Treasure
Touch the Sky Jamaican born architect Gordon Gill talks about designing the World’s Tallest Building
10 Kanopi House
What Lies Beneath the Treetops
58 Design Jamaican Creations 46 HGTV’s Kim Myles: Up , Close and Personal 52
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Contents Elements
Leisure
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A Building Revolution
Art + Commerce
Ashtrom
8 Gadgets for your High Tech Home 26 Due Dilligence : 32 The Cost of Home Ownership Recycling Jamaica: 38 Is Our Trash the New Business Frontier?
10 Tips for the New Art Collector 66 Medical Weight Loss 70 Byron Bowden: Master Class 78
Travel
102 There’s Something About
Brazil
Off the Beaten Path 86 Island Routes 96 Luxury Redefined: The Royalton 108
Highway Development 42 Encourages Housing Infrastructure
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Publisher's Note There are many home and travel magazines across the world endorsing destinations many of us hope to visit but never will. However, what ‘Home Sweet Home’ is aiming to do is to bring to travellers and homemakers articles of locations they might actually visit. We aim to bring to them undiscovered or ‘Off the Grid’ locations for their leisureseeking endeavours; destinations that offer multiple experiences. Of course, there’s also something for homeowners and potential homebuyers in this edition.
Publishers
Garth Walker Leighton Davis BRAND MANAGER
Simone Riley Editor-in-chief/ creative director
Christina Benjamin Art Director/ Layout Artist
Denieze Anderson Proof Reader/Asst. Editor
Monique Grange
GARTH WALKER
Our feature story shows that Jamaicans are, in every country and in every sector, aiming for the highest heights possible to man. We are privileged to introduce you to world-renowned Jamaican architect Gordon Gill. MANAGING EDITOR
We are proud of this product and hope it will become a permanent fixture in your homes. I will ride, I will fly, chase the wind and touch the sky, I will fly, chase the wind and touch the sky. - Julie Fowlis
Photography
Tricia Bent Ro Kristen Landell Nile Saulter Oneil Parrin
It is the dream of every man and woman to buy a home and call it their own. The feeling someone gets when they hold the keys to their first home is like "touching the sky". Home Sweet Home was conceptualised to bring you closer to that realisation that touching the sky is a lot closer than you think; dreams do come true and we want to be with you on this journey.
Sales Representatives
Latoya Taylor Printed in Jamaica by
Pear Tree Press.
Copyright © 2014 Wealth Magazine Home Sweet Home Vol 1 Issue 2 All rights reserved. Wealth Magazine Home Sweet Home accepts no responsibility for unsolicited material. This material may not be reproduced, displayed, modified or distributed without the expressed prior written permission from the publishers.
LEIGHTON DAVIS If you’re buying your first home or your MANAGING EDITOR
vacation villa, Home Sweet Home will expose the hidden treasures in our beautiful island of Jamaica. We hope you’ll be inspired after reading about how architecture is used throughout the island and where these structures draw their inspiration from. This issue is created by a melting pot of talent and is 100% Jamaican from concept, design to print. This makes us proud because we are contributing to our economy and building a strong foundation that is as strong as you our readers and advertisers. Without you this would all be in vain. For further information on Wealth Magazine Home Sweet Home Contact: Creative Media and Events 15b Trinidad Terrace, Kingston 5, Jamaica W.I. Tel: (876) 754-2075 Fax: (876)-754-2070 Cell: (876)-579-7381 info@cmeja.com
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www.wealthmagja.com
/wealthmagja
/wealthmagazine
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Editor's Note What is ‘Home’? ‘Home’ is people we love, memories encapsulated in places along roads we’ve walked before and hope to walk again; ‘home’ is a haven - a safe place. It may be a shelter over your head or a country and community you identify with; it may be a dream you hold close to your heart and hope to someday experience. The British-Somali poet Warsan Shire once wrote: “At the end of the day, it isn’t where I came from. Maybe home is somewhere I’m going and never have been before.” We believe our journey to find ‘Home’ should begin at home and so we hope we can expose you to a side of our island that you’ve never experienced before. We are a small country with a big reputation and as a people, we’ve proven that it’s possible to start modestly, work hard, and ‘Touch the Sky’. Many will agree that this is a difficult time for Jamaica; we need not list the facts to understand why: the dollar has lost value, but we have not. This is the theme behind Home Sweet Home’s 2nd issue: ‘Touch the Sky’. Our cover story is home-grown but internationally delivered: Gordon Gill is a Jamaican, born in Kingston, raised in St. Ann, humble, determined and on a quest to impact the world through architecture. He has done just that; in fact, he is one half of the creative genius behind what will be the tallest building in the world: Kingdom Tower. How’s that for Jamaicans touching the sky? This issue will teach you how to rub those diminishing dollars together and build a house with time and money to spare in our ‘Ashtrom’ feature. We will guide you through the twists and turns of buying a home, if building one is not your thing, in Robyn Miller’s, ‘The Cost of Home Ownership’. Our London-based art advisor, Rachael Barrett, returns to teach artists the ‘art of business’ in ‘Art + Commerce’, while Joni Wedderburn takes us ‘Off the Beaten Path’ across the island to uncover some of Jamaica’s most spectacular and under-appreciated chill spots. We also moved our ‘Treasure’ section forward a bit: I felt it was unfair for our readers to have to wait to find out about our discovery. ‘Kanopi House’ is a hidden gem, cradled in the lush hills of Portland with direct access to the Blue Lagoon. Finally, our Leisure and Design sections will tantalize you with beautiful and incredibly unique decor items made in Jamaica by Jamaicans in ‘Jamaican Creations’, and we introduce you to one of our unsung master painters in ‘Byron Bowden: MasterClass’.
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All in all, we’re off on an unforgettable journey! Are you ready to ‘Touch the Sky’?
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Contributors
Joni Wedderburn
Rachael Barrett
Ro
Tricia Bent
Writer and public relations consultant, Joni Wedderburn, has enjoyed a long-standing affair with creative and engaging communication. Having lived in cosmopolitan Miami, historic London and bustling Kingston, she has been inspired to be bold in her career. She is currently the Content Director of her new, dynamic PR agency, Muse.
Rachael Barrett founded the curatorial and project management service Three Sixty Degrees to facilitate the commission, exhibition and strategical development of fine art in contemporary culture. Barrett remains a primary consultant for Quintessentially Art after rebranding the company. An occasional writer, Rachael has contributed to publications in print and online across different genres and locales including , Post-New, Style.com, Kultureflash, The Jamaica Observer and Apollo Magazine.
“I’m neither this nor that, here nor there so I won’t try to fit myself into one paragraph that’s so definitely here. But to cover the basics: I did go to schools and I don’t like cats”
Tricia Bent left the world of science to pursue her passion, photography, in 2012. It’s been an amazing adventure for her to date! She joined the Wealth Magazine team at the end of 2013 and in addition to shooting for their magazines she’s also shot ad campaigns as well as lifestyle portraits (her favourite). Recently she added writing to her portfolio and makes her debut in Home Sweet Home Magazine.
Ruth Chisolm
Ruth Chisholm is a writer and communication specialist with experience in speechwriting and crisis communication particularly in disaster response. She has been published in Kuya Magazine, Frontlines -a global USAID publication, the International Federation of Red Cross World Disaster Report and is co-editor of the Do Good Jamaica blog. Ruth is a book-loving, fitness-craving, jazz and film enthusiast who is passionate about public service.
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Arvel Grant
Arvel Grant is an IT strategist and technology evangelist who researches and reports on all things related to tech. Questions and comments may be sent to arvel. grant@gmail.com or @ArvelLinchpin
Emma C. Lewis
Independent blogger, writer and social media activist. Working closely with the NGO sector, Emma Lewis is a social media trainer advocating on human rights and environmental issues. A London-born Oxford graduate, she arrived in Jamaica 26 years ago and is currently working on a book of short stories
Paul Morisson
Paul Morrison has established a reputation as a global marketing expert in international development. His specialty areas include art advisory, branding & marketing strategy, social marketing, and social media. Follow him on twitter @musegrp
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Photography by Tricia Bent Pictures of Lagoon, Carla and Boxer by Ro
K H By Ro
anopi
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Somewhere in Portland, close to the abandoned Dragon Bay and the crocodile-shaped beach, there is a place embracing the shores of the deep Blue Lagoon where the many wicker lianas kiss the soft waves and sea berry trees thirstily lean from their earth-bound roots over the water. Its exact location is almost a secret with no map or road signs that will lead you there. If you do find yourself at this hidden location you will come across the tree houses of Kanopi House: five very rare and exquisite wooden gems cradled in a lusciously green treasure chest, invisible to the outside world. Only from Monkey Island can you glimpse the roof of the Great House peeking through the tightly woven treetops and only at night do shimmers of light escape, giving you a hint that there is more to be seen underneath the mysterious blanket of leaves covering the flank of the hill.
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he story of the treasured Kanopi House begins like so many stories: with two people falling in love. Jennifer and Brian Hew met in school at age 14. They later put their hearts into one another’s hands and decided to face the long walk of life together. They have two children, Kimberly and David, who are also involved in the family’s businesses. Members of the Hew family, who were often on vacation in Port Antonio, bought the six-acre compound almost thirty years ago. It stood there untouched for twenty long years until, in 2005, they felt the time had come to build a place of their own. There’s no particular date on which the property turned into a luxury treehouse getaway for both local and international clientele; it slowly evolved. Spanish Elm, named after the type of wood it is made of, was the first treehouse to be built, initially for the family’s personal use. Of all the other tree houses that followed, it has the most intricate inner layout. The insides can be separated into a living room area, a bedroom and a hallway
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that leads directly to the bathroom. The three parts encircle the galley kitchen. The cherry on top is the outside shower. It features a wall and floor made of plain wooden planks that surround a Cabbage Bork tree, which leans onto the treehouse and serves as a pillar for the rain showerhead. Being out in the open like that, naked with nothing but a sea of sky-high trees forming your ceiling, makes for an interesting feeling of vulnerability and newfound excitement. After the Spanish Elm was built, the Hews received numerous requests from family members and friends who wanted to stay there. When it became apparent to the Hews that they were not able to accommodate everyone they simply built one tree house after another until there were four more brilliantly constructed wooden gems, namely: Upper Deck, Sweet Wood, Almond Tree and the Great House. So you see, it was never actually meant to be a hotel business, rather, a private home and retreat. People began to hear of
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Spanish Elm was the first villa to be built at Kanopi House.
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Kanopi House initially by word of mouth, then through magazine features. When their website was created it caught the attention of an online luxury travel agency, which handpicks its resorts; Kanopi was added to its prestigious catalogue. Today, despite its commercial success, it remains an exclusive getaway and at times can be closed entirely to accommodate ‘special’ guests. Kanopi House is still somewhat of a private residence, except now, the Hew’s have to call the Kingston office and book a stay. The Hew’s proudly state that no trees were cut down during the construction of Kanopi and they were very careful not to disturb the natural habitat. The houses were built as an example of a perfect eco-friendly unison between man and nature. All the cottages are truly Jamaican in their raw wooden material, decorative pieces, art and craftsmanship. The luxurious feel of the houses lie in the airy, solid simplicity of the constructions and the warm sheltering character of the wood. When opening the French doors and blinds that go all the way to the ground, it feels as if nature reaches out into the house, surrounds you with its arms and caresses you gently. At Kanopi House a light grey cement path about two and a half feet wide leads through the entire property, all the way down to the Blue Lagoon and back up, connecting the treehouses with the Great House. Giant ferns, plantain, ackee and banana trees, orchids, wild coffee, pimento, noni, and red ginger plants decorate the landscape. The view of the lagoon through the trees is stunning. As the last rays of sun wistfully tickle the leaf tips with their deep golden light before they make way for the night, crickets concordantly start their booming crescendo and suddenly as you look into that impervious darkness you are reminded that the path you stand on misleadingly gave you the feeling that nature of this kind is tame, accessible and pretty to admire. Yet, without Kanopi’s cement path you wouldn’t be able to move at all through this realm and if it weren’t for the little lights on the side of the path, you probably couldn’t even put one foot in front of the other. But ,then you remember that you are in a safe place and you have the privilege to have the wilderness and the night to yourself. It is this exclusive environment, the absolute privacy and completely individualised stay that makes Kanopi House such an intriguing place. “You have total freedom here to be yourself. Nobody cares who you are,” said Carla, who manages the property. The treehouses can hold a maximum of 16 guests and there is a very small management team on the property of only five people. That arrangement allows the team to act in a very spontaneous and uncomplicated way towards your needs and desires. There is Carla, who was there from the very beginning, when Spanish Elm was still in the making. She is not just a brilliant hostess, tour guide and storyteller,
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but also quite a character, and half of the heart that gives Kanopi its homely feel. The other half is Boxer, who was an actual boxer for 12 years. He now lives on the property as guardian of the treasure, so to speak, and also holds other titles such as caretaker, valet, security guard, tour guide, boat captain and nature connoisseur. Next to those two key figures are an assistant cook, Black Pearl, and two housekeepers, Janet and Marlene. “We often get people, especially business people from abroad who want to plan everything in detail. We try to tell them not to make too many plans and relax because it’s usually those people who when they end up on the big, dark mahogany canapés in the Great House, don’t move for the rest of their stay,” said Donna Anderson, who is responsible for reservations in the Kingston Office. Even the food is tailored to suit the individual needs and plans of the guests, which is why there is no fixed food menu. “We follow our guests, but if they say six o’clock for breakfast, we try to change their minds,” explained Carla with a smile. “Also, if you plan food you need to have it in stock, but here everything gets prepared using fresh ingredients, nothing from the freezer, never.” When asked why her three course menus taste so good, the mother of three exclaimed, “I am not a chef, I am a Mama!” Kanopi offers you Jamaica’s most beautiful and breath-taking attributes in all exclusiveness. It is definitely not your average luxury property. I believe it’s one of a kind but I’ll leave you to decide. It takes a treasure hunter to truly appreciate a gem such as Kanopi House – it is a rare find, a set of luxury tree houses where, as Carla rightfully said “You come as a guest and leave as a friend.” And so we did.
