Caribbean Art on Nevis is presented in many interesting forms. Here is some information about the artists on Nevis and photographic examples of their work.
FABRIC ART by Jeannie Rigby
Jeannie Rigby has lived on Nevis for almost 20 years. Inspired by the local people, flora and fauna she creates unique dolls and wall hangings in an eclectic array of colours and fabrics. She also spends time in America where her work is featured in patterns and magazines, and where she has produced a series of booklets on doll making techniques. Her work is available at her shop on Nevis, Knick Knacks Boutique in Charlestown, knickknacks@caribsurf.com
BATIK ART by Cavelle Jeffers
Batik Art from Cavelle Jeffers is mainly sold at Cafe de Arts or by commission. Cavelle Jeffers was born in St. Kitts but has spent most of her life in Nevis. In 1989 she went to work for Queen City Batik as a worker. After their main Artist/consultant left, Cavelle continued to work on her own, making original designs using wax from her own bees. She makes wraps, scarves and wall hangings using mainly silk fabric and bright Caribbean colours.
WOOD CARVINGS by Larry Parkinson
Larry Parkinson is a self-taught artist whose imagination captures the culture and life style of the Caribbean people. His work is unique in that no two pieces are alike. Larry’s choice of wood is mahogany, which is a dense wood that dries to a beautiful, reddish-brown color and is plentiful on the Island of Nevis. It’s natural beauty and strength has made it the ideal choice of wood for many of the Great Houses found in the Caribbean.
His work is unique in that no two pieces are alike. The skillful cuts of chisel and knife create a detailed and smooth finish, without the affect of sanding. Larry is originally from Jamaica and his wife works at Four Seasons, where they sell his work mainly on commission. Larry can be contacted at 869-469-4811 or tp_paradise@hotmail.com
STONE CARVINGS by Marvin Chapman
Marvin Chapman is a self taught stone carver using chisels, drills and saws on locally collected stone to create individual works of art. Each piece is hand carved and stone changes make them unique. They are found at hotels around Nevis. Marvin can be contacted at 469-3065 or email stoneart@caribsurf.com
BRONZE SCULPTURE by Robert Humphreys
Robert Humphreys, a self taught sculptor, was born in India but brought up in rural Devon (UK) where he developed a keen interest in wildlife. He also spent six years working in the bush in Zambia which gave him the opportunity to develop his wildlife studies.
Robert Humphreys decided to take up sculpting full time when he and his wife moved to Nevis to take up full time residence in 1996. His work includes anything from tournament trophies to life-size dolphins, but his primary focus remains sculptures of wildlife.
Examples of Robert’s work can be viewed at his home on Nevis, please call 469-3326 to arrange a time or email him at: machumph@caribcable.com. His website is www.caribbronzes.com
NEWCASTLE POTTERY
A simple workshop were you will find work from different artists. Is mostly "craft" but all done freeform by hand (no wheels or moulds) and uses same techniques as 300 years ago when they had to rub the pots smooth with "burnishing stones" and then powder local soils for colour. It is baked in coconut husks and leaves. The Pottery has been ongoing for several decades, the workers mostly being either older local ladies or children, with a visitor thrown in for good measure. At one time they were producing only coal pots and flower pots, before switching to religious themes. Currently, you will find pottery inspired by local nature - birds, fish, frogs and lizards! Prices start at a few dollars for a knick knack to higher for large pots.
ORIGINAL ART by Howard Pain SCA
As co- owner of The Eva Wilkin Gallery on Nevis, Howard Pain's work is exhibited and sold at the gallery and by commission. He works in watercolours, acrylics, and oils as well as experimenting with monoprints. He is continually inspired by the dramatic landscape of his Canadian home as well as the exotic Caribbean landscape and with still life and flowers.
A career in the visual arts was a foregone conclusion for Howard Pain from a very early age. While still in secondary school he supplemented the regular art curriculum with summer studies in landscape painting at the Lake School in Northern Ontario and the Banff School of Fine Arts. On graduation, he moved to Toronto to pursue a career in the field of graphic arts and communications. He also continued his art studies at the Ontario College of Art, Ryerson Institute and the Toronto School of Art. He is an elected member of The Society of Canadian Artists.
Over five decades he has produced a wide range of work and received numerous Canadian and international awards. His graphic work has been published in Canada, U.S. and Europe. He has served as a consultant to major corporations and governments and lectured on design at the Ontario College of Art and Design and the University of Guelph.
Throughout his varied career his work has been acquired by private and corporate collections internationally.
NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY by Llewellyn Clarke
Llewellyn Clarke was born in England, but of Nevisian parents and lived in England and Canada until 1999. Llewellyn is a trained chef and still keeps his hand in by making delicious flavoured oils and pepper sauces that are available at Ram's Supermarket in Charlestown, but it is photography that has become his main interest. His eye for capturing nature on film started in Canada as a hobby but 'the colours and shapes within nature' on Nevis took his photography to another level. You will find his work at the Café des Arts and Four Seasons where he participates as a ‘guest artist’ once a month.
FOUR SEASONS SELECTIONS BOUTIQUE
Four Seasons Selections Boutique displays and sells work by local artists including beautifully carved mahogany pieces by Larry Parkinson and marble art by Stephanie Le Roux. There is also work by Linda Werthwein, an American artist who comes to Nevis for inspiration and sells her pieces at Cafe Des Arts and Four Seasons. UPDATE: having been closed since October 2008 following extensive hurricane damage, then changing ownership in May 2010, the Four Seasons Resort finally reopened on 15 December 2010. Please note that our descriptions relating to the boutique are based on visits and information available prior to closure and therefore may not be current.
