Showing newest posts with label art. Show older posts
Showing newest posts with label art. Show older posts

Friday, May 14, 2010

Cristianne Andrew Rose - St.Lucian Artist

I love creativity in all its art forms. ... And that includes art too. I grew up in a house where every piece on every wall, was painted by my mother. Her happy medium is water-color. So when Cristianne posted her art work on FB, I asked if she would not mind me sharing.  Currently, Cristianne is studying at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus in Barbados.  Art is something she does in her spare time, getting the urge when something sparks her interest.
Can you tell me a lil' about your art?
My art is basically about my emotions, when I draw or paint it usually depicts how I am feeling at the time.

How did you learn to draw/paint?
I originally started to be interested in art when my mother used to sit us down and draw amazing portraits of us, it took a long time and we never really sat still but after I saw the finished project I decided that I wanted to start learning how to draw. I have an eye to reproduce things that I observe, so looking at a picture and drawing a likeness is pretty easy for me. I did art in my high school (Castries comprehensive secondary) and there I learnt about shading and contrasting and painting.

What inspires you?
The pieces I chose were pieces which stood out to me. I lean more towards animals, women and pictures which show a depict emotion.

Why do you choose to reproduce some pieces?
When I do reproduce other drawings that I have seen or paintings, I just do it for fun and for my own personal enjoyment.

What's your favorite medium to work with? Why?
My favourite medium to work with is oil based paint and a canvas because it shows a lot more contrast and the colours can blend together flawlessly. Using  pencils and charcoal are also fun to use although the charcoal does make a horrendous sound and is quite messy if a mistake is done. When I use a pencil and draw it usually takes me about half and hour to reproduce a picture. When drawing a person in real life it takes a lot longer because the person usually fidgets.

What advice do you have for a newbie or someone who is shy when it comes to creativity?
Advice for a new comer would be: Art can be complicated and hard but it can also be very fun, if a person is serious, taking a class would be the first step. You would be amazed at what you can learn in just one class. Experimenting is also helpful, perhaps just get a piece of paper and try new things, look around at scenery, animals, people and find what makes you feel inspired and go from there. It is also a very good medium to relieve emotions like anger, sorrow, hate, love. It helps a lot in expressing emotions as well. 


"My most recent drawing is of my boyfriend, Stuart and his sister Tracey."
"I did this in high school (CCSS), it was basically a piece which depicted the Ruler of the Sea."
"This was another piece I did in high school."
Giraffe
SeaHorse
A Transformer

Boreas and Oreithyia
Original piece called "Free Yourself"
Original piece of a Fairy
Original piece of print art work
Original piece


Saturday, April 3, 2010

The Death of Cleopatra by Edmonia Lewis

Who knew?  Mary Edmonia Lewis

Born circa 1845.  She was of African American, Haitian and Ojibwe descent. Mary Edmonia Lewis was the first African American and Native American woman to gain fame and recognition as a classical sculptor in the international fine arts world. In her 20s, Lewis sailed for Rome to pursue her career. Her most renowned piece, The Death of Cleopatra, is a two-ton Italian marble sculpture, for the the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia. It is now on permanent display in the collection of the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

The Death of Cleopatra by Edmonia Lewis

Read more: The Object At Hand - Smithsonian.com

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Former Miss Universe: WENDY FITZWILLIAM Belly Dancing

Wendy Fitzwilliam is a former Miss Trinidad & Tobago Universe as well as Miss Universe. At 25, she won the 1998 Miss Universe competition held in Honolulu, Hawaii. She became Trinidad and Tobago's second winner of Miss Universe after 1977 winner Janelle 'Penny' Commissiong. Coincidentally, Commissiong was also the first black woman to capture the Miss Universe title, while Fitzwilliam was the second.

.... And good-gosh, Wendy Fitzwilliam is an ethereal beauty, whether she is gliding through a fete in Trinidad or taking pictures in costume on the road. She is stunning! Her voice and smile ... charming! She has the same effect that model, IMAN had on me many years ago. So when I saw the Facebook WENDY FITZWILLIAM FAN PAGE, I joined!

