We Came on Merchant Ships Exhibition - June 2023

I was selected to be part of an exhibition called We Came on Merchant Ships, at the Queen's Park Gallery as part of the Central Bank of Barbados Crop Over Visual Arts Exhibition. It is Open throughout the Season of Emancipation, this exhibition explores the rich history and cultural contributions of the African diaspora.

This is the first of the 3-part series, We Came on Merchant Ships – Movement and examines movement with the works of 29 artists showcased through paintings, sculptures, mixed media pieces, installations and more. It captures the reasons why people move, modalities for movement and the various cultural manifestations of migration – forced and free – with a special emphasis placed on the transatlantic slave trade.

The Exhibition was curated Oneka Small, and runs to the 22nd June 2023

Here you can see a gallery of the opening event and the art work on display.  I will share in another post the work that I have on display and let you know a bit about their story.

You can also see some of my work on my website HERE

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Kaleidoscope FREE Taster Week 😍

 

It is that time again when you will be able to join Kaleidoscope FREE Taster Week.  I am looking forward to being on the other side of teaching and gain insight into the work and play of other creatives and artists and have fun.

There is a fantastic opportunity to take hold of that starts tomorrow, Monday 12^th June 23.  The Kaleidescope Taster Week is finally here, and it's going to an amazing time of creativity with 17 FREE taster art classes.  So, block out your calendar and get ready for an unforgettable experience starting tomorrow.

Taster Week is special because you get to glimpse the teaching styles of the artists and some fantastic lessons from painting to sculpture, photography and mixed media, they have got it all covered. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting your creative journey, there's something for everyone.

Each artist will be sharing a Giveaway which include free printables, PDFs and free classes and you will also have an opportunity to win a spot on Kaleidoscope 2023? Each teacher will be giving away one spot for Kaleidoscope. 

You can sign up to the Free Taster Week HERE.

Get ready to unlock your creative potential, make new friends, and embark on an artistic journey that will leave you inspired for years to come. This is going to be a fantastic! See you there!

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The Full course registration doesn’t formally open until June 19th, you can now pre-order the course if you’re a YES already. Be sure to use the Early Birdy Coupon Code to get 30% off!

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Developing your Creative Practice and Dealing with the Critic

Developing a creative routine and managing the critic are integral aspects of nurturing your artistic practice. We don't always have the hours we crave to be creative, but you can look at ways that can help you identify areas that you can incorporate into your routine.

Here are a few things you can do to develop your creative routine - 

Developing Your Creative Routine:

1. Allocate time for play: Make sure to dedicate time to indulge in activities without any specific end goal. This helps you enjoy the creative process and explore without restrictions.
2. Create a schedule: Establish a morning routine that sets the tone for your creative day. Consider incorporating elements like gratitude exercises and spending time in nature to stimulate inspiration and mental well-being.
3. Be Flexible: While having a routine is essential, remain open to adjusting it based on your needs. Allow yourself the freedom to spend more time on certain activities or projects when necessary.

You can find additional tips on my Patreon platform.  

Why not check out the 7 Day FREE Trial to take a look at some of the informative videos and digital downloads that you can have access to.

Learn More HERE

Enchanting Discoveries in the Garden - Tropical Garden Tour

Hello and welcome, time for a garden treat and you can join me for a stroll in my tropical garden.  I will give you a quick update on what has been happening in the space.

First off, I'm thrilled to share that my passion fruit vines are flourishing. Out of a hundred plants, I'm proud to say that five have managed to survive. These resilient vines have encountered a challenge in the form of spiky, brown caterpillars. I've been diligently picking them off to protect the leaves from their ravenous appetite.

Despite the daily battle, one of the vines has grown quite tall, winding its way up a tropical black sage tree. The plan is for it to eventually hang down and bear delicious passion fruits, minus the catapillars. That would be a tasty sight!

Check out the video and see some of the changes for yourself.  The plants were struggling, but a good rain shower last night seems to have revived them. With a combination of sunshine and rain, I anticipate a lush and vibrant garden in the near future.

One challenge I'm currently facing is the overwhelming growth of my Clammy cherry tree. Its branches have extended beyond my reach, and it's encroaching on my neighbor's space. I need to trim back the branches and maintain its shape. I often repurpose the pruned branches for my deadwood hedge. The tree had another unexpected issue when all its leaves suddenly fell off. However, it has bounced back and is now adorned with lots of fruit.

Now, let's talk about mango trees! One of my mango trees has started to flower for the third time, and I'm hopeful that this September will bring some delicious fruit. I have a few more mango trees in my garden, but they are not mature enough to bear fruit yet. I've been researching techniques to keep them at a manageable height for easier fruit picking.

As we continue our garden tour, we come across a tree that I believe to be an apple blossom tree. I've been investigating its identity for a while, and the flowers seem to resemble those of an apple blossom tree. If you have any insights or different information, please leave a comment and let me know.

Throughout the garden, the lush scents of various plants fill the air. The henna plant, with its tiny flowers, adds to the delightful fragrance. Even the shack shack trees, known for their unique fragrance, contribute to the amazing aromas of my garden. Their delicate yellow flowers and sweet scent create a tranquil and enchanting atmosphere.

A lot of the plants in the garden are good for attracting pollinators, such as bees and butterflies. They love the flowers of the moringa tree, scaevola plant.  It is good to have a variety of plants which provide essential food sources for these important pollinators.

I hope you've enjoyed this glimpse into my ever-evolving garden. It's a place of constant discovery and joy, where nature's wonders unfold before my eyes. Gardening has become my creative outlet, allowing me to express my love for nature and cultivate a sanctuary of beauty and tranquility.

If you have any questions or would like to know more about specific plants or gardening techniques, feel free to ask. Happy gardening!

More information

Garden Freedom Micro Course

The Backyard Homestead

Medicinal Garden Kit