Xhosa Woman Painting

As a native of the Caribbean islands of Trinidad & Tobago, from an early age I was exposed to the captivating vibrancy of colors. Always sketching and drawing as a child, I was deeply attracted to architectural design. There was something about its precision that captivated me--something about the strength of a line that I would see find its way all throughout my later works of art. Migrating to New York as a child with my mother, I continued to take in this world of color and form and it pulled me in more and more. My exploration into the world of fine art came rather unexpectedly in 1995, when I was welcomed to join a weekly gathering of budding and accomplished artists. At their insistence, I completed my first painting, a watercolor, and from then fell in love with fine art as a form of expression. With no formal art education, as it were, I went on to complete my undergraduate degree in behavioral sciences, but would love to formally study under a master artist one day. Working primarily with pen & ink, watercolors and acrylics, I enjoy using art to depict the strength and significance of family, the rhythm of life and music, and the beauty of God's creation. A part of what draws me to works in pen & ink is its precision and the presentation of line and, of course, my original love for architecture. Today, I volunteer some of my free time on weekends teaching art to young persons with disabilities, encouraging them to be as creative as they dare to be and to use art as their voice. Once again, I have made Trinidad & Tobago my home and enjoy every opportunity to paint, draw, sketch, illustrate, design, do photography and remain creative. Over the years, I have drawn strong artistic influences from sculptor and artist, Elizabeth Catlett, Romare Bearden, Charles Wilbert White, John T. Biggers, Georges Seurat for his artistic masterpieces in Pointillism, and undoubtedly, Georges Braque for his works in Cubism. Their influences can be seen in many of my paintings. The world of art is a fascinating one to me. It is complex, evocative, and always interesting, because art is everywhere. When I create my work, I take in the conscious and subconscious inspirations of this ever-present art world. And it has been a most joyous and rewarding experience. Before beginning a piece, I thoroughly consider the message I look to convey.