Since I have shared a few posts on belly dancing, check out the former Miss Universe in a belly dancing class last evening. I hope Miss Fitzwilliam does not mind me sharing her video. Just promise me that you will show support and join her fan page! PLEASE. LOL!


Photos: Taken from Wendy Fitzwilliam Fan Page

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Miss World Pole Dance 2009

Ahh, glad for the change! It would take a random stranger to join my Youtube channel and avail me with the opportunity to see what exactly she's into. Only to discover this video, Miss World Pole Dance 2009. Who knew? LOL!

In the past, I've posted some crazy dance videos but this exposes pole dance as being skillful and beautiful, not just sliding up and down. Below is the winning performance by Felix Cane at Miss Pole Dance World 2009 at Hedonism III Resort, Runaway Bay, Jamaica on April 25. The song used for the performance is 'This I Love' by Guns N' Roses. Felix is also Miss Pole Dance Australia 2008 & 2006.



More of Felix's Pole Dance videos HERE

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Jessica Cosmetics - Botanicals Collection

This weekend it's a "Girls Weekend," my friends are visiting from Toronto. So I am holding off on doing my manicure till later in the week. So when I got this package of Spring 2009 nail polishes from Jessica Cosmetics - Botanicals collection. I thought, let's have some fun!

The biggest trends on Spring runways were statement florals. Jessica Cosmetics', founder, creator and celebrity manicurist to the stars, Jessica Vartoughian, created a bouquet of blossoms with her new Botanicals collection. The Botanicals collection consists of 6 nail polishes ($7 each) inspired by beautiful flowers and vibrant flowers.

Here are my nails after two coats of each color 
from the Jessica Cosmetics Botanicals Collection.
(Click on image for larger view)

WHICH COLOR SHOULD I ROCK THIS WEEKEND WITH THE GIRLS?
Think cocktail in hand! Think hands in the air on the dance floor!  Think blowing kisses! 




Wait till you see Jessica Cosmetics' Summer Collection, "Life's A Beach," 
available end of April.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Soucoyan - Alwyn St.Omer's New Graphic Novel

“Soucoyan” A Graphic Novel

A Treat in St Lucian Mythology
The Soucoyan according to fable, is a lady of the forest who bursts into fire after possessing her victim, usually some poor soul unfortunate enough to get lost in the forest after dark. The story revisits some of the classical Creole characters and scenarios from the fast disappearing, oral storytelling traditions, of St. Lucia. Some of these characters include, Papa Bois, Mama Dlo and De Bolom among the more scary figures, fearfully whispered about in the country-side by candlelight, or by a bonfire, not so long ago, when we were children.

Publisher: WAKONTE Comic Books
Size: 10.249 inches by 7.25 inches
Cost: US$20 Plus Shipping and handling
Contact:
Alwyn St.Omer


Previous Sweet 7 Posts:


Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Japanese behaving like Jamaicans to Jamaican Dancehall music!

Imagine if each of us could adopt another country's culture, the world would be a much better place! Japanese behaving like Jamaicans to Jamaican Dancehall music is a must see video! Love it!

The young man who posted this video writes "!!WARNING!! My friends, if you dont have an open mind, DO NOT watch this video... If you know anything about Jamaican and/or Japanese culture and you are watching this for the first time, then you will be SHOCKED... and yes it is in Japan not Jamaica ...Again I warn you, this is not for the faint hearted lol!!!!!"

Saturday, January 31, 2009

Troy Marshall Photography - Prints for Sale

My friend, Troy Marshall took some beautiful pictures during his recent trip to India.  Troy told me a lil' about his trip ... 

I got to go to India thanks to my Dad getting a job over there and thereafter my Mom moving too. I went over with the intention of spending Christmas with them. I was slightly intimidated at first, because of all the cautions I was given to be respectful of their customs, including 1) Never shake with the left hand. Right only! 
2) Women should really wear covered up clothes.

How can I describe India? The countryside is beautiful, and in some places, looks so much like the Caribbean. So much to see. The people are so willing to help and please you. Everything except maybe air travel is very cheap. The food, whether vegeterian or not, is fantastic. Besides that, all the food is free of the chemicals and preservatives you find so much of in the United States. The shopping ... CHEAP! The driving? LOL. Well yes, the way people drive is really something to behold. Seriously like a rollercoaster ride, and all day long horns are blowing.

