. Mrs. Avie Bacchus-Hopkins - Curriculum Officer for Visual and Performing Arts, was instrumental in the execution of this project. Mrs. Bacchus-Hopkins said, “This Inaugural Mural Painting Project was an initiative out of the Curriculum and Planning Development Unit at the Division of Education. This idea was borne after having been forced in the virtual space because of the pandemic. After returning to in-person school, we wanted to present the opportunity for the students to express themselves. We thought that the celebration of Trinidad and Tobago’s Diamond Jubilee as an independent nation was the perfect chance for students to articulate their understanding of our history as an independent nation, through visual art. Students from forms three and five, across secondary schools in Tobago, were invited to participate in this initiative and the idea behind the project was to encourage collaboration, critical thinking, research, visual communication, and self-expression. I am pleased with the work the students have produced and I want to congratulate them on a job well done.” The Principal of Bishop’s High School, Mrs. Cindy Ramnarine also expressed her gratitude and excitement with this project. She said from time to time she went to check on the students while they were painting and was so inspired by the students and how they collaborated and helped each other. Principal Ramnarine said as she watched the students learn from each other, she hopes that we will have more of this type of collaboration as it has been a great team building exercise. Askala George – the art teacher at Bishop’s High, said she was proud of the students who came together with their individual skills and produced this masterpiece. The artwork will be hung at the A.N.R. Robinson International Airport.

My painting, "Queen of the Blue" is now hanging in the gallery of the Trinidad and Tobago Consulate in Miami for our 60th Independence Art Exhibition. Thank you to my art sister, Michelle Tappin for putting my name in the hat for this initiative. When I told Shivani (@shiver.metimbers) that this painting is being sent to the Consulate, she was super excited and went on to tell me the history of this flag. It started when two Trinidadian fellas, living and working in Hawaii, met up to have a pot of pelau and some rum. One of the guys, took out this same Trini flag to bless it – waving the flag on his roof in Hawaii. In 2015, these two friends went to watch the Trinidad and Tobago Women's Football team play the U.S, and of course they took the said flag and proudly waved it. It was probably the only Trini flag there and the guys were lucky enough to get a photo with the Football team. Four years later, they heard about fellow Trinidadian, Shivani Goberdhan, who was entering the Caribbean Cup Roatan Free Diving Competition in Honduras and gave Shivani the flag as a “Goodluck” charm. She was later captured by photographer Alex St. Jean Photography as she set four world records. HAPPY 60TH INDEPENDENCE SWEET TNT!!

Counting down to the 60th anniversary of our Independence, we are taking this opportunity to look back at the road travelled and our accomplishments along the way. Today, we look back at the contribution of one of our artists extraordinaire, Carlisle Chang. Carlisle has been widely regarded as “the father of Trinidadian art”. Born in 1921 in San Juan his early education in the arts started with helping friends in San Juan make tadjahs for Hosay and costumes for Carnival. As a student of Tranquility Boys School, he met fellow classmate Boscoe Holder, and the two were mentored by artist Amy Leong Pang. They also took part in exhibitions organized by the artist collective “The Society of Independents” whose members included artists such as Sybil Atteck, Hugh Stollmeyer and Amy Leong Pang. Multi talented, Carlisle worked as a photographer for ten years before returning to painting. He was awarded scholarships to support his training in the arts abroad. His studies in photography, ceramics and mural painting took him to the USA, London and Italy. When he returned to Trinidad four years later, he opened a studio gallery where he sold Christmas cards, paintings and costumes. As far back at the 1940’s he had a great impact on the Caribbean in the sphere of art when his name made headlines in art reviews and the newspapers. He created a dynamic career through his involvement in theatre, photography, interior designing, easel painting, murals, as well as a designer for carnival, theatre and ballet to name a few. One of his famous murals “The Inherent Nobility of Man” graced the Arrival Building of the Old Piarco Airport. It was commissioned by the Trinidad and Tobago Tourist Board and was installed on the eve of Independence in 1962. Forty feet long by Fifteen feet high, it epitomized the spirit of the country during the countdown to independence from