Artists thread a link

Trinidad’s latest art studio owner Reah Lee Sing has partnered with the WIA for its 21st annual flagship art exhibition.

WIA president and artist Michelle Tappin-Davis and two other exhibitors, Stacy Phillip and Yvette Simon welcomed me to the exhibition which began August 29 and ends today. The theme, Thread, is symbolising “We are women in art –the thread that links the past to the future.” The 53 pieces from 22 artists were accepted via a jurying and curating process conducted by Ethiopian-born artist Turunesh Raymond. The displays range from oil, acrylic, watercolour, dry media, textile, jewelry, mixed media, quilling, to wire bending and ceramics.

“Many of the artists wear many hats, but are all essentially creatives. My goal is to provide encouragement to hone their technical skills to achieve greater success through the joys of earning a living through art,” said Tappin-Davis. “For me success is happiness and I believe that one is truly happy when they are doing what they love and doing it well. We also want to inspire younger artists to pursue excellence in their craft through workshops, plein air (outdoor) sessions and community/volunteer projects.” Some full-time artists such as Marsha Trepte of Weecreate Concepts Ltd and Beverly Fitzwilliam-Harries told Newsday that in order for art to be sustainable the entrepreneurs must work in multiple creative genres and it is a necessity to have a joint income especially in these economic times.

“As an organisation, we are also working on finding a space to call our own to host meetings, workshops and exhibitions, as well as sourcing funding for our projects as an NGO. Enrolling in WIA is a way to share costs in order to exhibit and market their work collectively, since the art is curated and prevents the artists’ work from getting lost in a crowd.

Marketing efforts are also multiplied by its 100-plus members,” Tappin- Davis said.

WIA recently introduced associate membership for students 18 years and up, as well as for both genders who are indirectly affiliated with art/artists. “Our intention is not to separate women from their families and loved ones, since we need the support.” Other artists whose work are on display are Aneesha Baldeosingh, Delia Brathwaite, Sonia Alexis, Keomi Serrette, Adele Bynoe, Reita Antoine, Reah Lee Sing, Leona Fabien, Greta Michelle Joachim, Sahfyhr, Jennifer Chichester, Judith Shaw, Marrissa Richards, Virginia Pacifique Marshall, Ayodele Roseman, Eleanor Belix, Kathy Farabi, Liana Mottley and the late Valerie Belgrave’s Art for the People.

The challenge trophy for most outstanding work was awarded to retired primary school principal Virginia Pacifique-Marshall for her paintings Smoke Ceremony and Water Ritual.