I think my favorite things to take pictures of were the animals. Mostly the monkeys, since they are so common there and uncommon anywhere else. Next on the list would be the temples. They are intricate and grand. All in all an amazing experience. 
I am dying to get back there.

Troy Marshall Photography sells photo quality prints. 
Contact Troy with the print(s) and size(s) you want to purchase. 
Cost: 4x6 print - US$5 & 8x10 print - US$10. 
View the hi-quality images here: 


Past Sweet 7 Post: Troy M. Photography

Saturday, September 27, 2008

St.Lucian Artist - Christopher Cox

Dr. Christopher Anthony Cox is among the few recognized wildlife artists in the Caribbean.

Christopher was born in Toronto, Canada on May 21, 1967, to a St. Lucian father and Jamaican mother. At the age of 5 he and his family returned to St. Lucia where he currently resides with his wife and 3 children.

Christopher attended St. Mary’s College from 1978 to 1983 and under the tutelage of Luigi St. Omer (son of renowned St. Lucian artist Dustan St. Omer) was among the founding members of the St. Mary’s College Art Troupe in 1978.

In 1985, Christopher joined the Forestry Division where he was assigned tour guide duty on the Central Rainforest Trail, among the first eco-tourism sites on St. Lucia. It was then that he started painting wildlife and environmental themes, assisting in production of environmental education material for the Forestry Division. In 1987, he went on the University of New Brunswick (Canada) to pursue a 5-year BSc degree in Forest Resources Management.

On returning to St. Lucia he became Assistant Chief Forestry Officer (Operations) where he specialized in watershed management. He integrated this work in a Masters (1997) followed by a PhD (2003) degree from McGill University in Montréal, Canada. In 2002 he was appointed Chief Agricultural Planning Officer in the Ministry of Agriculture. In 2005, he joined the Caribbean Environmental Health Institute (CEHI) where he currently holds the position of Programme Director. CEHI is the CARICOM agency responsible for environmental matters in the Caribbean region.

Over the years, countless hours of fieldwork in some of the most remote forests on the island awakened his appreciation for the stunning diversity of plants and animals. His keen interest in environmental conservation has been the inspiration behind his work.

Christopher works primarily in watercolour and acrylic, sometimes combining the two media to capture the subtlety of birds’ plumages and the muted play of light and shadow in the forest environment. He is best known for his realistic interpretations of local flora and fauna. Christopher plans to hold at least one showing by the end of 2008. (Chris Cox - MyArtWorkSpace)


More of Christopher Cox's Art

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Desiderata

"Desiderata" (Latin for "desired things", plural of desideratum) is an inspirational prose poem about attaining happiness in life, written in 1927 by Max Ehrmann. Click on image below for larger view.

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Tania Isaac Dance

Virginia "Aunty Virgie" Alexander renowned for her role as pioneer and leader of the dance movement in Saint Lucia died in July. Aunty Virgie trained most of St.Lucia's dance talent over the last four decades with her dance troupe, the Les Enfants Dancers. One of those dancers, not including my temporary stint as a dancer is Tania Isaac.
St.Lucian, Tania Isaac is the Artistic Director/Founder of the Tania Isaac Dance company. Tania Isaac Dance is a physically explosive, sensual marriage of modern and Caribbean esthetics: part personal documentary and part social commentary. Contemporary dance with a raga-soca blend of movement ideas, words, and images, the work swings between irreverence and celebration, sensual athleticism and pure emotion, creating a cultural bridge from the dance and music of the eastern Caribbean to contemporary art as a catalyst for civic dialogue. The Tania Isaac Dance, creates projects, performances and residencies that invite audiences into the process of giving a voice to individual experience. The company has performed at venues throughout the US, UK, Japan and the Caribbean.

Tania Issac is a graduate with honors from the University of Wisconsin in Madison and received her Master of Fine Arts from Temple University where she was a University Fellow.


