Hey there, everyone! It feels like ages since I last updated this blog. When I first set up my website, I was so determined to keep everything fresh and current. But life had other plans, and time just slipped away from me. I've been caught up in a whirlwind of new projects and unexpected adventures. It’s been a fascinating journey, and now that things are calmer, I’m excited to sit down and finally share what’s been going on. So, grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and catch up on all the little things that have kept me busy!
Exhibition
Last year June I held my first solo exhibition at Horizon's gallery. I worked diligently for 7 months and exhibited 25 portraits. My show was well received and to date, most of my pieces have sold. Having a solo show was something that I never dared to dream of when I first began embracing my identity as an artist in my early twenties. I could not have predicted the trajectory that would bring me to this point, and my opening night felt like a surreal experience.
As a newcomer to painting, I’ve learned several valuable lessons that I’ll carry into my next show, with the most crucial being the importance of allowing myself more time. For my next solo exhibition, I plan to give myself at least a year to prepare so I can work at a more relaxed pace.
I have been offered another solo show but right after this one, I started a new venture!
Going Back to School
In September 2023, I began classes at the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) to earn my MFA in Carnival Studies. Despite its name, this degree is essentially a cultural studies program that delves deeply into the three main art forms of Trinidad Carnival: the steelpan, calypso, and mas. We explore these areas from a historical standpoint, examining the social and cultural catalysts, spiritual influences, major players, and their evolution. Additionally, the curriculum includes the history and social sciences of the Caribbean region. Last semester, I took a fascinating class in ethnomusicology, which is the study of music within its social and cultural context.
In May, I completed my first year of what has been a very demanding program. Venturing back into academia for the first time in 25 years has not been without its challenges. The part of my brain that knew how to write academic papers was slow to wake up, and writing, which had always come easily to me, became a struggle. However, after the first semester, it got easier. The best part of my program has been learning so much about my country, my culture, and my history. This journey has given me a greater understanding of my identity as a Trinbagonian and a Caribbean citizen.
What's Next
I'm currently on break between semesters and I've been using this time to paint, something I've had very little time to do during classes. I'm at a place where I feel confident in my ability to paint and am now comfortable pushing myself to experiment with different approaches to my work. I've been working on finding a style that feels more intuitive, natural and unique to me. I've also been exploring different media such as illustraton markers just to mix it up on days I don't feel like painting. Here are some of my most recent pieces:
I've been focusing on my brushwork in particular. Learning to paint via YouTube during the pandemic meant that I internalised a lot of teaching that I now have to unlearn to figure out what works for me.
Yesterday I started working on this piece and was surprised by what came out. I was experimenting with paint sticks and a new type of paper, which led to something very unexpected. I don't know if it's me per se, but I like it, and I've enjoyed working on it. I'm going to finish her today.
Now that we’re all caught up, I’m excited to dive back into sharing my journey with you. Balancing life, art, and my studies has been intense, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Thanks for sticking with me through this busy period. I’m looking forward to sharing more updates, new artwork, and insights from my studies with you. Stay tuned for more adventures, and thank you for being part of this journey with me. Until then, keep rocking your passions and making every moment count!
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