Goodly Samaritan for ‘unknown’ artists

BWIA flight attendant Stephanie Johnson’s first love, undoubtedly, is her son Aaron of 16 years. Second, it’s her job of 26 years. They’re undeniably two demanding jobs, a single-parent mother and breadwinner, but it was obvious that Stephanie’s hands were not yet filled. There was room for another love. She calls it “social work” — helping unknown artists become recognised. She lingered upon an idea long enough, six years, to see it to fruition. It was mere admiration for her co-workers’ artwork that moved her to pull together a few of their pieces and launch the first of a series of art exhibitions that would eventually give birth to an art gallery known as “Gimpers” in St James. The year-old Gimpers also deals in art supplies and novelty gifts. She is a gimper — one who goes beyond what is required or expected of her. She obtained the name from a prayer book. “So many friends of mine, flight attendants, had their work sitting down at home and I said ‘why don’t you show people your work?’ I knew it was work people should be seeing and should not be hidden at home.” In short time, Stephanie had put things in place. She’d called up the mall where she would showcase the art, arranged for a photographer and invited the media. She also obtained monetary sponsorship to rent the mall. The atrium of West Mall was the venue. “I took the gallery to the people. Let’s say some people come into the mall to buy shoes and on their way they see the art, they say, ‘oh, art, let’s go look at it.’ Now on leaving home those people didn’t set out to go to an art gallery, and that’s how the art gets seen,” said Stephanie. “I started off with 10 artists. Now some of them have solo shows, others have gone off to university and others never painted again. They’re not all success stories but it has been a stepping stone for many.” Her current clientele consists of artists who were recommended by other art galleries. Others walk into the shop or visit the art exhibitions and give their name and number. Stephanie added to her list, Nicholas James, who walked into the store during our interview. He specialised in abstract art of forms and genders. Though he found a market in Tobago for his work, he wanted to test out the Trinidad market.

She was impressed by James’ creative use of crocus bag for framing. Not all art pieces brought in, though, are ready for the market. “Sometimes I feel they need to do a li’l more work so I’d tell them go back and work on your shadowing, lighting or your focal point,” she advised. Stephanie’s not an artist, but has an eye for art. “The Trinidad Art Society president at the time (when she started out) gave me pointers,”  she said now she is able to help new and young artists improve their work. Artist Cassianna Lindsay, 14, is the youngest of the bunch whose work is on display at Gimpers. At age eight she was already marketing her paintings. Some were sold, a few now hang on the walls at Gimpers. “Because she is not recognised, her work wouldn’t go on display with the popular names at other art galleries,” Stephanie said. So, by means of fliers, word of mouth, art exhibits and workshops, art enthusiasts get their chance to view work put out by Gimpers. A small service charge is taken out when a picture is sold, which goes toward the store’s rent and the purchase of art supplies. “I don’t go beyond selling a painting for $2,000,” she said. The paintings are varied and very unique. They range from Paulette Alfred’s abstract work, with its use of recycled paper, to Judith Shaw’s still life paintings which incorporate items in and around her home. At last month’s art exhibit, held at Long Circular Mall, Gimpers sold 21 paintings. “It’s very satisfying to see I’m able to help someone and lift someone up. You know, give someone a fish and they’ll always be hungry, teach them how to fish and they’re fed for life.” The exhibitions are held twice annually. “Of course there are the ‘thank yous’.

Artists tell me if it wasn’t for Gimpers their art would not have been noticed and when the pieces are sold that boosts their ego and gives them encouragement. I tell them this is a stepping stone, you could run with it, you could bury it or you could step on it to see the horizon. You do what you want with it.” When Stephanie takes on the role of flight attendant, her sister holds the fort. “My mother told my sister that she was working for crime, because crime doh pay; running the art shop is charitable.” Stephanie is purser aboard BWIA flights. Her role as purser entails giving speeches over the intercom, assigning flight attendants positions, paperwork and general overview of the flight. She also mans the first class section. She doesn’t view her job as “a glorified servant,” as it’s known by some, but told People: “I’m a professional. My main feature is the safety and welfare of my passengers.” The key to being an efficient flight attendant, she said, “is being pleasant and having a positive outlook on life. I always tell my son he should always have a PMA, a Positive Mental Attitude.” In her 26 years as flight attendant, Stephanie has met with “problem” passengers who have tried to disrupt her peace. She said: “I don’t take the problems as a personal attack. They may have a quarrel with BWIA, but by the time the flight is over we’re best of friends...” Any pre-jitters or fears she has prior to a flight? Stephanie said: “Before I go on a flight I say my personal prayers and at the end I give my thanks. That’s my office we’re talking about. Even at Gimpers I sweep and bless this place. I trust in the Lord 120 percent.” When Stephanie is not on duty, she spends “as much time as I can” at her Diego Martin home with her son. “I like to try to get into his head. We chat a lot about different things. We still rough play.” And, there’s her garden, where she grows just about “everything” — from vegetables to flowers and “I like making pottery.”