Saturday, June 28, 2008

How to Make a Bling Cup

Ever since Lil Jon and Bishop Don Juan introduced the 'Pimp Cup' to today's pop culture, it has quickly become the 'must have' item, especially for carnival. While you can purchase these online, it's quite simple to make your own, more personalized, bling cup.

Thanks to cell phone companies, you may have one of these cups at home. According to Saucy, "The metal of the cup made it great for apply decorations with a hot glue gun, and the handle has a neat feature which can clip on to a string or in my case my pouch." If you do not have a glue gun, I suggest some crazy glue. Use feathers, sequins, rhinestones, boa fur, etc. Just be creative!

Mystique's and Saucy's bling cups for Trinidad Carnival 2008:

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Body Glitter Tattoos: How to Apply!

This is a very exciting technique for a Body Glitter Tattoo by Silly Heather on Youtube.


Spray Paint Stencils is a website devoted to providing everyone with tons of Free Stencils to Download. There are many different Categories and even Tutorials for creating your own custom stencils. So browse the site and print off the stencils you're looking for.

How To Stencil

Friday, May 30, 2008

Plum Flower Creations by Meiling Bansee Online Store

Plum Flower Creations by Meiling Bansee is now available to everyone. Meiling has created an online Etsy store for those interested in purchasing her jewelry. You do not need to be a member of Etsy to view the items, but you do have to be a member to purchase.

Previous Sweet 7 Posts: Plum Flower Creations.
Previous Sweet 7 Post about Etsy: "Tired of the same old thing?"

Saturday, April 5, 2008

Plum Flower Creations by Meiling Bansee

Meiling Bansee, you have probably seen her strewn across your computer screen from Trinidad entertainment websites like Triniscene.com or even this blog.


In the post, "Trinidad Carnival 2008 Pictures (from the fetes to the road)", I used her infamous last words, "I Think TT (Trinidad & Tobago) carnival is well worth having to live off of a Crix (crackers) and cheese budget for the rest of the year!"

Meiling, like Troy Marshall (the two are friends) never misses a Trinidad Carnival or fete. She too, always jumps with TRIBE Carnival Band.


Meiling and I go back a decade. Eleven years ago, we sat in the front row of a Miami Dade College class that we shared. I was even more thrilled, when I discovered that she honeymooned in St.Lucia, about 2 years ago.

More on Meiling when you continue here:



This marine biologist works for an environmental consulting firm in Martin County, FL. Mostly, she does coral monitoring and assessment, as well as water and sediment sampling when required. Her bachelors is in biological sciences and her masters is in marine biology.

In 2006, when Meiling was getting married in Trinidad, she wanted to wear long, pearl chandelier earrings with her wedding dress. She looked online for styles and never found a pair that caught her eye. She discovered an online bead store which sold individual accessories to help her make her own jewelry. She bought swarovski crystals and pearls! However, her grandmother handed her a pearl necklace that her late grandfather left for her to wear with her wedding dress.

"Although I really wasn't planning to wear a necklace because I was planning to wear fairly large chandelier earrings, I knew it would mean alot to her if I wore the nekclace. So, instead of wearing the chandelier earrings I had made, I made small slightly understated pearl and swarovski crystal rondelle earrings to not compete with the pearl necklace. The pearl necklace was old and some of the pearls had discolored, so I decided to re-string the necklace, take out the discolored pearls and replace them with swarovski crystal rondelles that I bought online. I studied several wire bending and jewelry stringing videos online, and discovered that jewelry making came naturally to me, and it gave me an outlet to explore my artistic side, while saving money in jewelry purchases! I never leave home without earrings, even when I'm in a baseball cap and flip flops!" she details.

... And the rest is history, Plum Flower Creations by Meiling was born! Meiling makes the jewelry at her dining room table. The pieces are made from shell, with polished glass or semi-precious stone accents.

"As a marine biologist, I am naturally drawn to sea elements, like shell. It is amazing how accessories can bring together a look and evoke different emotions in the wearer, as well as the admirer. With that in mind, I decided to create pieces that I hope will lend even more beauty to the person who wears them while also reflecting the spirit and flare of the wearer," she divulges.