Britain. It depicted the successive waves of immigration into Trinidad, the pressures and restrictions of society on the efforts of the individual for self realization. It featured the man who succumbed to the environment and recreated himself through a return to the womb to recreate in turn his environment in a resurrection. According to Art historian Geoffrey MacLean, it was “possibly the most important work of art in the Caribbean’’. Sadly, this work of art was demolished in 1979 when the airport was being extended. On August 25, 2022, a 2006 reproduction by the late Glen Roopchand, who worked on the original mural with him was unveiled at Piarco International airport as part of an exhibition commemorating the 60th anniversary of Independence. Among his other murals is “Conquerabia” a 41 foot long concrete mural which is displayed on the ground floor of City Hall on Knox Street in Port of Spain and is a National Heritage site. Another graces the wall of the TSTT building on lower Edward Street. At the 1967 Expo in Montreal, Canada he was part of a team that painted a 120 foot mural for which they received an award. He was instrumental in designing the Coat of Arms for the West Indies Federation, as well as the Coat of Arms and the National Flag of Trinidad and Tobago in 1962. Carlyle was involved in carnival in Trinidad and Tobago in various capacities and was the designer of costumes and sets for Dimanche Gras in 1965. From 1964 to 1975 he designed costumes for Stephen Lee Heung’s bands. Carlisle was the first Caribbean artist to be awarded a medal at the prestigious Bienal de Sao Palo exhibition in 1963. Among his other awards were two Cacique awards for the locally produced Lysistrata in 1991 and Turandot in 1992. His accolades include the Trinidad and Tobago Humming Bird Silver medal for the Arts in 1969, the Lifetime Award from the National Carnival Bands Association in 2001, a Citation from the Press Club of Lausanne, Switzerland and serving as President of the Trinidad Art Society for five years. In 1970 he started Gayapa Industries Ltd. producing collectors dolls some of which are at the U.W.I. library, embroidery hangings, creating designs from local folklore and popular culture but this faltered by the end of that decade. A brilliant multi-faceted artistic mind, the death of this noble son of the soil in 2001 was indeed a great loss for Trinidad and Tobago.

After leaving the banking industry in the early 2000s, Sonia Alexis decided to pursue art as a hobby. She spent some of her retirement years, working with young people and helping them develop communication and leadership skills but kept returning to her love for art. Sonia is a self-taught artist who dabbles in charcoal but enjoys using acrylics as a medium because of its versatility. She has a keen interest in preserving the history of Trinidad and Tobago through art and has been a member of the Women in Art Organisation of Trinidad and Tobago (WIAOTT) for the past nineteen years. She enjoys capturing the character of old buildings and interesting faces. She has painted many buildings some of which are no longer standing, and part of her process is to research the historical background of her subjects as this allows her to establish an emotional connection with them. For Sonia, art is a process not to be hurried but to be savoured. Her pieces express a lot of love and emotion for the subject matter. She admires local artist Henri Bryden for his eye for detail. Sonia is a historian in her own right as she seeks to preserve the heritage of Trinidad and Tobago through her vivid artworks. Kilarney, popularly known as Stollmeyer’s Castle was built in 1904 as a retirement home for Charles Stollmeyer and his wife who never lived in it because Mrs. Stollmeyer found it was too ostentatious for her taste. It was given to their son Conrad who was about to marry. The new “Mrs. Stollmeyer to be” named it “Kilarney” after the place in Ireland where they had hoped to spend their honeymoon. Striking and elaborate are two words that can be used to describe this architectural masterpiece. Situated on the north of the Queen’s Park Savannah, it is known as one of the “Magnificent Seven” buildings and is a tourist attraction. It was built by Robert Gillies, a Scotsman from the firm Taylor and Gillies and is rumoured to have been patterned after a wing of Balmoral Castle in Scotland. In 1940 during World War II the US Military used it for its operations and renamed it “Stollmeyer’s Castle. After the war both Mr. and Mrs. Stollmeyer occupied it until their deaths in the 1960’s. It is a National Trust site. This Benedictine monastery was founded by Abbott Mayeul de Caigny in 1912 to escape religious persecution from his homeland in Bahia, Brazil. Nestled in the lush hills of the northern range in Tunapuna, it became part of the spiritual landscape of Trinidad. The mission was dedicated