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“
ou come as a guest and leave as a friend.�
Kanopi is nestled on the banks of the Blue Lagoon in Portland.
Carla manages the property with a smile.
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Boxer is both tour guide and caretaker.
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Building Revolution
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o you want to build your dream home. Our best advice: try hard not to hit the panic button when you get a whiff of the migraine-inducing process. Trust us, the bureaucrats really outdid themselves with this one. After you’ve bought the land, you need to hire an architect to develop the blueprint for the house (seems easy enough). Then you have to run over to the relevant parish council to submit the design plans, keeping in mind that approvals can take between 2 - 3 months (that wasn’t a typo: not hours, not days, not even weeks but months!). One quantity surveyor, a lending institution and hopefully only a single contractor later, you should have your home. Of course, none of these folks work for free, so unless your uncle’s gardener’s brother-in-law owes you a huge favour, be fully prepared to be hit by an onslaught of fees. And then there’s those pesky issues: price increases, expensive construction insurance, extortion, theft, you know, the usual shebang. But what if we told you, there’s an easier, less painful way?
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“Six years ago we adopted the modular system for our projects,” shared Yuval Maoz, Factories General Manager at Ashtrom Building Systems Ltd. “With this technique, most of the construction activities are executed at a factory with only installation done on site. We’ve found that method allows us to lower our overheads, offer attractive prices to our customers and support them with the design and approval process,” he explained. For the past 46 years, Ashtrom has successfully worked with the Jamaican government, think Sabina Park and Sangster International Airport, to develop the island’s commercial infrastructure and large scale residential communities. Known for its expertise and reliability, the company recently decided to delve into home construction for individuals, providing a simple, stress-free way to build their perfect home. To kick start the process, landowners submit a copy of their title, surveyors ID and for those with hilly properties, a topographic plan. Cash buyers will be asked to put down a 20% deposit while National Housing Trust borrowers only need an eligibility letter showing they qualify for a loan covering the cost of the home. Once all the paperwork has been received, a formal contract is signed and Ashtrom will draw up plans based on their Wendy and Victoria model units, which include studio, one, two and three bedroom options. After approving your design, having a nice, comfy chair will come in handy because all you need to do now is sit back, relax and let Ashtrom take on the heavy lifting from there. Seriously, that’s it! You’re pretty much done. Parish council approval? Don’t you have better things to do with your time? Quantity surveyor? Contractor? Step away from the phone; there’s no need to stalk your friends for referrals. With Ashtrom, it’s all taken care of. Armed with your blueprint, the Ashtrom team diligently constructs your module: casting the floor, integrating electrical wires and erecting walls. Once the structure’s shell is complete, you’ll be summoned from your cozy couch to pick paint colours, tiles, windows, doors and other fixtures. After the finishing touches are added, you’ll have the opportunity to personally inspect and approve the unit. Two to three days before the house is delivered, the team will head out to the site to fortify the land so it is able to accommodate the new building. A few days later, the home is carefully lifted by crane, loaded onto a truck and transported, section by section, to the property where it is to be assembled. After the structure is set, the homeowner is allowed to do a final walk through to ensure everything is in place and they are satisfied with the work.
Yuval Maoz, Factories General Manager at Ashtrom Building Systems Ltd.
Ashtrom has adopted this novel approach because there are plenty of advantages to be had. The whole process takes an incredible 6-8 weeks so you can rest assured the project will get done on time and within budget. Since the cubes have to be lifted, Ashtrom builds units that are stronger than conventional structures, making them better able to withstand hurricanes and earthquakes. These homes also tend to be much cooler than their counterparts as the slab roofs are constructed using
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a special concrete mixture to improve waterproofing and a coating layer is added to better reflect the sun. The end result: your home is built by a respected contractor within a short time period without compromising quality. “I noticed many persons in our community had started constructing their homes but were not able to complete them,” revealed Mrs. Joycelyn Hall. “As we were preparing to build a house, I was worried about having to deal with a similar issue. Once I met with Ashtrom, however, I was convinced they were the best option and I’m very pleased with the experience we had with them. Even our neighbours are amazed by their work and I have happily recommended the company to others.”
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Elements
By Arvel Grant
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echnology has been stealing the headlines in almost every industry and area of our lives. It seems every day there is a faster, better, smaller model of various gadgets, and everything we use is getting a processor to give it intelligence. Today, Google glasses have processors, Samsung watches are ‘smart’ and your Nike shoes can tell you how many steps you’ve taken and how many calories you’ve burned. Worldwide and even in Jamaica, technology is giving us a taste of the Jetsons and Star Trek life. Most people can easily identify the new technology that is available for personal use, but there are also many ways new technology is creeping into devices, which can modernise your ‘Home Sweet Home’. In fact, Smart Appliances and Connected Homes were unanimously voted as the next big thing at the 2014 Computer Electronics Show. In this article, we’ll look at three main categories of devices to smarten up your home: Smart Home Appliances, Home Control Systems and Smart Home Accessories.
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Smart Home Appliances + Smart TV’s There are a wide range of smart TVs available from almost every manufacturer, which allow you to browse the internet, stream on-demand content, make Skype calls, play games, and more. While Smart TVs cost a bit more than their not-so-smart cousins, the cost of televisions are tied more to the screen size, resolution and 3D capability than to their ‘intelligence’. Smart TVs are an easy upgrade for your home and are widely available in Caribbean electronics stores. If you already have a TV and you are not ready to change it then there are also other products that can add the smart functionality to your existing TV through its HDMI or USB port. Check out the Chromecast (US$35), Roku Player (US$49-$99) or Apple TV (US$99) to make your TV ‘smarter’.
Smart Refrigerators LG and Samsung are leading the pack with these and the feature set is very similar for both manufacturers. Smart refrigerators (approx. US$4000) typically have a touchscreen LCD on the exterior with access to recipes and nutritional information. They allow you to scan the barcode of items you stock in the fridge and specify their expiration dates. At your prompting, the smart refrigerator will search the internet for recipes that use the products in your fridge; they will also give a daily update of expiration dates.
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Smart Washing Machines Today’s smart washer/dryers (approx. US$1200) won’t sort your laundry, nor fold your clothes - for now they generally lack a real wow factor. But, they’re taking steps in the right direction. The newest models allow you to control your washing machine via an app. So if someone has already loaded the washer you can tell it to start washing even while you sit in traffic and if you’ve decided to take a nap while the dryer runs then an alert on your mobile will let you know it’s finished. Samsung and Whirlpool are the most notable manufacturers.
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+ Home Control Systems Smart locks Tired of walking around with a bunch of keys? Well then upgrade to smart locks in your home. A wide range now exists and the feature set is consistent across them all. These locks allow you to use your smartphone or an internet browser to open/lock doors. No physical keys are required. Each person who needs to access the house downloads the app and then they are assigned a digital key by the homeowner. This digital key can be restricted to provide access for a set duration or between predetermined hours or on specific days of the week and so on. Smart locks also send alerts to the homeowners each time someone arrives/leaves and keeps a log of each entry.
Smart Alarm Systems
Many alarm systems now allow remote viewing of security camera feeds and have built-in speakers/microphones for twoway communication. The main improvement to these systems is the ability to control/monitor them via mobile apps and web browsers. Instead of entering a code to arm/disarm the system, you can press a button on its supporting app. You can also set a range of numbers to receive text messages/phone calls in the event of an emergency and monitor your home for high temperatures, fire, smoke and carbon monoxide all via your smartphone. A Scout Alarm System with these features will cost you between US$700 and US$1000.
Home Automation Systems Home Automation Systems allow homeowners to automatically turn devices on/off – for example: lights, air conditioning units, coffee maker, et cetera. The simplest way to achieve this is through gadgets like the Belkin WeMo Switch (US$50). You plug the WeMo into an electrical outlet and then you plug the appliance into the WeMo. Once you have downloaded the WeMo app you can regulate the flow of power through each WeMo using the app. Anything plugged into a WeMo is now remote controlled. You can plug your coffee maker into the WeMo and set it to turn on each morning at 6:00 a.m. You can also plug your fan/AC into a WeMo, allowing you to turn it on while on the way home to cool down a room, or you can plug your fridge into a WeMo and set it to turn off while you sleep to reduce your power usage.
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Smart Home Accessories + Digital Kitchen Scales Digital kitchen scales, like the Prep Pad Smart Scale, cost around US$150 and uses bluetooth to communicate with their companion smartphone app. In addition to giving the weight of items and converting between different measurement systems, these scales can give nutritional information as well. If you are making a salad and place three tomatoes in the bowl, the Prep Pad will tell you the exact weight of tomatoes added and will search a nutritional database and tell you how many calories, grams of sugar, protein and carbs you have just added to the salad. Makes living healthy that much easier!
Digital backsplash Digital backsplashes for your kitchen/bathroom are a luxury trend in today’s smart homes. Instead of using tiles as a backsplash these digital backsplashes offer a touchscreen LCD with internet browser and built in apps to find recipes, watch videos or listen to music while in the kitchen or bathroom. Although most smart items for your home currently come at a premium, the prices will fall and the features will become commonplace as more manufacturers dedicate research and resources to the industry. Also, take note that if you have a knack for electronics there are circuit boards such as the Raspberry Pi or Arduino, which you can use to add the same intelligence, detailed in all the appliances and accessories above.
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RICHMOND
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Photography by Tricia Bent Kristen Landell
By Robyn Miller
gence: The Cost of Home Ownership
Owning your own home, it’s everyone’s dream. Whether you’re renting now or biding your time at your parent’s place until you can afford to spread your wings, there’s a common thread that binds all prospective homebuyers: we all want the best value for our money. After all, buying a home is a major investment and if you’re going to be married to a mortgage for the next 25 to 30 years, you might as well ensure you get the most out of it.
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o achieve that dream home, you’ll need to have a capable lawyer on your side to draft your sales agreement and, possibly, guide you through the purchase. You’ll also need to secure a mortgage from a reliable financial institution. Some key requirements you will also need to satisfy, as outlined by mortgagee, C&WJ Cooperative Credit Union, are as follows: • A sales agreement • Copy of the title for the property • Valuation report • Surveyor’s report • Job letter from the buyer’s company • Last three months pay slips • Valid ID •Credit reference from a company previously borrowed from •Last three rent slips or mortgage receipts (if applicable) • Proof of (current) address The process can take anywhere from a month and a half to two months to completion. There are some unavoidable costs every buyer must factor into their purchase. These include government costs, stamp duty, transfer tax, and attorney costs to prepare the sales agreement. Paperwork out of the way, the big-ticket issue of settling on a home, which you would have done before approaching your mortgagee, can be touchy for some. One of the cardinal sins buyers commit is forgetting to do the two ‘D’s’ – DUE DILIGENCE. Due diligence simply means making sure you get what you’re paying for. Valuator, Ivan Powell of CD Alexander Realty, puts due diligence down to three things: the valuators’ report, surveyor’s report, and location. Valuator’s Report A valuator’s report will tell the buyer about the integrity of the house. “It tells you the quality of the material used – so you know it’s not brick they used, it’s block and steel, and you know the flooring is not concrete tiles, its porcelain.” Surveyor’s Report “If you’re getting a mortgage from a building society, they have to protect their interest,” said Powell. “Encroachments, such as easements, for example pipes running across a property, could encumber you if you want to put in a foundation
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or, if high-tension wires are present, they could mean you cannot build up or, [the presence of] prescriptive easements by people who have been crossing through the property for years could prevent you [from taking possession immediately]”. All these, though, Powell said, “can be cleared up through the courts”. Location, Location, Location Believe it or not, this cliché real-estate phrase really does stand for everything. “If you have 20 houses on a street, all of them will have a different ‘location’,” Powell asserted. “One house will be close to the gully, another the ghetto, and the best one will be in the middle. Check if there is a school or playground in the area,” he cautioned. Schools are usually indications that you’ll have to deal with excessive noise and traffic. On the other hand, being located near to good schools is attractive to future buyers. “Get a checklist,” he continued. “Don’t omit anything from it. Remember, once you’ve bought that home, you’ve bought the neighbourhood and everything else that comes with it.” Nicola Scott-Bonnick, a partner in the firm Scott, Bhoorasingh & Bonnick, intimated to Home Sweet Home Magazine that due diligence is the holy grail of home buying. The attorney, who specialises in property sales, said due diligence should include your own inspection as well as having a valuator and certified inspector look over the foundation, boundaries, wiring and overall structure of the property being purchased. She noted that the lawyer’s due diligence is in respect of “the paperwork and not the property”. She explained that purchasing a home is often the most costly undertaking for anxious first-time buyers. At twenty-nine, Latoya Lawrence felt those very jitters when purchasing her one-bedroom Upper Waterloo Road apartment last December.
Location, Location, Location.
