FEATURED ARTIST: CATHY ALKINS FUNDING FOR ARTISTS TO CREATE REPLICAS OF ARTWORK
AUGUST - OCTOBER 2020
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It is said that every dark cloud has a silver lining. 2020 brought us a worldwide pandemic that has affected every single person on this earth. Borders closed, countries were on lockdown, businesses closed... suddenly doors and options that had been open to us were gone and all our personal plans had to be put on pause. Things changed and few of us were prepared for those changes. Jill McIntyre So where is the silver lining in all of this? Perhaps it is the fact that we Newsletter Editor have all been forced to pause. All of a sudden, the constant momentum, the mad, irresistible speed of life suddenly slowed down and we had no choice but to take a break and just pause. Then, having paused, we had the unusual opportunity to calmly introspect, to rethink and recalibrate our paths. There was no pressure forcing us to keep running at full speed ahead, because the whole world had paused along with us. So we could take the time to really examine where we were heading, whether we wanted - or needed - to change direction, and to figure out what changes and improvements we need to implement for our journey. The pause has been a gift, a reprieve, a silver lining, but the pause is over and now we need to get back in the race. We are quickly approaching the end of 2020. November and December are sure to pass quickly and before we can blink twice, we will be in 2021. I hope that as Creatives, we have all been able to use 2020 as a time to rethink and perhaps recalibrate our journeys as artists. I hope that we have all learned something new and positive; that we each have grown personally and forged better relationships, and that it will all enhance our artistic creations, while edifying our artistic community. At the BAC we embrace the pause and the resulting opportunity to revise plans and re-evaluate direction in order to be relevant and significant, and to fulfil our purpose. Meanwhile, on a tangential note, VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED. We need volunteers to assist by working a few hours per week at the Art Gallery. If you can give of your time, please call us at (246) 426-4385 or send us an email at thebarbadosartscouncil@gmail.com to let us know you are interested in volunteering your time. The BAC Art Gallery is still open only on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, at our usual business hours. All patrons are reminded to wear a face mask and to observe the COVID-19 safety protocols while visiting the Gallery. ON THE COVER On the cover of this issue is artwork by our Featured Artist, Cathy Alkins. (read her story on page 2)
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AUGUST - OCTOBER 2020
In this issue we are pleased to feature well known Visual Artist Cathy Alkins. We asked Cathy to tell us about how she began her career as an artist and her story goes as follows. “About 15 years ago I was laid off from my job, so to fill my time at home I decided to try painting again. It had been a long time and I was not sure if I remembered how to do it well. I painted two parrots among some foliage. I decided to submit this piece into the annual NIFCA exhibition. When I received a silver award, I thought that perhaps there was something there worth developing. I joined an art group and also began to teach primary school children art as an extra-curricular activity. Soon friends started asking me for help with their work. Eventually I decided to offer an adult art class. 15 years later, this is what I do full time. I teach all ages and am proud to say that earlier this year, I had a 96 year old visitor (the mother of one of my students) join us in class for a few weeks. She is quite an amazing lady and shows much promise with her paintings!
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Artist Cathy Alkins
Above: "Welchman Hall Gully" 15in x 30in Left: "School Day" 28in x 36in /cont'd...
AUGUST - OCTOBER 2020
Art is just inside me. It is what I love to do. In fact it is hard for me to stop when I get started. I regularly paint into the early hours of the morning - a quiet peaceful time. I have been known to paint for 27 hours, only taking minimal breaks. This was to complete a commission while moving house.” When asked about who and what inspires her, she told us, “I can’t really say that there is any one artist in particular who inspires me, but I do love the work of the impressionists such as Claude Monet and Vincent Van Gogh. While my work is closer to realism than impressionism, I love the movement and freedom of their brush strokes, and strive to make my strokes freer. I paint what touches me. That opens a wide area to choose from - landscapes, seascapes, flora and fauna. I have a strong love for painting people but not crowds. I love the muscle of the human form and enjoy the opportunity to paint people in everyday situations. It is not always easy to get candid shots of this, as many do not want to be photographed while others will pose for the camera. Along the way I discovered my ability to paint portraits of both people and animals. I am grateful for the opportunity that I have had to do quite a few portrait commissions.
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Above: "Best Friends" 36in x 24in
Above: "Relaxing" 12in x 9in
Above: "Julia" 9in x 12in
Above: "Chalky Mount Hills" 24in x 18in /cont'd...