to “Our Lady of Exile”, the correct name of the Church. It was chosen by him because he intended this foundation to be a place of refuge in the event of persecution which was threatening Bahia at that time. Inspired by the open spirituality of the rule of St. Benedict, the monastery opened its heart to the diverse people of not only Trinidad and Tobago but the wider Caribbean, those who seek spiritual guidance and assistance, the weary, the hungry, the troubled. When the monks arrived in Trinidad, they built a small hut in a spot way up in the mountains which they called Mt. Tabor, from the wood that they brought their belongings in. Then they started building this monastery lower down the hill in the vicinity where the current Abbey is located. It was completed in 1918. The walls were plastered with “tapia” a mixture of earth and grass. The orange hue of the building was as a result of the orange coloured dirt from the hillside. In February 1947, the monastery attained the status of “Abbey” and a new building was erected which has been in use since. This old monastery was demolished in 2004 because the building was too dilapidated to be restored. The intricate plaiting of the stones that formed the foundation can still be seen in the spot where the monastery occupied. Holy Name Convent Secondary was founded by French Dominican nuns in 1902. These nuns arrived in Trinidad in1868 to take charge of the Leper Asylum. After the eruption of Mt. Pelee in Martinique in 1902, the French nuns began to give private lessons to a young martiniquan girl whose parents had died in the eruption. Following this a few parents who were impressed with the high standard of French tutorship, petitioned the nuns to start a private school. As the years passed and more pupils were taken in, the school became known as the “Notre Dame School”. The foundation for the present structure was laid by Sr. Jeanne Emmanuel Barriere (Principal from 1938 to 1961) and Sr. Bernadette Robert. As the student population increased, more blocks to accommodate classrooms were added. Always admired for the high standard of education offered, it was accorded the title of “Approved Secondary School” in 1949 and then in 1957, the status of “Government Assisted School”. It is a landmark in the everchanging Queen’s Park East landscape. Situated on Queen’s Park Savannah South, Knowsley was designed and built in 1904 by Taylor and Gillies as the residence for William Gordon, a prominent businessman of the day. Beautifully constructed, it is composed of imported yellow bricks and limestone from the Laventille quarry. The marble on the veranda which surrounds the ground floor was imported from Italy, while the wood for the magnificent staircase is purple heart from Guyana. This building is crowned by a pagoda like roof. A National Heritage site, it stands tall and proud and is occupied by the Ministry of Foreign and Caricom Affairs. A national heritage site, All Saints Church is considered one of the oldest churches in Trinidad and Tobago. Situated at the corner of Marli Street and Queen’s Park West, it was consecrated in 1848 as a Chapel of Ease for the Trinity Parish. It was later enlarged and made an independent church in 1968. It was built in a neo gothic architectural style with stones from the Laventille quarry. Located at the corner of Murray and Baden Powell Streets, Woodbrook this national heritage site was established in 1907. In those days the land known as Woodbrook Estate was owned by the Siegert family. The office was used to collect rent and property taxes. In 1911 the land in Woodbrook was sold by the Siegerts to the Town Council to be developed as a new middle-class district. The office was closed in 1998. Built in 1904 and known as the Archbishop’s Palace, this building is one of the “Magnificent Seven” located at Queen’s Park North. It features a unique style of architecture with rows of arched windows and a castle-like tower. A national heritage site, it serves as the residence of the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Port of Spain. Situated in what was once known as the Village of Mt. Pleasant in Tucker Valley, Macqueripe, the church was built in 1875 having replaced a wooden one which was built 18 years before. It served the people of the village who were former slaves who owned small parcels of agricultural lands. In 1941 during World War 2 the United States Army was granted use of Chaguaramas as a military base and soldiers also attended services there. The current ruins are a national heritage site. This national heritage site is located at St. Vincent Street opposite the Red House, Port of Spain. Construction began in 1876 and was built in Italian Gothic style using limestone from the Laventille quarry. The northern part of the building on Sackville Street was gutted by fire in the attempted coup of 1990 but has since been restored.