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Mortgages, which take months to be approved, can be difficult for young people like Latoya to secure. In comparison, a car loan takes a mere week to be processed. Aside from the usual responsibilities that come with the mortgage application process, homeowners can find themselves facing unexpected stress. Latoya, for example, applied for her mortgage at one of the island’s most respected banks and was shocked when the bank lost her paperwork. The documents – mounds of them – were resubmitted, but it took four to five months and several follow-up calls before the sale was finally completed. Stories abound of property sales gone wrong; but, as Scott-Bonnick reminded, the onus lies with the buyer in minimising their loss. Still, you’d be shocked to hear some of the things buyers go through. Imagine finding out that you’ve been building on land that’s not yours. No! We’re not talking adverse possession (or squatting, as we know it) here. We’re talking about building outside your boundary on land belonging to your neighbours, only to realise your error on completion. These experiences are by no means rare in Jamaica, and they bring to light the importance of working with professionals – surveyors, contractors, and architects – when building a home. You have to be able to depend on the expertise of those in charge of building your house. Again it comes back to DUE DILIGENCE! Homeowner, Mark Sylvester* took a lot for granted when purchasing his third home. Not even his second purchase, which had dragged on for eight long months and warranted police intervention, could have prepared him for what he faced last November. With $20 million already spent to move into a lovely single-family home in one of Kingston’s preferred neighbourhoods, his budget of $5 million for a garage and overhauling of the main entrance plus new fixtures quickly ballooned to $7.9 million. Then came the startling revelation: the entire house had to be rewired as the previous occupants had been bypassing JPS’ meters (better known to us as ‘tiefing’ light). Director of Electricity and Chief Electrical Inspector at the Government Electrical Inspectorate (GEI), Solomon Burchell, emphasised the importance of the GEI inspection and certification of properties – whether old or new. “Electricity is known for its usefulness as well as its devastating effects, if not properly utilised,” he noted, underlining the dangers of improper wiring, “If [inspection and certification] is not done, it could take your property and your life.” On Christmas Eve, Mark discovered a huge hole in the kitchen floor after a workman had fallen in. Improper channelling of the sewage had caused the floor to rot, which had been surreptitiously concealed from the new owners.
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But that was not all. “Water did not go beyond the outside pipe,” lamented Mark. The underground piping had rotted away so badly, a garden hose had to be stretched inside the bathroom for showers.
purchaser, he said the Act covers real estate developments numbering six or more units to include strata, subdivisions and gated communities. He, however, referred to the sale agreement, saying recourse could be sought in the courts for any breaches.
“We paid NWC (National Water Commission) almost J$100,000 and had to change all the piping, which set us back by approximately J$30,000” he said, still reeling from the loss.
A recent National Housing Trust policy change, which allows up to three contributors to borrow up to $15 million, has now made it possible for more young people to buy their homes, instead of remaining in rented properties.
Though Home Sweet Home got no official response from the Real Estate Board on redress for buyers like Mark, a representative, Patrick Clough, reiterated the agency’s mandate to “monitor real estate developments” and “work together to create safer, more comfortable living spaces”.
For many like Mark and Latoya nothing trumps owning their own home. Both said they would do it all over again, only this time, with more due diligence.
Pointing to sections 26 to 35 of the Real Estate Dealers and Developers Act, which speaks to the developer’s duty to the
*Name changed to protect the individual’s privacy.
Elements
Photos Contributed by Emma Lewis
By Emma Lewis
Recycling
Jamaica
Is Our Trash the New Business Frontier?
Have you ever seen Kingston Harbour after a heavy shower of rain? From a distance it looks pretty: bright objects float gently. But close up, we see the water is sprinkled with garbage washed down from the gullies: mainly clear plastic bottles, gleaming in the sunlight. Ugh! Our beautiful island is becoming slowly submerged in solid waste – plastic, in particular. We are a thirsty nation. We drink a lot of water and sodas. The day beverage manufacturers switched from glass to plastic, during the 1980s, was a dark one for Jamaica’s environment. But there is money to be made out of this environmental challenge. After all, the recycling business is worth more than US$400 billion annually. Are Jamaicans profiting from this growing sector? Athol Blagrove, Regional Manager of Jamaica Recycles in Montego Bay, explained that they recycle cardboard boxes, all paper materials and all kinds of plastics, including shrink-wrap. Plastics are sorted by different recycling grades (look underneath your plastic container for the little triangle) and must be clean. In Western Jamaica, Jamaica Recycles’ biggest clients are hotels; they charge a monthly fee to collect waste. They rent out a compressor to one hotel. Their business is growing. EarthWise started barely a year ago. EarthWise is made up of four young people “just out of college” says founding member, Khalil Johnson. Their first effort, recycling car batteries, was not very successful, so they moved to plastics. They don’t charge a collection fee and give garbage bags out as an incentive in communities. They are still finding their footing, but Johnson believes there is “much potential” in
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recycling. “We need more support from government in terms of legislation, policies and partnerships,” he added. Volume is key in the recycling business. Jamaican operations continuously seek to expand their client base and thus the amount of recycled garbage, to increase their profits. It’s important to set up efficient collection and transportation systems. While daily running costs are not unbearably high, start-up costs are. It’s not only about plastic. The Mandeville-based firm Ryco Jamaica has been collecting waste cooking oil from hotels, restaurants and businesses since 1996. Ryco recycles this using a process called rendering. It’s not a new process – it’s decades old, in fact. Recycled oil is used for animal feed, candles, pharmaceuticals, biofuels - you name it. Ryco started collecting and recycling petroleum products in 2010 and has since moved into the realm of agriculture, which produces a great deal of waste: Ryco also collects poultry by-products. Recycling e-waste is a difficult, hazardous business. IBM makes huge efforts, refurbishing, reselling or salvaging spare parts from the 38,000 pieces it receives weekly. But beware toxic chemicals at Agbogbloshie in Accra, Ghana (the world’s largest e-waste dump) destroy the health of young people who remove metals from old computers. We haven’t found
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E-waste dump: Accra, Ghana.
an answer yet, but it’s a growing, dangerous problem. Where does Jamaica’s e-waste go? How do you make money from recycling? Well, waste actually does have value. This is where volume is important, too. The waste is weighed and measured, and its value calculated; it is usually sold overseas. Most local recyclers charge a minimal fee for collecting from clients, to cover costs. This means there is no excuse for Jamaican households, businesses and offices not to recycle! Let’s not forget the potential of waste-to-energy. Jamaica’s Energy Ministry is currently finalising its policy on this and State Minister Julian Robinson recently stated that it should soon be seeking to identify firms to provide this service, which would save Jamaica millions on its oil import bill. Now! Let’s change gear and think creatively here. Technology is constantly evolving. A feasible solution may be to start a recycling plant right here in Jamaica, stopping us from having to ship our plastics off somewhere
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(and we don’t know whether our waste is properly disposed of overseas). How about a central recycling firm that would gather and process all plastic waste across the Caribbean, turning it into products such as clothing, furniture and building materials? That would be a costly undertaking, but worthy of some thought. Here are two regional examples of ‘out of the box’ recycling: Aasmall firm, Bureo Skateboards, is gearing up to produce fancy fishshaped skateboards made from recycled plastic fishing nets from Chile, for sale in southern California. Then there is the remarkable Landfill Harmonic project in Cateura, Paraguay (currently crowd-funding for a documentary film). It is very low-tech: residents and trash-pickers themselves recycle waste materials from the garbage dump to create musical instruments. Beautiful! Jamaica Recycles’ Blagrove said he hopes recycling can “become a culture” in Jamaica. The National Environment and Planning Agency and non-governmental organisations such as the Jamaica Environment Trust work with local recycling firms to strengthen this awareness in a new generation in schools and communities. We must all play our part in our households, neighborhoods, and work places. And the possibilities are endless, especially for young Jamaican entrepreneurs such as Khalil and Christopher of EarthWise. Put your thinking caps on businesspeople of tomorrow! The future is yours.
Elements
Highway Development Encourages Housing Infrastructure
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T
he recent development of new and improved road networks across Jamaica, such as the construction of the North Coast Highway, Highway 2000 and the current expansion of the North-South Highway, from Ocho Rios to Spanish Town, are linked to the growth of housing and commercial developments, and a mounting intra migration of Jamaicans from urban centres to rural communities.
affordable housing outside of the metropolitan area. Four, the highly competitive mortgage industry has reduced mortgage rates to an all-time low of 9.29%.
In addition, there are four levels of dynamics at work here. One, the Jamaican population is increasing, and the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) projects a population of 2.9 million by 2030, hence the growing demand for housing. Two, the 2008 research from the Jamaica Survey on Living Conditions revealed that 63% of Jamaicans now live in their own homes. Three, savvy housing developers are producing more
Ivan Anderson, Managing Director of the National Road Operating and Constructing Company (NROCC), concurs that the new developments in road infrastructure across the island, particularly the establishment of Highway 2000, have a direct relationship to the development of communities in areas outside of city centres.
However, what is clear, is that the improvement of the country’s road infrastructure has been the prime factor in setting the pace for the where and when of housing development.
Contributed by Trans-Jamaican Highway Limited Gore Developments Photographs of Spanish Town/Dolphin Cove Tricia Bent
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In recent years, several real estate developments were established in the Old Harbour area.
“A number of studies have been done which underscore the connection between economic development and proper road infrastructure. Typically, the development of new road infrastructure, such as highways, results in the accelerated development of areas, which have improved access from the highway. In Jamaica, we are seeing this taking place along the East-West leg of Highway 2000 in areas such as Portmore, Bushy Park, Old Harbour, Free Town and further down in May Pen,” Mr. Anderson stated. Consequently, housing development trends in Jamaica reveal that the emergence of communities such as Portmore and many others have all the elements for ‘survival’ with easy road access to townships, hence their success. The Vision 2030 Housing Sector Plan census data indicates that the parish of St Catherine will have the largest population across the island by 2030, with Old Harbour contributing significantly to this parish becoming the third largest urban centre in Jamaica. Indicators of this population shift are documented in the 2011 Census on Population and Housing. The census showed that of the 625,152 persons who were born in Kingston and St Andrew, 98,970 had relocated to St Catherine, which represents the highest number of in-country migration. In recent years, several real estate developments were established in the Old Harbour area, which were well received by prospective home owners. Following the development of the Vineyards segment of Highway 2000, commuting from this parish into the Kingston and St. Andrew Metropolitan Region, KMTR, is now seen as more favourable.
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At present, residents in Old Harbour are able to traverse Highway 2000 to Kingston within approximately 20 minutes, which is a significant reduction in time when compared to using the original route. In anticipation of the potential boom in demand for housing in communities outside of the KMTR due to improved road infrastructures, developers, such as West Indies Home Contractors (WIHCON), have systematically built several major housing schemes in the Old Harbour region. Peter Melhado, President and CEO of the ICD Group, of which WIHCON is a subsidiary, said the advent of Highway 2000 had a major impact on most of the housing schemes in the parishes of St Catherine and Clarendon. “These areas have witnessed a housing explosion since the construction and subsequent opening of parts of the highways. Road infrastructure, particularly highways and ease of access to various points outside of the immediate communities, is a significant determinant for mass housing developments,” cited Mr. Melhado. In the housing sector projections, outlined in the National Vision 2030 plan, the forecast is that Kingston will experience a decline in population from 95,440 in 2005 to 92,873 by 2020, with a further decline in 2030 to 91,126, as moving away from the KMTR becomes progressively attractive. “The sales of our housing units in the Spanish Town and Old Harbour regions are indicative of the fact that persons are willing to relocate outside of Kingston and St Andrew,
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Spanish Town
particularly because of the ease of accessibility afforded by improved road infrastructure coupled with the increase in the number of persons with private transportation.” Mr. Melhado opined. Maurice Gabay of MJC Masterbuilders agrees that, “Land in Kingston is scarce and it is pricey to build affordable housing, hence, Highway 2000 opened the suburbs to Kingston, providing easy commuter access and, with some infrastructure, made it possible to construct affordable housing.” He noted that the trend was established with housing in Portmore to Spanish Town, St. Catherine, and now the whole corridor is being opened up from Spanish Town to May Pen in Clarendon. “Consequently, real estate companies and mortgage providers are maintaining their competitive edge in terms of affordable housing and low mortgage rates,” Mr. Gabay stated. Historically, since the North Coast Highway commenced construction in 1997 some 28 major developments have been constructed between Negril and Port Antonio including Dolphin Cove, Hanover; the Convention Centre, Montego Bay; the Trelwany Multi-Purpose stadium; Club Hotel Riu, Mammee Bay; Mystic Mountain, St. Ann; the Port Antonio Marina; and many others. Similarly, the current development of the North South Highway,
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Vineyards Toll Plaza
over Mount Rosser, from Ocho Rios to Spanish Town, is also likely to have significant influence on housing developments in rural communities bordering this highway network. Opportunities will emerge for housing and commercial developments in areas, such as Bog Walk, Ewarton, Linstead, Golden Grove, Moneague, Spanish Town and Caymanas. The highway will also open up Jamaica to visitors to the island and encourage the development of new attractions in Ocho Rios, Worthy Park, Spanish Town, Kingston and other areas. Mr. Anderson indicated that with the completion of Highway 2000 in 2016, there is expected to be a boom in the growth of housing developments and commercial activities, as the increased and improved road infrastructure receives greater reception from investors, which translates into the growth of new communities. One of these investors, China Harbour Engineering Company, has already committed to the development of 1200 acres of land adjoining the highway for resort, commercial and residential developments. Thinking long term, the NROCC Managing Director noted that the current highway construction will influence the choices persons make as to where they live and work in Jamaica and will provide a range of new opportunities for investment. The highway construction is the kind of infrastructure that Jamaica will need in order to meet its 2030 goal of becoming, “the place of choice to live, work, raise families and do business.”
