Kawet Balembouche Print

Born to Dutch Jewish and African, Kalinago Carib descent, Daniel Jean-Baptiste is a Caribbean artist living in the paradise of St. Lucia where sunny skies and abundant water life provide constant inspiration. His artwork depict underwater scenes, game fish and their prey, tropical botanical themes and exotic animals. Daniel’s childhood was spent fishing off the wooden jetty in the tiny fishing village of Choiseul. The sea became his second home and he spent hours under the blistering sun gazing at the vibrant colours of tiny wrasse attacking his bait. To Daniel, fishing was much more than catching fish; he found the whole experience exhilarating and painting became a way of capturing a tiny part of this bliss. Daniel is constantly inspired by his island home, but laments that most people become so accustomed to their surroundings that they overlook the exquisite beauty around them. Through his artwork he hopes to reignite an awakening to this free gift, and urges us to take a moment to notice the colours and dancing light next time we go fishing. This is the lighting effect he strives to capture in his art. Artist Statement I am a self taught artist whose work is based on my childhood growing up on a tropical island called Saint Lucia in the Caribbean. A natural paradise of immense beauty. My life is one which is so close to nature that I feel a part of all her splendor and mystery. When I paint I become my subject, from the tree frog in the mist of Fond St. Jacques rainforest to the sea turtle gliding in the deep blue waters near Anse Chastanet Bay. I do not just want to paint, but I want you to create so that you too can feel the intense joy that I experience in being here. The colours, texture and light are so intense and warm to the soul. Every piece is a part of my life and I am honored to share with you.