Today our artist community received the sad news that Glenn Roopchand, Trinidadian Artist, has died. To those who did not know that he was ailing, the news seemed sudden. Some of the younger artists and most laymen had never even heard of him as Mr Roopchand lived and worked in New York. As was his custom, he returned to Trinidad for one of his brief visits , but unfortunately had fallen ill, his body ultimately succumbing to the angel of death. When I heard the news I immediately felt the loss for myself, the artist community and our Nation as a whole. It seems odd as I had never met him face to face, but that is precisely the reason! You see, to view the work of this prolific artist is to know him. Jesus Christ famously said " By their fruits, you shall know them (Matthew 7:15-20). I can say with authority, that Glenn, though he had migrated to New York, most likely out of necessity, was a patriotic son of the soil who carried his cultural heritage with pride in his heart and poured it out with great love onto his canvas. I feel cheated and saddened by the circumstances that led to his untimely passing because I cannot now ask him about the way he did this or that, his trade secrets are gone with him. Notwithstanding, Glenn Roopchand has left us with his works as a Testament to the Power of Art to awe and to inspire! I am completely blown away by this Maestro and am deeply grateful to him for having shared his life and his gift with us. Thank you Mr Glenn Roopchand, Artist Extraordinaire.

I am continuously reminded of the context created by exhibition spaces for the artist. Sometimes this synergy is by design….at others it is serendipitous and at Joy Luk Pat’s premiere solo exhibition, I am not sure which of these prevailed. The stark contrast of Arnim’s Galleria, full of light and laughter at the launch of Joy’s Wealth and Happiness, against the harsh reality of the Lapeyrouse cemetery across the way. In the daytime, this juxtaposition forces viewers to avert their gaze to behold the beauty on the gallery walls. In her artist statement, Luk Pat describes her art as a celebration of “the abundance we already have around us and within us”, immediately connecting to our collective national consciousness with her hummingbird pieces. As some of you might know, the Amerindians called Trinidad, Ierie, “land of the hummingbird “and it is home to at least 18 species of this bejeweled beauty. Two other nature motifs favoured by the artist are trees and the dragonfly. Traditionally trees represent life, fertility, wealth and abundance while dragonflies, which molt several times in their lives, symbolize transformation. As a contemporary mixed media artist, Joy, who works instinctively with a variety of substrates, glue and metallic paint has demonstrated resourcefulness and creativity in her practice, a nod to the environmentally conscious collector. In her signature piece, Wealth and Happiness, a vibrant depiction of Chinese lanterns floating through the air, Luk Pat pays homage to her ancestral heritage. The repetition of the lantern shapes, coupled with the warm colours ,offset here and there by cool violet and green, aptly convey the central theme. If you seek inspiration and upliftment visit Art Galleria Ltd and perhaps take home a piece of Wealth And Happiness by Joy Luk Pat

Last month I attended Leona Fabien’s exhibition, Woodbrook, A Living Hell and was fascinated that the architecture of the space, Soft Box Studios, provided a context that was integral to the exhibition. This trend has been repeated with RISE, by local artist Keith Ward, launched on June 6th, at the Lloyd Best Institute of the Caribbean, on Tunapuna Road. This historic venue, among other things, is dedicated to promoting the integration of Caribbean Peoples and proved to be a fitting haven for Ward, whose works are replete with Caribbean Motifs……. pulling seine, fig trees, the Bélé Dancers…. musicians on pan and tassa. As I had intimated earlier, these motifs are Classic Ward, rendered in his signature palette of vibrant primary colours. However, the introduction of viridian green and various shades of purple to his landscapes, gave these paintings the aura of a surreal world. The Caribbean Motifs are purposefully repeated by the artist because it is an ongoing discourse about Caribbean Identity…….so many nationalities and cultures uprooted form their disparate origins and replanted together in the soil of the Caribbean...This concept is depicted, for example, in the unnatural multi-coloured leaves of the fig trees in the piece Diverging Colours. Ward has also applied mixed media to many of his pieces, demonstrating the versatility of a contemporary artist who is not afraid to step out of the comfort zone even in the expression of traditional subjects. I thoroughly enjoyed the show and look forward to our collaborative exhibition, Conversation in Colour, OCTOBER 26TH 2022 at Art Society of Trinidad and Tobago.