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Design
JamaicaN Creations Photography by Tricia Bent
By Serena Grant
It is always a pleasure to stumble across décor items and works of art that are truly unique and personal, but it is even more of a pleasure to find these pieces created in Jamaica, by Jamaicans. Home Sweet Home recently interviewed three Jamaican artists who have taken home décor to the next level – these creations will not only beautify any room, whether its capturing your pregnancy in a beautiful mold, or sewing memories into a stunning quilt for the next generation to enjoy, these artists allow buyers the opportunity to truly personalise their spaces.
Meryl Bowden: Embroidered with Love Jamaicans are known to be multi-talented individuals in almost every facet of life - art is just another one of them. Whether traditional or modern, abstract or figurative, Jamaican artists have always made pieces chock-full of creativity and uniqueness. One such artist, who is going against the grain and creating one of a kind works of art, is Meryl Bowden. Meryl (who signs all of her pieces with her first name only – a testament to the personal and emotional nature of her creations) specialises in beautiful hand-embroidered artwork and quilts. When we caught up with the artist extraordinaire, she spoke candidly about her work. “My inspiration comes from so many sources: sometimes wanting to relate a story, communicate a message or emotion; sometimes it’s whimsical, originating with a doodle or something prompted by my love for colour and texture.” Meryl explains that she has been experimenting with quilting and embroidery (mostly crewel embroidery, which involves the use of wool, yarn and heavier threads) intermittently for years. But, she says the art of basic embroidery was a skill her mother handed down to her as a little girl and since then she has been hooked. She has decided to take that craft to another level, replicating the art of painting through embroidery. Not satisfied with just one form of artistic expression, Meryl’s curiosity was piqued by the process of quilt making after seeing photos of quilting in magazines. “I tried my hand at it and it proved to be both inspiring and comforting; the softness of the fabrics, the colours and the variety of the material all spoke to me.” She plans to make her art form even more personal to her buyers, even more one-of-a-kind, by creating
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custom-made pieces. For example, a baby’s first blanket, or sock, or a piece of wedding dress can all be included in a quilt which, she hopes, will be passed down through generations. Even though she has not yet done a formal exhibition, Meryl is pleased with the warm reception she has gotten for her art. However, she says because embroidery and quilting are traditional but not typical, it takes some individuals a little bit longer than others to accept them as art forms. She has received some recognition though, as one of her pieces ‘Taino Village”’was published in the book ‘The Story of Westmoreland’ by Marguerite R. Curtin. The graduate of the Jamaica School of Art (now Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts) specialised in painting while at college and worked later as an illustrator. Ever versatile, Meryl also taught art at the primary and teacher training levels. The artist also paints, makes soft dolls and crafts paper mache objects, but gravitates to her first loves quilting and embroidery, which she describes as “therapeutic”. The passionate art buff says her art forms are her life and as such, she does not have a ‘day job’ as she focuses 100% of her energy on her crafts. Meryl Bowden continues her labor of love, creating works of art that resonate with the Jamaican populace, making colourful pieces that not only speak but shout their respective themes. Meryl not only crafts her artwork, she embroiders strands of determination and quilts pieces with love in every stitch. She hopes her artwork will be owned by people who value them. Visit her website at www.meryl.portfoliobox.me
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Meryl’s “Taino Village” was published in the book “The Sory of Westmoreland” by Marguerite R. Curtin.
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Suzanne Morris: Bangarang Passionate and talented, Suzanne Morris is another Jamaican who has been making a mark in the art world. While her iron pieces have been making waves for years, Suzanne is just getting started. The artist, who specialises in making eye-popping and unique wrought iron and drift wood pieces, such as furniture and mirrors, says celestial pieces and heavenly bodies such as the sun and moon, magic and spirituality, initially inspired her. Morris had an early start in art: “My passion for art started at age four, I was always an artistic and creative person who was good with my hands. I have always been able to pick sense out of nonsense.” The graduate of the Immaculate Conception High School started her art journey with clothes as she took sewing class while at school. While she saw much success with her clothing line, Sioul, selling pieces to the Lord and Lady store and even putting on a fashion show with Pulse models, Morris eventually got bored of the fashion world and transitioned to something else. “I
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moved on from clothes, but I have thought about designing clothing again, never say never,” she said. Ever the chameleon, Morris also ventured into the world of batik and screen-printing before she was led, yet again, into another creative realm. She began dreaming of creating furniture, “I got into wrought iron art after I designed something and gave a gentleman to make. However, I did not like the way that it came out.” She then started creating pieces for herself and later went on to train others to create iron pieces, which she designed. From chairs with faces, to large statement making pieces, Morris’ iron creations speak for themselves. She finds it fulfilling to be paid for doing what she loves. While she has had quite a few successful workshops around Kingston and in Montego Bay she dreams of having a big collection of her work on display so people can see what metal can do. She has recently set up shop at her Bangarang Gallery where she showcases her works of iron art.
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Michela Lee: Mummy Tummies She has chosen one of the greatest miracles in life as the basis for most of her artwork, but Michela Lee has proven to be even more versatile and passionate about her craft than meets the eye. It was her fascination with pregnant women that triggered her desire to mold a woman’s bulging belly. “I have always been very drawn to pregnant women, always fascinated with that big, beautiful round belly and most of all, the miraculous way in which a new human being is formed and nurtured by another. I had to find a way to preserve what to me was clearly one of the most beautiful experiences one could ever have. The first one I ever did was paper mache. Then I thought of using plaster. I had no idea it existed until after I attempted it,” explained Lee. After this exciting creative experiment, Lee was disappointed to discover that her artwork was not unprecedented. She set out to make the concept her own and offered her services to all the pregnant women in her social circles. She concentrated on building the moldings into one facet of a brand; to make the molds even more sustainable and memorable, Lee began pairing them with another one of her passions: photography. “Photography was always a love of mine and it only made sense to help preserve those precious memories through both art forms.”
Art in France. Still hungry for more art, Lee also went on to complete a Master’s Degree in print making. The artist also does fine art work as part of her quest to preserve memories.
“I have always been very drawn to pregnant women, always fascinated with that big, beautiful round belly and most of all, the miraculous way in which a new human being is formed and nurtured by another. I had to find a way to preserve what to me was clearly one of the most beautiful experiences one could ever have.”
-Michela Lee
Before her eight years molding pregnant bellies, Lee completed a diploma in textiles at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts. Shortly after, the artist earned a scholarship to attend the Pont Aven School of Contemporary
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COURTS
Design
Up Close
K
im Myles radiates energy through her work, her smile, and her voice. The renowned designer, entrepreneur, and creative doyen has left her mark on enviable platforms such as the Oprah Winfrey Network, better known as OWN, and the beloved HGTV. Propelled to stardom following her winning appearance on HGTV’s Design Star in 2007, Myles sets an example for dreamers and aspirants alike. She is a self-ascribed bohemian with eclectic style who fills her personal spaces with trinkets and unique pieces that she has inherited. But for her clients, her approach is more defined by modern design aesthetics. Home Sweet Home magazine caught up with Myles during her recent visit to Jamaica as special guest designer for a Rapid True Value promotional tour. Myles opened up about design challenges, her secret passion, why she doesn’t focus on trends, and her admiration for the incomparable Rafael de Cardenas. She also divulged some DIY tips to revitalise a room in affordable ways.
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Kim
Kim Myles is a daughter of Bakersfield, California, and is currently based in the city of Los Angeles. She admitted that interior decorating was not always her vocation; Myles received her formal education and training in theatre. After leaving the Pacific Conservatory of Performing Art, her first job was to play Lady Macbeth with the National Shakespeare Company. “I was good enough,” she said with a chuckle, “but I wasn’t excellent. Even after theatre I didn’t get into interior design right away. I loved and still love to cut hair; I worked in a New York salon. So I guess you could say I’ve had multiple lives.” She does believe it all happened for a reason. Her years in theatre prepared her for her experiences on television and in delivering
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Photos Contributed by Kim Myles
and Personal
Myles By Ruth Chisolm
speeches and presentations to an array of audiences around the world. Her love for cutting hair was always a glimpse of her artistic vision and the knack for tinkering here and there with her hands. Kim gleaned tidbits of knowledge on the job: “I wasn’t formally trained and I had to learn as I went along. But my passion
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helped me along the way as well.” She added emphatically, “You don’t have to be formally trained in something to become good at it.” While she has the deepest respect for those who have gone through formal training, she affirms that there is a place for those persons who have that searing passion and raw talent. That, combined with focus and discipline, helped her to move forward.
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HSH: Describe a design challenge and explain how you overcame it. KM: I’ve had so many design challenges, usually of the budget variety! I once had to figure out a bedroom colour for a couple who couldn’t agree on anything. If he liked green, she hated it. If she liked brown, he couldn’t stand it. Ultimately, I gave up trying to find a colour they’d both like and went with a metallic – a really beautiful, warm gold. I pitched it as opulent, elegant and regal, which it was, and was able to get them both on board. The room turned out beautifully. HSH: What is your favourite material to work with, and why? KM: I love paint. It’s the least expensive/most transformative tool in my arsenal. If you can only afford a sofa, a lamp and a coffee table, then buy them in white or cream and paint the walls a strong, vivid shade. It’s a great shortcut to a room that is minimal, but still wildly effective. HSH: How do you handle criticism from clients or
peers?
KM: I’m fine with criticism from people I know and respect, such as my clients and peers. It’s very constructive and a great learning opportunity – I really believe in the saying, ‘Take the note’. When people you respect offer you notes, you do yourself a huge favour by not being defensive and opening your ears – there’s usually something valuable in there. Kim’s advice on criticism by ‘Internet trolling’: ignore the message boards and comments sections when necessary. “I’ll never get used to the awful things people say from the anonymity of their laptops. I learned the hard way… to ignore them completely.”
Create, be some more
inspired…
create
HSH: You created your stencil collection when you were responding to your need to create the right look and feel for your own space. Does this solution-oriented approach always direct your work? Is interior decorating basically about responding to practical home challenges? KM: Yes! I believe that life is about responding to practical challenges both big and small, and relying on my creativity and ingenuity has seen me through 54
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out of the box with them! I completed an environmental design course at Art Center in the United States last spring and that focus on commercial design has me so excited for the opportunity to help a business interpret their look, feel, and user experience.
HSH: Do you have a fantasy client? Who would that be and what would you want to do for them? KM: My fantasy clients right now are small businesses rather than individuals. I’d love to work on a boutique wine bar or spa, for example. I’m interested in creating environments that are sumptuous, tactile and hedonistic – the kinds of spaces that transport you because they don’t just look beautiful, they make you feel something.
Fifteen minutes and counting HSH: What makes you apprehensive or what frightens you in the DIY/design business?
all kinds of things, not just decor! I didn’t have a lot growing up, so I learned to sew the clothes I couldn’t afford to buy and to create the things that I coveted like art, jewellery and clothes. It really gave me a sense of independence as well as a firm belief in the power and worth of my own individuality.
HSH: Tell us about a peer or someone in your field who has inspired your work, your style and approach. KM: I love the work of Rafael de Cardenas! He is so brave and bold, a real master of ‘the mix’ and unexpected colour combinations. His spaces aren’t for everyone, and that’s exactly why I love them – they’re unique and deeply personal to the people he designs for. A personal favourite of mine is the home he designed for Jeanine Lobell of Stila Cosmetics. I’m just so sick of cookie-cutter rooms and ‘perfect’ catalogue-ready designs! Frankly, everything I see on HGTV these days bores me to tears, when the highest goal of design is ‘resale value’, then what’s the point? There’s just no fun or creativity in that approach. HSH: Do you work only on homes or have you also
done corporate spaces?
KM: So far I’ve focused on residential design, but my secret passion is public spaces – you can really break 55
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KM: Well, I make my living in the public eye, so there’s always an element of ‘waiting for the phone to ring’ and wondering if your 15 minutes are up. Luckily, my ‘15 minutes’ has been going strong for seven years now, and people still want to hear and see what I have to say. I’ve been able to build my brand into a success, and I’m super excited for my fans to see what I have in store for 2014..., but I’m not sure if that worry ever totally goes away. It’s just the nature of the beast. HSH: Who would you say is on your team? Who helps to propel the Kim Myles brand that you absolutely could not function without? KM: My husband, Scott. I have an extended team of professionals who help me do what I do of course, but my husband is my one, true cheerleader. He believes in me no matter what, supports and contributes to my vision of what Kim Myles Design can and should be, and he truly just wants me to be balanced and happy. We’ve been together for 15 years, and having his unconditional love and support have helped me push through challenges and doubts like no other. If my professional success evaporated tomorrow, I know I’d be better than fine with him at my side.