AUGUST - OCTOBER 2020
Above: "Cleaning up for the Cobbler" 20in x 24in Below: "Fish Market" 30in x 40 in
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My inspiration comes from anywhere at any time. Even traffic jams have given me the chance to take some great photos which I later turn into paintings. I keep a file of ‘photos to paint’ on my iPad. Sometimes I know exactly what I plan to paint. Other times I scroll through my extensive collection of photos and see what jumps out at me. My painting may be a compilation of several photos that I have taken of a place or person. I often do an under painting in red or orange. Once that is dry, I sketch in chalk until I am happy with my composition and then refine my drawing with pencil. This is where the real fun begins, when I get out my acrylics and brushes! I used to paint one painting at a time, always completing before starting a new one. This seemed logical, but somewhere along the line I realized that I had several incomplete paintings. I think this happened as I do several classes and each class may require a demo, so I land up with quite a few of these. For me, the advantage of completing one at a time allows me to work through the mood of that painting while, putting it down and focusing on another painting, often results in losing ‘the mood’ of the first painting, which can become challenging to return to. I work with acrylic and mixed media. I love the fact that acrylic dries quickly. I do not want to have to wait for days for the paint to dry before I can safely continue, as can happen when using oil paints. Acrylic is very versatile! I have done paintings that resemble watercolour and paintings done impasto style, and everything in-between. I do not know of another medium that allows such flexibility. New and exciting acrylic mediums, gels and pastes continue to be developed as well as new techniques for using them. I think anything one does with passion, gets better over time. When I compare a portrait that I did in 2007 with recent portraits, there is really no comparison. I just continue to learn and practice and hopefully will continue to improve. There is no shortage of new things to learn. Within the last year and a half I have built a home studio where I display my work and teach a children’s class and several adult classes, both mornings and evenings, every week. I also offer private lessons, and work with smaller groups: such as students preparing for their CXC Art exams. I have summer and Christmas Art Camps for children (7 yrs - 14 yrs) which are popular and lots of fun! (I think I enjoy them as much as the children!) I have had adults (parents) ask me to do Fun Art workshops for them! I do plan to organize this. I also teach children at a private primary
/cont'd...
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school twice a week. My days are pretty full and I consider myself very fortunate to make a living doing what I absolutely love to do!” Cathy also shared her thoughts on the art scene in Barbados. “I think Barbados has a very vibrant art community considering the size of our island. There are many workshops and art groups to encourage and support the development of artists. Living on an island means that when a particular product is not sold here or not available, it takes time to get it here. This can be frustrating at times. Buying art for many is a ‘surplus’ expense. I believe the government could encourage art
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"Sunflowers" 24in x 36in
"Zio" 12in x 16in
sales by offering tax incentives to companies to purchase and display local art in their businesses. I think this could really boost local art sales.” When asked to share the best advice she’s ever received, Cathy said, “The best piece of advice I have been given is: be passionate and have fun! Cathy's paintings are often available at the BAC Art Gallery. She can be contacted at email: c.alkinsart@yahoo.com or cell number (246) 234-6113 Check out Cathy’s new website which should be launched within the next month: www.cathyalkins.com
Check out this seminar series for Creatives, sponsored by the National Cultural Foundation. Exploring Our Resilience is a seminar series presented by Dr Glenda Niles (Life Coach) which is designed to help you promote and maintain good mental health, build personal resilience and set new goals as you explore new opportunities. "We cannot ignore the impact that this pandemic has had on our lives. As Creatives, our mental health and resilience in the face of this “new normal” continue to be tested as uncertainty lingers. Many are finding it extremely difficult to manage and cope, but there is help and support available." Groups will be limited to only 15 persons and each group will attend two (2) sessions.
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submitted by Markley Clarke Staring at a blank wall for a mural painting is somewhat like staring at a blank canvas with the intention of producing what you think would be a, wishful thinking, great masterpiece. While you will be able to single handedly produce your 24x36 inch painting and probably get a quick sale too, such would not be, and indeed was not the case with a large 16 feet wide pentagonal blank wall in Queen’s Park, Bridgetown, Barbados. Day 1 – in the beginning. Brave Zakai on the blank wall This would and did require guidance from experienced muralists and the tenacity and perseverance of nine dedicated participants. Master artists Omowale Stewart and Ras Ishi Butcher directed the activities after previously instructing practical exercises in modular sessions in the Steel Shed during July/August 2020, with the assistance of artist Heshimu Akin Yemi. This Visual Art and Mural Course was part of the National Community Cultural Training Programme of the National Cultural Foundation to whom much gratitude is extended for having provided opportunities and support to Progress at Day 7 artists in this challenging Covid-19 time. Participants who worked on the mural were family support. It may be coincidental that this mural in Cherise Vanderpool, Keya Bartlett, Shareece Hunte, Queen’s Park which will now be part of history is Lisa Fields, Zakai Burnett, Letitia Christian, Kiara situated on and embodied in the walls of the old Bascombe, Nyssa Haynes-Holder and Markley stables of the historic property which was once a Clarke. They utilized technical information from the military post for the British West Indies Garrison visual arts sessions to interpret aspects of which withdrew from the Caribbean in 1905. The Barbadian culture in which they were interested and mural made use of and occupies three panels on wanted to develop in a mural, and to create such which aspects of Barbadian culture are painted and images which then went into the actual mural design which are partially circumscribed by exposed old and production. ballast bricks thereby adding to the title ‘Culture The journey and experience that started on Alive’. So, from history you came and in history September 26, 2020 will be a memory forever: you will remain! thirteen days of climbing scaffolding; bringing ideas In this regard, the mural is considered a legacy and images to fruition; receiving guidance, mural. It is present in the Queen’s Park public instruction and coaching; showing collaboration and space for persons to reflect upon, or use as a giving encouragement; bearing sun, heat and rain; backdrop for photo-ops during the annual tradition having fun conversations; facing challenges and ‘Christmas in the Park’ or in any other public overcoming struggles; appreciating passers-by activity. comments, queries and admiration; welcoming /cont'd...