Virginia Pacifique-Marshall, retired as a primary school teacher and principal during the last quarter of 2004. After spending such a long time in the education system, Virginia found that readjusting to being a housewife was a bit challenging. Three months after retirement, the retired principal enrolled in “The Fundamentals of Fine Art” course, offered by the Art Academy of El Dorado, by Mr. Gerard Gittens. This seemed to be a natural progression for Virginia because of her love for art. Although the course was a lot of work, it was something Virginia had always wanted to do so it was more of a stress reliever. She studied works in watercolor, pencil, and acrylic. I was always interested in art and did some artwork with my students after the SEA exam. So naturally I jumped at the offer and began classes in January 2005,” says Virginia. At the end of the course, in July 2005, Virginia’s husband passed suddenly and during the most difficult period of her life, she turned ‘inwards’ to Art and Dance. Both had a therapeutic effect on Virginia as she plunged deeper and got lost in the creative world of art and dance. “When I'm engaged in either dance or art, past and future-time cease to exist. There is only NOW,” Virginia reminisces. In 2006, Virginia’s art tutor invited her to participate in a short Art Course that introduced her to the abstract. She was introduced to Pablo Picasso and George Braque's cubism where the subject matter was splintered, analyzed and reassembled in a sensual and beautiful abstract work, characterized by lines, angles and geometric shapes. Because of her interest in abstract expressions, she took a liking to this style immediately and began to experiment. Her first painting titled "The Ghost of Tourist Annie" was well received, and this encouraged her to dive deeper into cubism. Drawing inspiration from ideas and principles garnered from readings, Virginia had completed four pieces of artwork by November 2007. She took photos of them and contacted Mr. LeRoy Clarke whose work intrigued her. She wanted to find out from a Master Artist if her work was any good, so she met with Mr. Clarke for the first time at the Central Library in Port of Spain. Mr. Clarke expressed his approval and appreciation for her works and encouraged her to continue. He gave her information to contact Mrs. Fraulein Rudder, the president and founder of the Women in Art Organisation of Trinidad and Tobago (WIAOTT). Virginia showed her paintings to Mrs. Rudder, became a member of WIAOTT and exhibited with the organisation for the first time in 2008. The result was encouraging indeed as five out of six pieces on display were sold. Virginia has exhibited with WIAOTT every year from 2008. She later joined the Art Association of Trinidad and Tobago and exhibited in shows with other Arima community artists. Seven years after that first art class, Virginia was afforded her first solo exhibition in 2012 at the Normandy Hotel. The exhibition featured Traditional Carnival Characters. This was followed shortly after by a small group exhibition, (3 members) titled "Threads of Culture", at the Gallery at Fine Art. In an effort to keep Traditional Carnival alive, Virginia decided to do some further research and produced a book titled "The Carnival Suite" which was launched in 2014. This book contains pictures of her Carnival paintings, and a bit of History and description of each of the characters. Copies of this book were placed in our public libraries, The National Museum and Art Gallery and in the libraries of Secondary schools. In 2016, Virginia fulfilled a lifelong dream and opened her Home Studio with an exhibition and sale of her works. On display were abstract paintings, Carnival paintings, festivals, folklore and realism pieces; rock paintings, Carnival prints on T-shirts, prints and cards of her paintings and copies of her book "The Carnival Suite". Secondary school students visit the studio from time to time and interview her as a local artist for their SBAs. In 2017 Virginia received the Award of Merit Trophy from the Women in Art Organization of Trinidad and Tobago for two of her paintings portraying 'The Smoke Ceremony' and 'The Water Ritual' of our First Peoples. In 2018 she participated in another small group exhibition (5 members) at the ASTT titled "Memoirs of Our Culture". The retired school principal continued her good works over the years to include a six-month art tutoring of a down syndrome young lady; assistant art tutor in a one-day Art Camp held biannually by Tamar International, and more recently, art classes once per week with three home-schooled children ages seven, nine and eleven. Virginia continues to experiment with different techniques and takes great pleasure in expressing her thoughts and feelings in a colorful interpretation of her reality.