Don’t believe the hype HSW: What trends do you see in the industry for 2014? KM: I really don’t pay too much attention to trends because I like what I like, regardless of the year. I think that chasing trends is a slippery slope as a creative person. If trends drive you, your work ends up looking and feeling dated, at best. And at worst, it doesn’t feel like you at all. 2nd Edition
Tips and Tricks • Easy updates can be as simple and inexpensive as switching out your shower curtain – it seems like a small thing, but consider how much visual space a shower curtain can take up! It’s quite the presence in a bathroom, so changing it out can bring a breath of new life without having to lift a finger for anything else. • For a fresh approach to decor, consider painting just your ceiling. It’s the ‘forgotten wall’ in most rooms, and a space with neutral/quiet walls juxtaposed with a bold, bright ceiling colour looks amazing and current. • A stylish room divider or folding screen can be dismantled and hung side by side as a largescale triptych – I love this trick because it takes up an amazing amount of wall space for relatively little money. • Don’t forget the power of fixtures! An old sink can look new again simply by switching out/updating the faucet. Small investment, big impact. For more about Kim Myles visit www.kimmyles.com
“Don’t be afraid to make mistakes when creating that space you have in your mind. It’s important to make it personal.” -Kim Myles
Design
Photography: Contributed by Adrian Smith +Gordon Gill Architecture Decartret College
Touch With his gravity defying, supertall towers, architect Gordon Gill is upping the ante for high
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the Sky
performance buildings while hypnotising city skylines across the globe with his sensational designs. By Joni Wedderburn
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n the busy streets of Downtown Beijing, the Waldorf Astoria, renowned for its luxury and style, confidently hovers above the land below with its simple square shape and bronze trimmed exterior, elegantly displaying its strength and regality. In the tech powerhouse city of Seoul, South Korea, the Federation of Korean Industries’ HQ boasts a visually stunning, zigzag, glass facade interspersed by black, checkered photovoltaic panels. The design isn’t just beautiful, it’s clever, as the walls absorb the sun’s energy while reducing heat within the building. In Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, plans are afoot for the famed Kingdom Tower to surpass Dubai’s Burj Khalifa as the world’s tallest building. The US$1.2 billion project with its sleek, futuristic design of a desert plant shooting into the sky is expected to be an astronomical 3,280 ft. upon its completion. Designing these mega buildings demands ingenuity and a knack for solving problems. Little wonder that one of the masterminds behind these stunning structures is a Jamaican: born in Kingston, raised in St Ann, ironically surrounded by lush landscape, rolling hills, grazing cattle and not a tall building in sight!
Kingdom Tower will be the world’s tallest building. The US$ 1.2 billion project features a sleek, futuristic design of a desert plant shooting into the sky.
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“When I was a little boy I always loved to draw houses and build cities in my parents’ back yard,” fondly reminisces Gordon Gill, founding partner at Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture. “I didn’t know any architects growing up, no one in my family is an architect, but I loved to see different places as a child,” he shares. While attending boarding school at The DeCarteret College in Mandeville, he asked his parents if he could drop his Latin class and take up drafting with the older boys instead. Always supportive of his interests, his parents allowed him to make the switch. In 1974, the Gills packed up and left Jamaica for Toronto, where Gordon continued to take drafting classes and learned how to refine his drawing skills in high school. His studies would eventually lead to two Master of Architecture degrees: one at the University of Texas at Arlington and the second at Harvard. “While I was in college, I explored the relationship between architecture and landscape: the physical geography and environment,” revealed Gordon. “The environmental impacts on a building, from weather to political settings to cultural contexts, all influence
One of the world’s most prominent architects, Gordon Gill was born in Kingston, raised in St. Ann and attended De Carteret College in Mandeville.
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“ Buildings, compared to automobiles, are three times worse as carbon emitters... there’s not one of us who can’t do something about that.” -Gordon Gill
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Drawings depicting Saudi Arabia’s ‘Kingdom Tower’
its form. So the structure has become very specific to a place, to a culture and to the people who use them”, he explained. Jumping into the corporate world, Gordon’s curiosity for high performance architecture blossomed into a full-fledged passion. He became particularly intrigued from an energy standpoint: studying ways to position a building where it would need less energy, taking advantage of solar power and finding innovative ways to reduce waste during the design and construction process. He has seen first-hand an improved quality of life and health for the residents of buildings and cities where efforts are made to bring down energy demands, which directly affect carbon footprint. “Buildings, compared to automobiles, are three times worse as carbon emitters but you hear a lot about cars: hybrid cars, electric cars, they’re on TV all the time. You don’t hear anybody discussing buildings as they relate to carbon footprint and there’s not one of us who can’t do something about that.” Gordon has already backed up his strong words with action. While still working at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, he worked on the Pearl River Tower in Guangzhou, China, the first supertall
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tower with net zero energy (an annual measure of a building’s ability to create as much energy as it uses on site). To achieve this feat, his team had to take a close look at almost everything that went into construction, including the air conditioning system and exterior wall. To create power for the structure, they played with a variety of ideas, such as vertical access wind turbines embedded inside the body of the building. “We’ve learned a tremendous amount from Pearl River and we’ve begun to advance those concepts on almost every project we pursue now”, explained Gordon. In 2006, Gordon, Adrian Smith and Robert Forest realised there was an opportunity to craft buildings in a new way that would make them better, healthier and safer. At that point they decided to start their own firm, a company, which in the last 7 years has become the definitive leader in large scale, high performance, urban projects. Working on office buildings, hotels, parks, and performing arts centres from Bogota to Mumbai to Tokyo, the organisation has showcased an expansive range in its skillset, talent and expertise. “If you can create a culture where the message or the impact
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Jamaican Architect Gordon Gill is one of the masterminds behind the design of the famed Kingdom Tower, Saudi Arabia, which is expected to be an astronomical 3,280 ft. upon its completion. Kingdom Tower will surpass Dubai’s Burj Khalifa as the world’s tallest building.
of what you’re doing is bigger than anybody in that group, bigger than the group itself, then the message, the purpose for working, is so strong that it becomes infectious and you have reason to push and do what you do for a living”, Gordon stated. Gordon Gill has come to symbolise consistent, high quality architecture as he challenges conventional building practices and pushes the boundaries of man-made structures. His unique, daring and elaborate designs not only serve as visual points of intrigue but also positively contribute to their surrounding environments. Innovative and tactical in his approach to architecture, his work continues to transfix cities and influence architects worldwide.
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Leisure Artist: Natali Da Ley
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Artist: Traci Wong
Artist: Kareen Weir
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Simple, Yet Essential,
Rules For The
New Art Collector By Paul Morrison Photography by Tricia Bent
Contributing Artists Tracey Wong Kareen Weir Natali Da Ley
Special Thanks to The Guy McIntosh Family
Art collecting can seem daunting to those considering it. Some are under the impression that it requires enormous sums of money and sometimes don’t even know where to start. But as I always tell my clients, particularly the new ones, you don’t have to be rich to build a great art collection. One of America’s largest art collections was built up by the most unassuming couple, Herbert and Dorothy Vogel, a postal clerk and librarian who filled their one bedroom NYC apartment with over 2500 works by some of art’s biggest names. They quietly amassed their collection through the simple tips that I have outlined below.
Make a plan:
Artist: Natali Da Ley
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Every great collection begins with a strategy! Think carefully about the type of art collection you want to own. Will there be an overriding theme? Are you interested in a particular genre (of artwork) or artist? I have a client who is very particular about the art she purchases, and as such she came to me because she knew that she only wanted works by Gene Pearson, Albert Huie, and Patrick Waldemar. However, by working with her, I exposed her to newer artists like Khary Darby, Nakazzi, and Xayvier Haughton. Now, her interests have broadened to include some of these other artists that she wouldn’t have considered before.
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Artist: Kareen Weir
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Buy art that you like: This is a fundamental principle that will always remain true. Art that makes you smile, moves you, and lingers in your mind will be art that you will cherish for a long time. It will also reduce any amount of buyer’s remorse that can also happen after expensive purchases.
Start small
: To truly understand the discerning process of art collecting, it’s always best to start small, as a new collector your budget may also be limited. In any event, when you take your time buying art, you get to understand, over time, what excites you. The secret to the Vogels’ success was buying the very best and staying within budget. Art is a luxury, but it doesn’t have to be punishingly expensive; a good art collector is not necessarily a big art collector. You can start small as it’s the eye and the passion that counts.
Be informed: Learn about artists by visiting galleries, local museums, and art fairs. Keep up to date with local events by joining art mailing lists. The National Gallery of Jamaica routinely has programs and discussions. In addition, the Edna Manley College also has Artist Talks that allows members of the audience to have intimate chats with artists. There are other art collectives that also host discussion programs. Artists, art dealers and gallery owners are usually very happy to discuss their artwork, particularly if it may yield a sale.
Invest in emerging artists:
Art from lesser known and emerging artists is a great starting point for any art collector. Not only will you have a lifetime of work showing the artist’s career development but you are usually able to acquire these pieces at really attractive prices – an investment that will most surely augment in value as the artist’s career and visibility grows.
Go to art shows: This is another excellent way of collecting art. Meeting the artists directly and even building
a relationship with them over time can give you great insight into the pieces that are personal favorites and the themes that inspire their work. This intimate knowledge about the artist’s personality can be very useful in informing the type of art that you purchase for your collection. It also makes for a great story when you showcase that piece.
Think holistically but collect narrowly:
Assess how individual pieces will interact and incorporate into a larger collection. By focusing your collection on a narrow subject, you’ll find that the whole will be more valuable. Connecting and working with an art dealer is also a good way to provide focus for you on this exciting journey. They can offer advice that helps you to get optimal value from your purchase (trust me, I know what I am talking about).
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Never collect art to match your decor:
This is self-explanatory, but most times the art purchased in furniture stores usually lack soul compared to that of an authentic artwork. It gives your space - home or office - that much more character. Art is sometimes meant to provoke, not compliment.
Insure your art collection
: Homeowners’ policies cover some artwork under household contents, but your deductible applies and insurers may haggle over replacement value. Check with your home insurance agent to see how your new art collection can be included in your policy. You buy for love, but prepare for the worst.
Consider buying art virtually: This is a fairly
radical way of buying art, but as we advance into the 21st century, it becomes an important tool for the tech savvy and innovative collector. Soon, this purchase may even be made on your smartphone. The internet is also handy for research. The more research you do on a gallery or artist, the more fruitful the eventual encounter.
“What art offers is space - a certain breathing room for the spirit.� ~John Updike
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Leisure
ADVT.
Losing Weight Effectively
Do you have a weight problem? Have you been dieting and exercising and not seeing results? Are you struggling to shed the 20 pounds you gained during pregnancy, which after 2 years still remains?
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WITH THE UPDATED MEDICAL HCG PROTOCOL
et me introduce you to a safe and effective way of losing and maintaining healthy weight.
As a medical doctor for more than 14 years, I have witnessed many patients battling with their weight. Like my patients, I too had become frustrated with their inability to shed the weight that was contributing to their disorders. I decided to do research in an effort to find ways to better assist them. This led me to many avenues - one of which was the HCG Diet. My continued research led me to studies on the HCG protocol and eventually, the science behind the diet convinced me that it is an effective method for weight loss.
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By Dr. Elizabeth Rose-Johnson
Before offering the programme to my patients, I undertook medical training in the United States in advanced weight management and the HCG protocol and became certified. The History behind HCG for Weight Management The protocol uses a hormone called HCG. All women produce this during pregnancy. HCG has been used for weight loss for decades. The protocol was conceptualised by an endocrinologist, Dr. A.T.W. Simeons in the 1940s. He found that by giving a small quantity of HCG along with a very low calorie diet, individuals would quickly shed large amounts of weight.
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Dr. Simeons successfully treated thousands of individuals and documented losses of about ½ to 1 pound of fat per day. How does the HCG Programme Work and is it Really Successful? When a person is treated with a low dose of HCG in conjunction with a specific calorie-restricted diet, a part of the brain called the hypothalamus, in conjunction with other hormones, causes the body to burn off its own fat reserves for energy. Unlike many low calorie diets which may lead to loss of muscle in addition to fat, with the HCG method the weight loss comes directly from stored fatty tissue while muscle mass is preserved. This causes the body’s metabolic rate and ability to burn calories to remain intact. These findings have been substantiated by newly undertaken clinical trials performed and published in the US. These studies have also led to a revision of the original protocol. I utilise this updated version which allows for more calories and a wider variety of food. This results in better compliance and excellent results.
Dr. Elizabeth Rose-Johnson
How is HCG Administered for Weight Management? HCG must be administered by taking a daily injection of a very low dose of the hormone. There are also ‘HCG’ drops which are sold in retail stores and over the internet. These drops are potentially harmful because they usually do not contain any detectable hormone and therefore do not have the ability to protect lean muscle mass. While persons still lose weight, they do so because of the low calorie diet. There may therefore be extensive loss of lean muscle mass in addition to fat stores. This is why persons who use drops tend to regain the lost weight as well as additional pounds in a very short period of time after completing the diet. The Benefits of Using HCG Weight loss will surely help you to attain the lean, beautiful body you have always desired. More importantly though, the massive weight reduction that occurs with the use of the protocol also contributes to improved health. Obesity is a well known contributor to many chronic illnesses ranging from hypertension and diabetes, to cancer, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea and even sudden death. I am able to report that with the following treatment, many patients require lower doses of medication and some have even been able to discontinue use of drugs once needed to treat their disorders. I have also found that because weight loss occurs rapidly and patients experience such a noticeable change in the appearance of their bodies, they become extremely motivated and receptive to starting and maintaining a regular exercise regime as well as sensible eating habits. As long as a healthy lifestyle is followed, individuals are able to enjoy sustainable and long-lasting weight control in addition to improved health and well-being.