Although Meiling's work schedule does not permit her to make jewelry design a full time job, she hopes to grow a Plum Flower Creations by Meiling fan base and provide her creations to admirers whenever the time and materials permit. She would like to host a couple of shows throughout the year to display new pieces and to keep her creations fresh and exciting.

Currently she is in Puerto Rico for work. ... And as for that dining table, she does not forget to mention, "It's in a state right now, but I still know where everything is! o; My husband is guarding it for me while I am away!"

Contact Meiling for orders:
Pieces can also be custom designed upon request.



Triniscene.com Photgrapher: Tee Murphy

The Sweet 7 Image

The Sweet 7 needs an image. 
Please pick your favorite, the 1 that best describes you.
The image with the most votes will become the new Sweet 7 image.


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Which image do you prefer for the Sweet 7 logo?
1. Whimsical Shopping Girl
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3. Fashion Shopper
  
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Thursday, April 3, 2008

Troy M. Photography

(L) A glimpse of the photographer:

Troy Marshall never misses Trini(dad) Carnival and always jumps with TRIBE Carnival Band. I suppose that's how we know each other. LOL! Although we are in each others' friend networks (MSN, Hi5 & Facebook), we have never been formally introduced but we do have a handful of friends in common.

Troy had a section of a larger Miami Carnival band for the past three years. In 2007, he and others started, Island Elite Mas with six sections, but unfortunately this year the group does not have the resources to continue Island Elite Mas.

Troy Marshall was a computer science major who discovered his creative side when he started to take digital photographs to promote parties for "Big Phat Fish" in Miami, Florida. Troy started to focus on action shots of Big Phat Fish party-goers while other Miami party websites mostly took posed-traditional pictures.

More when you continue here ...

Troy's hobby was further inspired by positive feedback for his 'action shots' of party goers and the satisfaction of getting a great spontaneous shot. Troy's first camera was a Kyocera, now he uses a Canon Digital Rebel XTi. About 70% of his early photography was taken with a Sony Cybershot.

Troy prefers action shots because they are impromptu. "Action shots tell more of a story and show more emotion than the posed shot. I take shots from unorthodox angles, looking for emotion in faces, creative lighting and so on. Remember I think of myself more of an artist than a traditional photographer," he explains.

Without any formal training (although Troy is registering for his first class this summer), Troy continues to perfect his craft by taking random snaps of still life and scenery, getting unique angles or shadows of just everyday things, both in nature and man-made.

"So far I like taking photos of inanimate objects. I think because I dont have call them up and ask permission. Haha," he jokes.

So far he has mostly photographed club parties and small family events. "I guess 'cause most people don't know I do photography as a serious hobby. I'm hoping at some point it can earn me some sort of income," he admits.

Contact Troy if you need photography or image touch-ups:

Squeezing the Light Out Of Day

Tree With a Rough Childhood

Cologne

Troy Marshall


Wednesday, March 26, 2008

The Human Camera drawing of Rome

Incredible story of an extraordinary individual with St. Lucian roots, Stephen Wiltshire.

Click on the following link: The Human Camera drawing of Rome.

Meet Stephen Wiltshire in Dubai between April 7-11, 2008. Stephen will be visiting the city for the first time to recreate his view of the futuristic skyline. A live auction will also be held as an opportunity for collectors to acquire the most extraordinary view of the city captured by Stephen.

Stephen Wiltshire was born in London to West Indian parents on 24th April, 1974. His mother, Geneva Wiltshire had come from St Lucia and his father, Colvin, from Barbados. Colvin was killed in a motorcycle accident when Stephen was three years of age. His sister, Annette, is two years older than her brother. He lives with his mother in West London.

As a child, Stephen was mute and did not relate to other human beings. Aged three, he was diagnosed as autistic. He had no language, uncontrolled tantrums and lived entirely in his own world. At the age of five, Stephen was sent to Queensmill School in London, a school for children with special needs, where it was noticed that the only pastime he enjoyed was drawing. It soon became apparent he communicated with the world through the language of drawing; first animals, then London buses, and finally buildings. These drawings show a masterful perspective, a whimsical line and reveal a natural innate artistry.
For more info: CLICK HERE

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Ed2Go

Need new skills to move ahead? No time for school? That's why you should consider Ed2Go, online courses you can take on your own time and from your own home.