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In the reflective words of Omowale, “Before, there was nothing, but now there is something. It was a wonderful experience”. Listen carefully and stare well; you will be able to hear whispering in the walls in this kaleidoscope of imagery – it’s Culture Alive. Below: Facilitators and participating artists. From left: Cherise Vanderpool, Shareece Hunte, Kiara Bascombe, Heshimu Akin Yemi, Ras Ishi Butcher, Keya Bartlett, Lisa Fields, Omowale Stewart and Markley Clarke. Missing are Zakai Burnett, Letitia Christian and Nyssa Haynes-Holder.
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Day 13: ‘Chief Director of Mural’ (center) assessing the production
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This article reprinted from the Government Information Service website https://gisbarbados.gov.bb/blog/artists-to-receive-funding-to-create-replicas-of-their-work/ BY JULIE CARRINGTON | OCT 31, 2020
Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley is willing to allocate a sizeable amount of money from the existing $150 million Digitisation and Greening Fund to local artists to assist them with creating small replicas of their artwork. She said the fund was established for hotels, small businesses, agriculture and manufacturing entities but she was willing to include artists in half of the money allocated to the other entities to make their work more available for wider distribution. Ms. Mottley made the announcement on Friday night during the official unveiling of a life-sized wax figure of renowned calypsonian Slinger “The Mighty Sparrow” Francisco at One Welches, St. Thomas. She shared: “That fund is $150 million dollars, half of which goes to tourism and the other half goes to the other disciplines, so I hope that persons, like yourselves, would seek to utilise those funds and find ways of being able to create smaller replicas, that can be bought as gifts for people who appreciate a particular artist or sportsman or individuals in the community that we can work with you in a meaningful way.” Prime Minister Mottley also told her audience that a school of excellence should be established to allow the creativity of scores of sportsmen and women to flourish. Emphasising that artists and sportsmen are global citizens, she cautioned that governments must find ways to let the talents of their people blossom, or run the risk of falling short of their aspirations. “If we do not find the ways to take the creativity of our people and let it flourish, then we have not just ourselves to blame, but we would never reach the heights that we need to be able to reach. As much as I may want to speak as the leader of Barbados, we have seen that Rihanna has defined what it is to get into the hearts, as a Bajan. We have seen Gary Sobers, we have seen Gabby…we have seen all of them carry us places and spaces that are not necessarily easy for the rest of us to go,” Ms. Mottley stated. The Prime Minister reasoned that the introduction of the Associate Degree Programmes in Performing Arts and Fine Arts and then the Bachelor of Arts Programme at the Barbados
Community College, when she was Minister of Education, was intended to “bring noble respect to the artform”. “It is still a journey, and regrettably, we need to do more in order to have people appreciate the time and the space and money, and buy our own. I have said previously, there are still too many households where prints of winter scenes and ducks adorn walls…. There are still too many homes which do not have indigenous art,” Ms. Mottley observed.
julie.carrington@barbados.gov.bb
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The Last Laugh... a little artistic humour
BAC Member Benefits The BAC’s primary purpose is to nurture the artistic expression of creatives in Barbados. If you are an artist who wants to learn, share ideas, and contribute to the growth of Visual Arts as a viable sector in Barbados, then you should join the Barbados Arts Council. We also welcome persons who appreciate art but who may not be artistically inclined, and who want to add their other talents and time to help nurture the visual arts in Barbados. Apart from the satisfaction of assisting the Council in achieving its goals, here are some of the benefits that BAC members enjoy: 1. Members can participate in any BAC group show without paying hanging fees! (up to 3 pieces per person) 2. New and emerging artists get the opportunity to show their artwork and gain experience at the BAC gallery when they might not yet gain access to other galleries 3. The BAC gallery commission on sales is only 30%! (considerably less than other galleries) 4. Members get a 5% discount when they purchase art supplies from Laurie Dash & Sons 5. Get a 5% - 10% discount on selected items from The Art Hub Visit the Gallery and apply for membership today. An annual fee of Bds $100 is applicable. Art Students (secondary school and BCC) are eligible for a student membership fee of Bds $50 per year.
BAC Art Gallery hours: Mon-Fri 9:30am to 4:30pm, and Sat 9am to 1pm #20 Pelican Craft Centre, Harbour Road, Bridgetown, Barbados Tel: (246) 426-4385 Email: thebarbadosartscouncil@gmail.com Facebook: Barbados Arts Council Official Page Instagram: BarbadosArtsCouncil www.thebarbadosartscouncil.com