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My Program at Medical Weight Loss Jamaica Before starting treatment, clients are required to do a panel of blood tests. This assists in ruling out any underlying causes of excess weight, and may also detect other pre-existing conditions, which may necessitate medical treatment prior to embarking on a weight loss program. At the initial consultation, the client’s lifestyle and medical history are assessed and a physical examination is performed. Measurements are taken and a specialised body composition scan is done to document percentage muscle mass, percentage body fat as well as visceral fat (dangerous accumulation of a type of fat that contributes to conditions such as heart disease and diabetes). Once patients are fit for the protocol, they are started on a personalised programme. Because weight loss occurs rapidly, I personally review all patients on a weekly basis. Visits ensure that the individuals are losing weight at a safe and appropriate rate. Everyone is offered continuous access, personalised support and guidance throughout the entire treatment period. Maintenance visits are also available for individuals who request long term guidance. Medical Weight Loss Jamaica is committed to offering each patient a life transforming weight loss experience. We will provide the education and support needed to help you make wise decisions about your weight loss goal and we will also teach you how to incorporate behaviour modification, lifestyle changes, diet and exercise to achieve a balance and healthy life.
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Leisure ‘Rech’ by Aaron Curry showcased at Art Basel Hong Kong 2013.
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Art +
Commerce
By Rachael Barrett
Photography Contributed By: Frieze Art Fair Art Basel Hong Kong Art Basel Miami Beach
The title from this piece is taken from a successful international agency that most of you would have seen the work of without realising it. The company represents leading photographers, creative directors, set designers, illustrators et cetera. of artistic work across advertising, fashion and other related industries. Typically, within the sacred walls of the art world, barriers were traditionally drawn to differentiate between these commercial endeavours and the more academically rooted fine art; yet, as auction records continue to show, the commercial aspect of the art market is far greater than industry insiders would like to admit.
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ay is a particularly busy period on the art calendar, with landmark fairs such as Frieze New York and Art Basel Hong Kong sandwiching the New York impressionist, modern and contemporary auctions. While major auction houses like Sotheby’s, Christie’s and Phillip’s hold sales throughout the year, they sometimes reserve the best material, conducting special sales, which act not only as great spectacles of commerce, but also help artists to determine the value of their work in the marketplace – often new records are created at these sales, pushing the prices of artwork either below or beyond their usual value. The Cannes film festival takes place in May as well, one of the greatest places where the ultimate in film commerce and art mingle – it is a significant source of
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short and artist made films. Coincidentally, between the New York auction week and the film festival I passed through Kingston where our own local art community saw the annual Liguanea Lodge auction fundraiser. When explaining to people in Kingston what my job entails, or the details of the market, there tends to be excitement when considering the investment opportunities within fine art, but little thought to what the artist themselves have to do to contribute towards these prices. This spring, Christie’s held a special sale focused on ‘hot’ artists including a work by Wade Guyton with an estimate of US$2.5 million to US$3.5 million. I
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Galleria Lorcan O’Neill, Frieze New York 2013.
Art Basel Miami Beach also presents a good oppurtunity for artist exposure.
remember a few years ago when the works were considered expensive at US$200,000 – US$300,000. Seemingly in protest to his work going on the auction block, Guyton (whose method of working includes printing on canvas) shared an Instagram photo with his followers of several more ‘versions’ of that particular work being made. There was a great furor as dealers and collectors began to speculate as to how this would affect the sale of the work. It fetched US$3.5 million in the evening. The idea of an artist influencing his or her price in the market is a completely overlooked aspect of the reality of maintaining a successful career in the arts today. Artists do not usually have direct relationships with auction houses - with the exception of Damien Hirst’s ‘Beautiful Inside My Head Forever’ auction at Sotheby’s, famously held the same night as the collapse of Lehman Brothers and earning over £270 million in one evening. Still, artists must network to engage with collectors who buy their work and also stay on top of their dealers to ensure their work gets pride of place at art fairs and press coverage to ensure that the work is not created and left in a vacuum. In sum, standard business skills and practices that are directed to prospective entrepreneurs are key tools for any artist in today’s environment, and as such should really be taught alongside critical thinking skills in art schools. Like anything else, being an artist is a career path. It requires education, qualification, practice and perseverance. And just like many lawyers, doctors and bankers discover, hurdling through a post recession environment to achieve great suc-
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Star Gallery, Art Basel Hong Kong 2013.
Damien Hirst sits infront of one of his pieces from the ‘Beautiful Inside My Head Forever’ auction.
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Artist Wade Guyton
Wade Guyton’s drawings for a small room.
Jamaican artist Ebony Patterson (highlighted in last issue’s piece) was the first Jamaican artist to grace the cover of the Frieze art magazine.
cess sometimes also requires luck. Artists today need to regularly make work, stay on top of industry movements and sometimes find alternative means of supporting themselves until that big break comes along. Many artists in cosmopolitan cities have academic fellowships or positions, or make films or conduct lectures as a means of supplementing income in the early stages of their careers. While considered a successful visual artist in his own right, New York based Hank Willis Thomas, whose work focuses mostly on the black experience and identity notes that his filmmaking, speaking engagements and ‘other’ activities make up more than two-thirds of his total income. Curatorial students should also note the troubles they face are little different. Key curators are important filters for artistic talent and rising through these ranks is competitive. It’s also important to note that curators are judged on such hard to measure skills as taste and opinion rather than objects themselves. Next year Nigerian American Okwui Enwezor will curate the famed Venice biennale making him the first African to be given this role in the exhibition’s 100-year history. The Sotheby’s Institute where I trained now offers some of its curriculum online to support the vast majority of distance
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learning students who wish to take advantage of its courses on curatorial skills, different periods of art history and the more popular than ever art business. Last year, actor Leonardo DiCaprio, an avid art collector, hosted a charity auction ‘The 11th Hour’ with all proceeds going to his foundation, which supports environmental charities worldwide. The sale raised $38 million with many works being sold at inflated, above market prices. The funny thing is that while the prices were inflated for the charity as a donation, those prices quickly became [legitimately] the market prices of the works. That’s the art world – where your piece is seen can decide the value of your work in quick succession. National Gallery of Jamaica curator Charles Campbell recently spoke of the importance of local artists increasing their efforts to make their own successes through local exhibitions. In his opening remarks at the recent ‘Be Un-Caged’ exhibition of work by students at the Edna Manley College, Campbell noted that this year also saw a notable landmark as Jamaican artist Ebony Patterson (highlighted in last issue’s piece) was the first Jamaican artist to grace the cover of the Frieze art magazine. Notably, Patterson said “...the opportunities you make for yourselves will determine the shape the art world takes for you
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and others” - sage advice for those making business of art.
Facts The art of this business: • The title of most commercially successful artist in the world varies from year to year, but in terms of living artists has most often fallen to Damien Hirst. A graduate of Goldsmith’s College, Hirst came to prominence after staging his own exhibitions and working as an art handler at galleries in London. The landmark ‘Freeze’ exhibition that brought many of his colleagues to prominence was organised and manned by Hirst himself in an empty London Port Authority building in 1988. His net worth is now estimated at US$1 billion. • Larry Gagosian owns and operates more than 12 galleries and exhibition spaces (at latest count, this number fluctuates) worldwide. The 69 year old dealer famously started his career in art by selling posters in Los Angeles. The galleries revenues are over US$1 billion annually and his net worth is a closely guarded secret. Edvard Munch’s ‘Scream’.
• Most top-level art collectors, dealers and successful artists confirm that their most valuable hard assets are their art collections. • The most expensive work of art ever sold at auction by any artist, living or dead, is Edvard Munch’s Scream, which fetched US$100 million at Sotheby’s in New York in May 2012. • The most expensive work of art ever sold at auction by a living artist is the sculpture “Balloon Dog” by American artist Jeff Koons that sold at Christie’s in New York in November 2013. • The highest total ever grossed by any one night auction at time of writing this piece is this May’s Christie’s New York evening sale. The total was approximately US$745 million.
‘Balloon Dog’ by American artist Jeff Koons.
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Byron Bowden master class
By Tricia Bent Photography by Tricia Bent
“I always knew I’d be an artist. My imagination sometimes strayed to other professions but nothing stuck except art.”
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t took Byron Bowden 20 years after college to take the plunge, making painting his fulltime profession, 20 years of working for others, 20 years of painting everyday, 20 years...and in retrospect Mr. Bowden sees that time in his life as simply “working to grow”. How many of us after five, ten, much less 20 years would still take that step so that our vision could come to pass? Bowden is an extremely talented and knowledgeable artist, possibly even a master in his own right. His works are unified by a vibrant explosion of colour and bold brush strokes. He manages to capture both the spontaneity and subtlety of life at the same time. Once introduced to his work, it becomes easy to quickly pick out one of his pieces when faced with a bevy of paintings displayed in the same space. His works have evolved over the years, but they still retain the bold and character-filled style he’s known for.
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His paintings are certainly not for the timid collector. Although the pieces are beautiful and instantly attractive, you definitely have to have confidence in order to move forward with adding such a strong piece to your space. Bowden’s paintings grace the walls of many well-known offices and celebrated art collections, yet in spite of the popularity of his work, he remains an enigma in our society. After attending the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts from 1966 to 1970 Bowden entered the working world with the expectation that in ten years he would become a full-time artist. Ten years passed and that didn’t happen; more years passed and still he hadn’t accomplished his goal. Bowden spent the majority of those years working as an art teacher at the Holy Childhood High School. He worked to pay the rent and buy the materials to paint, but he never sold any of the pieces. “My objective was never to sell, it was always to create and grow”. For Bowden, teaching art was entertaining, but didn’t offer the same satisfaction as creating his own pieces. “In teaching you’re giving of yourself to your students and you don’t necessarily see the result of it. Art isn’t something you can give. A person has to have the talent and then you can inspire them and point them in a direction they can go.” He strongly believes that education is an important facet in the life of young artists. “Art is very complex. You can’t just look at something, start painting and be any good.” For Bowden, both talent and art education are required to be a successful artist, but the triad of success he believes, is completed by science education. “Everything we do has both art and science in it. How do you put a three-di-
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mensional image on a two-dimensional page for example? This is where science comes in.” He continues, “The ability to convey movement, mixing colors, having an understanding of space and measurement, knowing that there are both visible and invisible light and how they affect your image all fall into the realm of science and play an integral role in creating art.” It was during his teaching years that Byron Bowden met his most avid collector – renowned art promotor Guy McIntosh. So enthralled was McIntosh by the pieces, he bought copious amounts of Bowden’s works over the years. Mrs. McIntosh recalls her husband spending hours looking at Bowden’s pieces and asking him often what it was that he liked so much about his work. She remembers one particular instance where he sat looking intently at a painting Bowden did of a tree; she recounts him saying, “You see that tree? Look at it...that tree has more personality than many people ever will.” McIntosh was one of Bowden’s greatest supporters over those two decades, even donating some of his pieces to the National Gallery as a part of the ‘Guy McIntosh Collection’ before his death. McIntosh is also credited with introducing Bowden’s work to other enthusiastic and respected collectors such as Dr. Brian Morgan and Dr. Barry Hanchard. At this juncture, when his paintings began to be purchased, Bowden decided that the time was right to leave teaching and begin his life as a full time artist. Bowden’s style has changed drastically over the years. Although his paintings all show the same fearlessness in the application and use of color and space, his style today
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is distinctly different from what it was when he started out as a professional artist. Bowden is a figurative artist: humanity is and always has been his main subject of interest. “I started out painting what I call innovations and experiments.” These paintings depicted human-like figures with a robotic aesthetic. The work is very angular making heavy use of sharp edges, mechanical parts and deep shadows. They often portray Jonkonnu, a well-known aspect of Jamaican culture. Paintings from this era in Bowdens’ life also consisted of mosaics. The geometrical nature of this style is reminiscent of peering into a kaleidoscope as a child and watching an image being formed from the small shards of color. At first glance these paintings seem like an abstract cacophony of bright rectangles and triangles, but as you stare at them you discover another layer, a hidden portrayal of the human form. When he met McIntosh, Bowden had only completed one landscape. Bowden soon learned though, that there was an art market with a demand for a certain type of art and his landscapes fit perfectly. In his landscapes, Bowden manages to mimic the nature of the environment, by not only capturing it visually but also reproducing the essence of the scene. The bright greens, oranges and yellows of his leaves against pastel swirls of color in his skies gives the viewer not only a visual experience, but a tactile and auditory one as well. He somehow, through painting, manages to fancifully create a scene where the trees are raw and sensual and have a humanistic aura. You almost expect them to step off the canvas, greeting you with the gentle rustle of the wind in their leaves before sauntering off to find their next place of habitation. Looking at his current work, it’s clear that many of his trees evolved into voluptuous women. Bowden’s women are bareskinned and proud in their bodies. The way they move on the canvas shows their femininity and sexuality without crossing the line to vulgarity. These women carry themselves sanguinely, touching their hair, waistlines and other parts gently and making sensuous shapes with their bodies. “After going through various styles over the years, I’ve come to an understanding that this is the direction I should go in.” Bowden is in the process of creating an entirely new body of work in this aesthetic. “The idea of God propels me to create. I see beauty in creation.” He shares this viewpoint with his favorite artist Michelangelo who said, “The true work of art is but a shadow of the divine perfection.”