Ed2Go offers a range of highly interactive courses that you can take entirely over the Internet. All of the courses include expert instructors, many of whom are nationally known authors. The online courses are affordable, fun, fast, convenient, and geared just for you.

More than 1,500 of the top schools across the United States, Canada, and Australia offer practical and highly effective Ed2Go online courses on just about every topic you can imagine, from Creating Web Pages to Accounting Fundamentals, Speed Spanish to Grant Writing, Medical Terminology to Real Estate Investing, and much, much, more. And every course includes an instructor. You won't find any tutorials here!

PLUS: Interested in enrolling in a course? If yes, do take the course through an accredited college or university in your community. Reason being, the cost is half as much through this option than if you enroll directly through Ed2Go. Ed2Go will help you find a find a participating school (or your local parks & recreation center, etc.), by having you entering your zip code or province. The online courses are 6 weeks and throughout the year. No need to apply for US student visas.

Monday, March 10, 2008

Siham Sana' - Bellydance Performer & Instructor

Every year in St.Lucia, Siham Sana' entertains family and friends on Christmas day at her parents' christmas party. This bellydance performance is the most anticipated event during the holiday season.

At least, among my family friends and I who sound a little like this,

"Her performance is at 4PM!"
"So we need to leave now if we're going to get there in time!"

We still have a 20 minute drive up north, and we're freshening up ... trying to figure out the outfits that will take as well into the night!"

Siham Sana's Caribbean Christmas performance

Siham Sana's dad, Gene Lawrence is a self taught musician who plays guitar, quatro, banjo, piano, and steel pan. He has many CD's of his own, and performed throughout the Caribbean. He recently won an award from the 2008 St.Lucia Music Awards for best country single, a single he wrote with his daughter, Siham Sana' in mind.

"My name "Siham" was given to me by a Master instructor that I worked with and I am still working with. Her name is Jihan Jamal. She is highly respected in Middle Eastern dance, and she named me Siham, which means cupid's arrow, because of the way I dance. I added Sana' onto the end, because most of my Oriental dance idols go by two names. Sana' means Radiant", explains Siham Sana'.

Siham Sana' is a fusion bellydancer for seven years. Siham Sana' fuses bellydance with non-tradional music at times, or uses traditional music and fuses other types of movements e.g. African into her bellydance. However, Siham Sana's style is mainly Egyptian Folkloric bellydance.

Siham Sana' also really loves any sword dancing, saidi, and dombek drums.

Siham Sana' teaches beginners bellydance, focusing on the fundemental movements that one must learn. Students will become more aware of their bodies and their strengths and flexibility will improve over time. Bellydance is very empowering for women.

Presently, Siham Sana' is shadowing her mentor with her mentor's beginner bellydance classes; warming up the girls, stretching them out, and dancing a bit with them. Siham Sana' is also teaching two students privatlely in their home. She does not fail to mention, "Please note, their home has mirrors that are needed for this."

As students become more advanced Siham Sana' will be teach students how to use various props, like zills (finger cymbols), and veil, etc... The more advanced students become, the more props they can learn to use with success.

Siham Sana's workshop in St.Lucia has been postponed until August when she returns to St.Lucia to live. Reason being, the studio where her workshop will be held, does not have its mirrors up as yet which is very important for her. Siham Sana's uses mirrors during instruction to explain the movements more easily, and to make sure that she can see everyone so she can help them where needed.

With her relocation to St.Lucia in August, Siham Sana' hopes to teach beginners bellydance twice a week, and maybe out of one of the hotels as well. Siham Sana' is hoping to be part of a hotel's evening entertainment.

Siham Sana' has a promotional DVD, not for sale, only to be given to people who want to hire her. Siham Sana' is available to be hired for birthday parties, corporate events, charity shows, baby and bridal showers, and private parties, however, she will not do bachelor parties.

To receive this promotional DVD, contact Siham Sana' directly through her website which she says, "... is still under construction, so there is a lot to do still."