I just came across this wonderful Karia Douglas interview with our member artist, Vidya Birkhoff. In it, Vidya shares her inspiring story of rediscovering her passion for art after years in the banking industry. Overcoming Discouragement and Embracing Art: Her story begins with the familiar struggle of many local artists - a family's discouragement and their belief that art is not a viable career path. However, after a lifetime of envy of those who could freely express themselves through art, a chance encounter with the Ani Art Academy in Anguilla in 2017, ignited a fire within her. Learning ..read more

Within the vibrant landscapes of Trinidad and Tobago, artist, Karen Sylvester, is a beacon of creativity and resilience. Born and raised in this culturally-rich environment, Karen's artistic journey has been a testament to overcoming adversity and finding strength in her art. Karen’s passion is its own brand, her trademark being photo-realistic landscape paintings. The naturalism in Karen’s landscapes is breath-taking; she has the unique ability to capture minute details, mood, and light that not only leave the viewer mesmerised, but also reflect the perfect and pristine landscapes within T ..read more

My painting, "Queen of the Blue" is now hanging in the gallery of the Trinidad and Tobago Consulate in Miami for our 60th Independence Art Exhibition. Thank you to my art sister, Michelle Tappin for putting my name in the hat for this initiative. When I told Shivani (@shiver.metimbers) that this painting is being sent to the Consulate, she was super excited and went on to tell me the history of this flag. It started when two Trinidadian fellas, living and working in Hawaii, met up to have a pot of pelau and some rum. One of the guys, took out this same Trini flag to bless it – waving the f ..read more

Today our artist community received the sad news that Glenn Roopchand, Trinidadian Artist, has died. To those who did not know that he was ailing, the news seemed sudden. Some of the younger artists and most laymen had never even heard of him as Mr Roopchand lived and worked in New York. As was his custom, he returned to Trinidad for one of his brief visits , but unfortunately had fallen ill, his body ultimately succumbing to the angel of death. When I heard the news I immediately felt the loss for myself, the artist community and our Nation as a whole. It seems odd as I had never met him f ..read more

On May 30th, 1845, and approximately 8 years after the abolition of slavery, “The Fatel Razack” sailed into the Gulf of Paria, bringing the first Indian Indentured labourers from India to Trinidad. The Indians travelled along the Ganges via Calcutta, and although most were of Hindu faith, a significant number were Muslims. They came from every caste in Indian society and were recruited to come to the island through false or misleading information they’d been given by the British, who promised return passage to India after the contracted terms of employment were met. The last ship to sail ..read more

Have you ever heard of the CaFA Fair https://cafafair.com? Recently, I participated in the 14th annual CaFA Fair from March 6 – 10, 2024 in Barbados. It was a worthwhile experience to attend an in-person art fair post-pandemic. And for those unable to be there, check out the virtual platform  https://www.caribbean.global. So here are my top ten takeaways as a participant: 10. Sharing and Socialising If marketing and promoting intimate you as an artist, I suggest socialising. I used the opportunity at CaFA Fair to share more about my practice. I engaged fellow attendees in ..read more

Within the vibrant landscapes of Trinidad and Tobago, Master Artist, Karen Sylvester, is a beacon of creativity and resilience. Born and raised in this culturally-rich environment, Karen's artistic journey has been a testament to overcoming adversity and finding strength in her art. Karen’s passion is its own brand,  her trademark being photo-realistic landscape paintings. The naturalism in Karen’s landscapes is breath-taking; she has the unique ability to capture minute details, mood, and light that not only leave the viewer mesmerised, but also reflect the perfect and pristine landscap ..read more

by Nicole Tang It is time to start back creating again, you know it but you just can’t. You have everything you need but, when you sit down, you are blank like that blank canvas or page staring back at you. Frustrating isn’t it? Whatever happened to that creative flow you once had? Have no fear because this is the most common challenge with many creatives, and this is why I wanted to offer some suggestions as an artist to another artist. In this blog, I share ideas on the concept of play and why it is essential as an artist. Here are some insightful and practical things you can do: 1. Go outsi ..read more

I'm questioning my story. The story of faith and belief I’ve told myself for so long. The story of understanding and unity. The story of acceptance. The story of God. The story of humanity. I’m questioning the stories that have been told to me. I was raised Catholic. And up until the age of 17, I was pretty much a tepid one, until one day in a little pray group at school, I had a spiritual experience. I sang in tongues and someone made a prophesy on my life. It was a good prophesy, but it terrified me. I thought it meant I was to become a nun. Having gone to Catholic school my whole life, I w ..read more

Last month I attended Leona Fabien’s exhibition, Woodbrook, A Living Hell and was fascinated that the architecture of the space, Soft Box Studios, provided a context that was integral to the exhibition. This trend has been repeated with RISE, by local artist Keith Ward, launched on June 6th, at the Lloyd Best Institute of the Caribbean, on Tunapuna Road. This historic venue, among other things, is dedicated to promoting the integration of Caribbean Peoples and proved to be a fitting haven for Ward, whose works are replete with Caribbean Motifs…….pulling seine, fig trees, the Bélé Dancers….musi ..read more