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Michelangelo, the master sculpture and painter, is the overt choice as Bowden’s favorite. “I find that his art and personality coexist. There are no contradictions.” Michelangelo’s art however, is 500 years old and many things have transpired in the art world since then. “I’ve seen artists create work that I simply don’t understand but I know it’s their point of view.” Bowden believes that this approach to art has left society in a confused situation as to what art is. “A whole lot of mediocrity exists and it crowds out the brilliance.” Bowden has avoided getting drawn into the abyss of defining art and being defined as an artist by focusing on his own perception and translating it into works of art. Years of observation led Mrs. McIntosh to conclude that Bowden simply isn’t an
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artist that can be confined or dictated to. “He paints what comes from inside him; that’s what makes him a true artist.” Masters in the art world were never easily categorised. They broke through cultural restrictions and ideologies and challenged the status quo by following their own path. They show exemplary proficiency in their technique and have the ability to convey their vision perfectly. Bowden has never given much thought as to whether he is a master or not. “In the end we all have to account for ourselves. All I know is that I love this thing and I’m going to do it to the best of my ability. I won’t settle for less and if I become a master as a result, then so be it.”
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Travel
Off The Beaten Path By Joni Wedderburn Photography: Moon Hill: Contributed/Tricia Bent Holywell : Tricia Bent Croydon: Oneil Parrin Castleton: Tricia Bent
R
outine is the swift yet silent executioner of spontaneity. We’ve all fallen victim to this stealth foe, oftentimes retreating to the comfort and safety of the familiar. With so many amazing sites and wonders to explore, it’s time to throw caution to the wind: try new, daring adventures, visit new places and uncover a whole new side of Jamaica you never even knew existed. Here are a few rest stops and eating joints that could be considered off the grid.
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PIZZA BY MOONLIGHT,
MOON HILL VILLA R
estless Kingstonians, always on the lookout for the trendiest hotspots, are converging in their numbers on the generally quiet Millsborough community. Previously tantalised by exotic offerings of Mediterranean, Greek and Thai cuisines, Jamaican foodies are now drawn weekly to an upscale, gourmet pizza night hosted by the recently minted Moon Hill Villa. Guests are treated to an intimate poolside setting shrouded by lush vegetation, which, on the right night, is romantically illuminated by moonlight. Created for a more sophisticated palate with an international flair, ‘Pizza By Moonlight’ ain’t your ordinary pepperoni and cheese pizza takeout experience. For starters, visitors can treat their taste buds to a tasty selection of fresh salads, stamp n’ go (always a local favourite), and scrumptious Spanish tapas. Signaling the end of appetisers is the mouthwatering scent of warm Parmesan, cheddar, mozzarella, juicy meat and cooked veggies slowly wafting through the dinning space. Guests can have their pickings of delectable ackee and zoukini, Hawaiian, jerked chicken, lobster, vegetarian and shrimp pesto pizzas, each topping lightly embedded on a delightfully toasty crust. Instead of tormenting visitors with the painful and cruel task of choosing just one pizza, organisers have graciously gifted patrons with an ‘all you can eat’ format. Always innovating, recent additions to the ever-expanding menu have included a Mexican steak pizza and banana crème pie. Refreshments are handled by a small, cash bar stocked with the usual suspects: Appleton Rum, Wray & Nephew, sodas and juices, or persons can bring their own bottle. With its meteoric rise in popularity, avoid attending at the end of the month as the villa can become jam packed, parking is limited to the road and a reservation does not guarantee seating. The cost to attend is a flat price of $1,000 and reservations are made via an email with the names of your guests to events@ moonhilljamaica.com. With its relaxed ambiance, alluring pizza selections and yummy appetisers, “Pizza By Moonlight” offers a novel, culinary adventure for the discerning food enthusiast.
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short distance outside of bustling, noise pungent Kingston, travellers find themselves on a narrow, bumpy road meandering through the island’s iconic Blue Mountains. Thirty five hundred feet up lies a Jamaica nostalgic of days gone by: quiet, content and virtually crime free. Here, proudly sits Holywell National Park, a 200,000 acre behemoth spanning St Andrew, Portland, St Thomas and St Mary. Unspoiled and uninhibited, nature is unafraid of flaunting its stunning beauty: majestic, towering trees gently swaying in the wind, a cornucopia of colourful plants, each clamoring for the eye’s attention, and more than 28 endemic species of birds, blissfully chirping away to their own beat. Three rustic, wood cabins: Capressus, Hot Lips and Mountain Yacca, blend seamlessly into the scenic landscape while offering guests cozy accommodations. These charming cottages boast eucalyptus and treated lumber wood frames and an antique, stone fireplace charged with warding off unusually cold temperatures, which can dip to as low as 8°C (46° F). Each cabin is equipped with small dining and kitchen areas, sleeping quarters, modest furnishings, and a porch overlooking the flat plains below. During their stay, guests can opt to cook their own meals or visit the renowned Gap Café, located a short distance away. Holywell has become a popular getaway for Kingston and Portmore residents. You’re encouraged to book in advance to secure a cabin. Local rates for Jamaicans range from a reasonable J$4,500 per night for the 2 bedroom Capressus to J$3,500 per night for the 1 bedroom Hot Lips and Mountain Yacca studio. International rates run from US$70 per night for Capressus and US$50 per night for Hot Lips and Mountain Yacca. For Jamaican hikers, there’s a J$100 entry fee and a J$200 charge to access the trail, while overseas residents pay US$5 for adults and US$2 for children under 12 to enter the park, and US$5 to use the trail. Both Jamaicans and foreigners are required to make a J$1,500 payment for a guided tour. With hiking trails, outdoor picnic areas and bird watching, Holywell is indeed the perfect weekend refuge for the city weary wanderer.
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CROYDON IN THE MOUNTAINS 92
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fter traversing the traffic crammed streets of tourist mecca Montego Bay, the journey to Sam Sharpe’s birthplace, Croydon in the Mountains, begins in earnest at Redding. Roaming through small villages, a busy, tree-lined street with picturesque views gradually inches its way up through the north coast’s beautiful countryside. After crossing an old, one-lane bridge and wading through two small streams gushing across the motorway, the expectant traveler is rewarded with a breathtaking estate. Comfortably sitting on 132 acres, this modern day plantation is home to meticulously clipped lawns, a plethora of lofty pine trees and amazing views of the stunning, mountainous terrain. Declared a Forrest Reserve, the first private property of its kind, employees here are mavens at sustainable forestry, soil conservation and effective farming techniques. Led by master comedian and whimsical guide, Winston, guests learn firsthand about the cultivation of a diverse array of local fruits and crops. In addition to seeing and touching the plants, visitors are treated to fresh samples of thirst-quenching juices, perfectly ripened bananas, eight varieties of pineapples, and pleasantly sweet sugar cane. The tour ends under a wind tickled, open air pavilion perched atop a hillside slope, where visitors rouse their taste buds with spicy jerked chicken, savoury callaloo, and steamy rice and peas, alongside a cup of refreshing Blue Mountain coffee. Guests are advised to ask in advance for directions, setting aside at least an hour and a half from Montego Bay for those unfamiliar with the route. Tickets, which cover lunch and the guided tour, cost J$3,500 per person for Jamaicans and US$53 per person for foreign visitors. For an additional US$17 per person, international guests can access ground transportation to the property. Tour days run from Tuesdays to Fridays and reservations can be made by calling (876) 979-8267. With its strikingly gorgeous landscape, friendly staff, and pure, succulent fruits, Croydon in the Mountains is a nature lovers’ dream and a truly pleasant ‘farm to table’ experience.
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CASTLETON SOUP STOP
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Journeying through the rolling hills of St Mary, the monotony of thick vegetation firmly clutching the zigzagging highway is broken by a modest, white picket fence caught in an ongoing struggle to restrain the untamed greenery. The instantly recognisable landmark signals the traveller’s arrival to the historic Castleton Botanical Gardens, a charming valley where the cool, gushing waters of the Wag Water River roam freely and wild plants thrive on the elevated land. Just beyond the gardens, a small clearing, located directly across from the community’s police station, serves as a mini food courtyard with coconut and sugar cane vendors, a small bar and two soup stops. Famished visitors can silence their growling tummies with a piping hot cup of soup. With options to purchase from either Mr. Lee or Ms Henry, both unadorned master soup chefs who’ve been in the business of selling soup for a combined 63 years, patrons can rest assured that they’ll be getting a hearty meal. Guests can feast on well-seasoned shrimps, potatoes, pumpkins and yams in their Janga soup, indulge in salty pig’s tail in the red peas soup or devour tender pieces of chicken and flavourful dumplings, cocoa and sweet potatoes in the always popular chicken foot soup. For picky eaters, Mr. Lee offers more of a broth-like consistency while Ms Henry serves a thicker stock. Coming from Stony Hill, immediately after passing Castleton Gardens, look out for the stone-faced, card board cut out police officer and pull over into the open lot on the left. It’s usually pretty easy to get serviced, but be prepared for longer wait times during the heavily trafficked summer and public holidays. Prices range from $150 for a small cup, $200 for a medium and $300 for a large, with opening hours generally running from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. With an easy to find location, plenty of parking and warm soup always on tap, Mr Lee and Ms Henry’s soup stops in Castleton offer up a quick, savoury roadside cuisine.
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Island Routes Photography by Tricia Bent
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ounded in 2009 by Adam Stewart, CEO of Sandals Resorts International, Island Routes has since developed into the largest tour conglomerate in the Caribbean and has won the World Travel Award four times in a row for ‘World’s Leading Caribbean Attraction Company’.
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With an immense variety of exciting offers on display, you’d better take time to go through their selection. It’s like an all you can experience buffet à la carte, Jamaican style, naturellement.
Next to their own exclusive assortment of Catamaran Cruises, Deep Sea Sport Fishing and their newest addition, The River Bumpkin Farm, which has a series of eco-excursions tied to the location, Island Routes partners with Jamaica’s most prominent and distinguished attraction providers such as Dolphin Cove and Mystic Mountain. They also cover small certified providers, playing an important factor in supporting the economy of local businesses. The partners are hand-picked in what they call a “100 point inspection” where each company needs to be able to cover the high standards required by Island Routes in safety, professional training of staff and the best quality equipment. They make it a point to constantly improve their services and tours through analysing and inspecting satisfaction surveys and comments on online forums. My Island Routes experience began with me wallowing on the website, www.islandroutes.com, for about an hour, weighing activities like zip lining against bobsledding, horseback riding against river tubing, trying to figure out my heart‘s true desire. In the end, I went for what seemed to be the most unique experience, which happened to be swimming with dolphins (1 hour tour) and the Reggae Catamaran Cruise, which I picked out of a kinky curiosity, figuring it must be entertaining to watch drunk tourists on a party boat. At Dolphin Cove, which truly looks like tourist heaven – very pretty, shiny, idyllic, with a shop nearby - we changed into our swimsuits and were given black safety vests. In a very slow and easy to understand manner, with the help of images and a thick ‘twang’,
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our instructor explained to us the correct motions to use when communicating with the dolphins in order to facilitate our interactions. In between images he would ask us to shout back the emphasis of his last sentence and then applauded our intelligence. If I had a tail, I swear I would have wagged it. We were then led into a small lagoon-like pool, the water was a blue-turquois invitation, and the show began. The dolphins swam by, giving us a chance to feel their slippery bodies; I’m pretty sure that I was making joyful squeaky noises when that happened. Then they did a choreographed jump high into the air, made dolphin sounds and flapped their back fin or in instructor ‘twang’, “shook what their mama gave them”. They pulled us around and pushed us up by our feet and those who so wished could even kiss them, but there was just something about that dolphin smile and those sharp little teeth that made me pass on that one. So how do I sum up this encounter, which has the proud status of ‘Jamaica’s number one attraction’? In spite of it being fun, the experience wasn’t quite what I had imagined it to be: it was all very surreal. On one side it was amazing to be so close to these magnificent creatures and I was caught in an enduring state of: “OMG it’s a dolphin!” On the other side I couldn’t help feeling like a bulk commodity on a conveyer belt that is rushed through a routine procedure, which happens to involve dolphins to whom you are a means to an end: fish. I guess I placed my expectations too high when I thought dolphin and I would swim over the rainbow together. Finally, the instructor’s ‘twang’ was very difficult to ignore and rather painful to listen to. I found out later
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that he speaks this way because he thinks American tourists won’t understand his authentic Jamaican accent. I found this disappointing - I mean really? This is Jamaica for heaven’s sake. I think it’s bad enough that everything is labelled in US dollars in tourist areas anyway. Whatever happened to ‘keeping it real’? And just as it began to sink in that I was actually interacting with dolphins, the thirty minutes (we were five people in the group, so that’s 6 minutes each with a dolphin) were over. It felt like somebody had taken away my lollipop. Don’t get me wrong, it was amazing, but it was all of that other stuff as well and if you can overlook the somewhat impersonal nature of the interaction, the novelty of swimming with dolphins still makes for a unique overall experience. My conclusion: book a private audience with the dolphins and have the chance to fully absorb their presence. The next stop was the Sandals Resort, Montego Bay, where Island Routes has a counter and the Reggae Catamaran Cruise starts. On board, the crew welcomed us warmly and with good cheer they made sure that we listened to the safety regulations before the fun began, because naturally nobody wants to experience a “Did that dude just fall over board with his rum and coke?” moment. I must admit, I boarded the catamaran feeling cynical towards tourist cruises, wondering deep down inside: “people actually pay for this?” Well, I couldn’t have been more wrong, the experience was fabulous and I will most certainly be back on that boat. In fact, it’s my new guilty pleasure. When the music was turned up, a mix of dancehall, reggae, soca, Latin tunes and contemporary music accompanied us on a three-hour party
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ride. An open bar served us premium liquor, cocktails and later on, nachos and wraps as we mingled for a little bit. Our first stop was the reef in front of Doctors Cave beach and we went snorkelling among wondrous little fish: sparkling blue and sunshine yellow. The other stop was at Margaritaville, where we had lunch. I would have happily traded that stop for more time on the Catamaran Cruise for it was after this that the
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party really began. The music got louder and the crowd below deck started dancing with the event coordinator showing them Jamaican dance moves and giving out shots. I’m sure that would have been a highlight to watch, but I decided to miss out on that bit, because I was flying over the waves, while lying on the broad net outside on deck, the blue sky above, strong warm wind rushing over me and the Catamaran bouncing
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over wave valleys. In the end though, I couldn’t help myself and joined the dancing crowd. The energies were high and I wished the shore would slow its approach. The cruise truly captured the essence of the Island Routes motto: ‘live funner’ and while climbing off the boat I thought: “Same time tomorrow, please”. Island Routes offers you guidance in a jungle of choices and the website helps you organise your indecision providing you with a practical search map. Booking through Island Routes comes with many advantages as well, such as insurance coverage, money back assurance and a practical cancellation policy. Naturally, the website is appealing to foreigners but equally so should it be to the Jamaicans, born and bred on the island, of whom many have not seen half of the natural wonders and attractions this land of wood and water has to offer. Don’t let its touristy focus deter you from exploring the attractions. This country’s many offerings attract outsiders in droves, but Jamaicans should be the first to make use of the opportunity to enjoy them. Even though it is not advertised on the website, a little bird whispered to me that locals may get a local price; but you didn’t hear that from me...
