Boy, Breadfruit, Coconut Print

I was born in 1965 in the Caribbean island of Trinidad. I migrated to New York City when I was seven. Those formative years spent in the sun-drenched rain forest of the Caribbean, coupled with my experiences coming of age in the brick and mortar reality of the Bronx and Long Island continue to influence my work. I have gained international exposure as an award-winning children’s book illustrator and fine artist. My books and paintings embrace an array of subject matters. Whether it’s slavery, civil rights, biographical icons, or any aspect of both African American and Caribbean culture, I try to imbue these varying subject matter with honesty and dignity. I accept that while I am a traditionalist, I refuse to allow the constraints of traditionalism to dictate my process or outcome. A strong sense of expression, narration, and light are my goals. I enjoy both oils and watercolor. The former, which are robust and durable, yet extremely pliable allow me to make changes and adjustments over time. The latter is more fluid and spontaneous; which can sometimes lead to untethered and accidental results. I love painting the experience of everyday people within their natural environments, capturing moments of triumph, courage, fear, shame, excitement, and melancholy. I paint realistically because real people express real emotions. The composition, pace, rhythm, and mood of my paintings are often determined by the subtext. I am inspired by the content of the underlying story being told moment to moment, as there is a story told every moment in life. I hope that my art serves to inspire and lift the dignity of people of color throughout the diaspora. I also hope that my work can be used as a source of cultural and spiritual healing.