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Travel
There's Something about...
Brazil By Sable Joy-McLaren Photography by Nile Saulter
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J
amaica may be widely known as the land of wood and water, and yet this description of our island’s natural aesthetics also rings true for another country; Brazil is more similar, both culturally and aesthetically, than we may realise. This scenic destination is made up of 3,287,357 square miles of South America. Although well known for its love of football, for producing some of the world’s most beautiful women, and for the extravagant weeklong event that is Brazil carnival, this country boasts so much more! Brazil has a vivacious culture, with landscapes that seem to have been personally hand painted by God. Just like Jamaica, Brazil is surely one of the most ideal and sought after tourist spots in the world. Home Sweet Home magazine caught up with renowned Jamaican videographer Nile Saulter and TV presenter Talia Soares, who recently visited the beautiful country for its carnival celebration.
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The People Brazilians are known for being some of the world’s most beautiful people, as many Brazilian models (both male and female) grace international runways and magazine spreads. However, these exotic people are so much more than their outward beauty. “Brazilian people are so warm and receptive”, said Talia. “They remind me so much of our people; Brazilians truly know how to party and have a great time, just like us!” Nile agreed, adding that the temperament of the people is very similar to ours and that they are just as beautiful as everyone says. “They are also very expressive and sexually aware; Brazilians are more liberal than we are here at home.” Talia divulged that it was surreal to experience a society that is so similar to ours, yet so different at the same time. She noticed that appearance means a lot to Brazilians, just as it does to us, but in a different way. “Brazilians dress very casually, but take very good care of their bodies, in terms of exercise and fitness, whereas at home we put more effort into how we dress.” Jamaica’s culture is quite popular in Brazil as well. Talia recalled seeing Bob Marley towels, hearing our music, even seeing Rastafarians. “It was a pleasure seeing how alive our culture is in Brazil; you could tell that Brazilians really love and respect Jamaican culture.”
Carnival Many people dream of someday experiencing the visually stunning Brazil carnival – it is undoubtedly a bucket list favourite. This extravagant celebration ranks number one in the world. Brazil’s major cities all participate in this annual festival, with each city boasting its own, unique carnival style. While some may be more extravagant than others, neither lacks the culture or vibes that Brazil is known for. It is the most popular holiday in the country, attracting hundreds of thousands of tourists each year, a record 400,000 in 2012 alone for Rio de Janeiro’s parade. Revelers flood the streets in barely-there costumes, swaying their hips to Samba. Nile and Talia got a chance to experience the festivities up close and found that, in Brazil, revelers are not limited to wearing bejeweled bikini costumes and feathers; carnival provides Brazilians with the opportunity to truly express themselves artistically: “People hit the streets in whatever they feel like wearing! Whether it be a pair of funky glasses or a Mickey Mouse costume, you are allowed to be whomever you want to be.”
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All classes of Brazilian society enjoy carnival; Brazilians need not be wealthy to partake in the parade itself. While Brazil does have its slums (also known as ‘favelas’), the people take part in carnival through Samba School performances during the carnival parade. No matter which carnival parade one may choose to experience, neither of them would disappoint, as they each give tourists a true look into Brazil.
O Pais do Futebol (The Country of Football) Although Brazil boasts more than football, the immense love that the country has for the sport cannot be denied. This June 32 national football teams and tens of thousands of supporting fans congregated in the Country of Football for the 20th FIFA World Cup. Ticket prices ranged from US$90
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to US$3000, depending on the match type and seating. Football holds a special place in the heart of every Brazilian, as the sport is deep rooted into the history and culture of Brazil. We took the time out to ask a few Jamaicans how they felt about the World Cup being held in Brazil: “Nothing short of amazing”, was the universal response. One person even went so far as to say that it is “the best thing to ever happen in football” and that “it should be held there all the time!” Nile and Talia made mention of a friendly match between Brazil and South Africa that took place during their visit. According to Nile, everyone stopped whatever he or she was doing to watch the match. “The pride that country has in its football team is undeniable. The entire country literally came to a standstill to watch and support their team.”
Brazil’s carnival is the most popular holiday in the country, attracting hundreds of thousands of tourists each year.
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“It made me think of how we Jamaicans are during track and field events. Seeing the people put all their issues aside and come together in support of their team was absolutely beautiful,” added Talia. What Brazilians lack in physical size, they make up for tenfold in skill and technique. Players such as Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Kaka, Neymar and Pele, just to name a few, have showcased their skills time and time again locally and internationally, proving that Brazil is a major force to be reckoned with when it comes to football. Brazil has made history by being the only national team that has participated in every tournament; the country also boasts the record for the most World Cup titles, 5 in total. While many see the 2014 World Cup being held there as a great thing for the ‘Country of Football’, the reality of the situation is that many Brazilians actually did not share the same sentiment. Riots and protests arose in Sao Paolo and Rio de Janeiro over the government allocating well-needed funds to hosting the World Cup, as opposed to spending the funds to fix issues the country is facing internally, among other things. Despite the fact that some Brazilians are against the country being the host of the 20th World Cup series, the excitement a majority of the people are experiencing is irrefutable. So much so, that there is street art dedicated to the upcoming World Cup along the walls and streets of Brazil.
Aesthetics and Unmatched Biodiversity Speaking of street art, Brazil has made a name for itself when it comes to murals. Buildings, walls, manholes and even drains are used as canvases to create artwork that is unique to this scenic country.
Nile Saulter sits on the Escadaria Selaron, a set of world famous steps in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. They are the work of Chilean bornartist Jorge Selaron.
View of the Sugarloaf Mountains from a beach in Rio de Janeiro.
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The Escadaria Selaron in Rio de Janiero, is in itself a work of art. Gifted to Brazil by Chilean-born artist Jorge Selaron, these famous stairs are a must visit spot in Brazil. The Ipanema and Copacabana beaches and Sugarloaf mountains are a few of the places Nile and Talia got a chance to visit during their short trip, and recommend that anyone who visits Brazil take the time out to do so as well.
The Amazon Rainforest is also home to indigenous tribes, who many believe protect the rainforest. Just like many of the countries in the Caribbean, Brazil’s first inhabitants were indigenous people, who were then colonialised by Europeans and the rest is history. However, these uncontacted tribes somewhat allow tourists (if they can get close enough without disturbing) an actual look into Brazil’s history, so to speak.
“I wish we had gotten the chance to visit more places! The beauty Brazil encompasses is incomparable to anywhere I have ever been” explained Talia.
Just like Jamaica, Brazil does have socio-economic issues, which they deal with on a daily basis. Nile posited that there is an obvious disparity of wealth in the country, with violence and poverty being two other major issues that the country faces. Yet, as the festivities surrounding their carnival and ‘futebol’ show, Brazilians, like us, are able to look past their issues and unite as a people to celebrate.
Brazil also possesses a level of biodiversity that is unmatched by any other country on the planet. Sixty percent of the Amazon Rainforest sits on Brazilian soil, which gives tourists who explore the rainforest the chance to see some of the almost 62,000 species of plants and animals that inhabit the rainforest.
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Interested in visiting Brazil? Please do not hesitate to contact Exotic Destinations! Send us an email at info@exoticdestinationsja.com or give us a call at (876)924-6761.
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Luxury
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Redifined Photography by Tricia Bent
By Joni Wedderburn
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uxury is notoriously difficult to define, because ultimately it means something different to different people. For many, luxury is sumptuous living, indulging in superfluous items or experiences, which epitomise great comfort and abundance. As modern technology continuously evolves, previously labeled ‘novelty items’, from computers to air travel, have almost all uniformly transcended exclusivity and entered the mainstream. For the service industry, the challenge now lies in keeping up with a moving target as consumer demands and expectations for a true five star experience are constantly changing. “For me, luxury is about recognising that the small things matter”, shares Kerry Ann Quallo Casserly, Sales & Marketing Director at Blue Diamond Hotel & Resorts Jamaica. “The Royalton White Sands exemplifies luxury with the warm ambiance our guests instantly feel the moment they arrive at our property and our well-trained staff who are always willing to go the extra mile”, she explains. The Royalton’s quest to achieve luxury resort status initially began a few years ago when it acquired the old Starfish Hotel in Falmouth, Trelawny. What followed was a monster demolition, which saw the replacement of outdated architecture with an open concept layout featuring grand hallways and large outdoor spaces. Globally acclaimed interior design firm Interarq reimagined the passé property and modernised it with contemporary, aesthetic and striking artwork. Former guests of the Royalton’s predecessor would today be hard pressed to find any familiar remnants: only the Starfish’s main building stands as the lone survivor of the original structure. After a grueling 10-month renovation, 352 brand new suites emerged as one of Jamaica’s swankiest, family resorts. In this modern-day mecca, luxury lies squarely in the details. Everyone receives the VIP treatment at the Royalton, but members of the hotel’s Diamond Club enjoy some extra special perks. Diamond Club guests are able to bypass regular check-in hours, instead opting to arrive at the property at a time most convenient to their schedule. Once at the hotel, they are ushered into the exclusive Diamond Club Lounge, which boasts a premium drink menu with Hennessy Black, Courvoisier and Johnnie Walker selections. After being outfitted with a distinctive, locally made, wooden arm band, Diamond Club guests are whisked away to their rooms, accompanied by a dedicated concierge. Once tucked into their suites, guests are treated to a silver platter of fresh fruits: juicy grapes and ripe bananas, and for the less health conscious, small bags of delicious chocolate. The focal point of the rooms is undoubtedly the large beds donning an intricate, backlit mosaic headboard. Body hugging mattresses and ethereally soft pillows come standard in the Royalton’s signature Dreambeds, which were exclusively designed for the hotel over an 8-month period. The bathrooms highlight the chic design at play with modern vessel sinks, beautiful soaking tubs and ultra-sleek, ultra-refreshing rain water showers. A haven for tech junkies, ‘all in connectivity’, not just in the rooms but throughout the property, translates to free wifi, free texting and free international calls to the US
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and Canada. In this epicurean outpost, luxury also lies in the award winning culinary experience. In the mornings, guests make a daily sojourn to the Gourmet Marche, where they can feast on an American breakfast of pancakes, bacon, omelets and toast or try out a tasty Jamaican meal of kidney, boiled dumplings and cooked bananas. For lunch, head over to the Italian Trattoria Grazie and enjoy traditional pizzas, salads and desserts. Afternoon snack cravings can easily be satisfied by dropping into the Caffe Lounge for oven baked breads, pastries, and fresh cups of coffee, cappuccino and espresso. Dinnertime means a tough choice between the Hunter Steakhouse with its selection of richly flavoured tender meats and Zen, a Japanese teppanyaki and sushi bar. In the evenings, guests
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may retreat to one of six bars for non-alcoholic refreshments and local and international liquors. In this secluded refuge, luxury lies in the vast array of activities. Adults may slip through the calming doors of the Royal Spa, a plush sanctuary beckoning a world of relaxation through revitalising acupressure massages, divine body scrubs and tantalising exfoliations. After feeling re-energised, hop over to the rowdy Sports Club, aptly decked out in memorabilia from the world’s most popular teams, to catch up on the day’s biggest rivalries. Parents have no need to worry about the tykes as they have a club of their own, the Kids Camp, where 2–12 year olds participate in a series of fun-filled indoor and outdoor activities: from nature walks to card making to karaoke. There’s even a programme in store for the little 2–3 year old tots at no additional charge to mom and dad. Guests can lounge around any of the hotel’s two large swimming pools, take a spin on the gravity-defying, twisty water slides, splash around at the Kids Water Park or relax on the powdery white sand beaches of Trelawny’s charming coastline. “I think the hotel is really pretty and very nice,” says Royalton guest Susan Henry. “It’s a very posh hotel and the food is brilliant, especially the Jamaican jerk; I truly love it.
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