CREATIVITY AND THE COMING OUT STORY!

It is known that a person who dresses in clothes of the opposite sex is a cross dresser. Some call it drag queens! But there is more than what we presume. Drag queens are not just dressing up in women clothing or men clothing. The act of drag queens or the rightful term, female impersonation is an art form and culture.

If you have ever seen or witness a female impersonator, you would realize she is so many things of life. The simple performance of her on stage is the true essence of diversity. Her fashion style are unfathomable.

Living in Trinidad and Tobago, our society and people does not allow us to accept female impersonation as an art form. It is probably safe to say, our people do not like change, and most times we blame it on another issue. To date, Trinidad and Tobago, has one of the most inhumane constitution, which bars people of the LBGT community. The constitution does not allow gay men and women to be a part of our country. It is illegal to LBGT in Trinidad and Tobago!

Wavel Tami Fraser

    

Recently my colleague, Wavel Tami Fraser of the coming out story blog, collaborated with me. We decided to tackle and interview one of Trinidad and Tobago famous female impersonator and entertainer of recent years. Both Wavel and I wanted to know more about Sohan Badall, aka Shiela. With short notice, Wavel and I conducted the interview.

Sohan Badall, Born male in the year 1983, is from central Trinidad and Tobago. He grew up in an extended family of 2 brothers, 1 sister, both parents, his grandmother and his uncle. Badall is an artist. He is a female impersonator that becomes the character, Shiela. When in Character, he performs on stage across the twin isle, Trinidad and Tobago, the caribbean region and as of recent central america. Performing at major shows such as Chutney Soca monarch, Tasa Rama, International Soca Monarch, weddings and many others.

   

SOHAN BADALL

When Sohan is out of character, he is an accounting officer at Streamline Solutions Mailing Limited. In his spare time he manages his own bridal services, coach pageants in Trinidad and Tobago, and Guyana. He is also very involved in fashion designing, makeup artistry, and his own dance group.

VIDEO INTERVIEW WITH SOHAN BADALL

Reading this blog, a lot of people may wonder, or may ask why would any person want to be a female impersonator. Well  we asked Sohan that question, and I was not surprised of his answer, but I was most impressed. Sohan believes that his female impersonation was a way for him to break the barriers of the Trinidad and Tobago society, the norms of our culture, and the expectations of those around. Helping many other persons who are LBGT to be accepted.

SOHAN BADALL IN CHARACTER AS SHIELA

  

In the Society that we live, it is cruel most times. As a female impersonator in this part of the world is like making your death wish. While there are some in our society that may turn their heads to the other direction when they see a female impersonator, there are others that refuse to ignore.

 

Gifted with his talent to dance, perform and create, Sohan continues to push the boundaries of his career.

Sohan is no different from other LBGT youths, he faces challenges as well. Name calling, bullying on the streets from a homophobic society and tournament from his peers while growing up.

Being an LBGT creative is no easy task, but Sohan has proven that he is a strong person mentally and physically. In the interview Sohan told me and Wavel one of his most embarrassing moments in life which literally brought tears to my eyes.

“I was 23 years old, and I was about to board a taxi from Chaguanas Trinidad to get home. I was grabbed, Slammed against a wall at the taxi stand, kicked numerous time , and beaten. I was battered, but no one came to my rescue. Taxi drivers, adults, teenagers, children, citizens of my beloved country gathered to laugh at me. Standing there and laughing, no one helped me.” Sohan Badall

This was a situation that I wish for no one. The thought of this occurrence hurt me so very much. No human should have to go through this kind of bullying ever in life.

SOHAN ON STAGE AS SHIELA

Through all the bad, Sohan made a good from those situations by working harder and to be a better person. He considers himself a pineapple, and if he was a dish he would be a Pelau, based upon his struggles, numerous talents and passions. But if he was a drink he would definitely be a sour sop because of the design of the fruit, rough on the outside and sweet on the inside.

SOHAN BADALL AT WORK

 

Badall does not regret anything in his past, however he accepts change. he continues to strive for the stars, with the encouragement from his grandmother. Sohan explained how easy it is to get things done because of his grandmother who believes in him. She is his strength and motivation.

Sohan has many dreams in life, but one of his desired dreams is to work with the most famous female impersonator, and legend in the industry, RUPAUL.

He encourages all LGBT youths and adults to find themselves firstly and accept who they are, so the world would also accept who they are as individuals, unique and equal.

   

Thank You for reading my Blog and this featured post. Please follow my colleague Wavel Tami Fraser, www.wavelfraser6.wordpress.com and support her!

To contact Sohan, he can be found on Facebook, Sohan Badall. He is open for bookings. Please follow him, and support his ventures.

Please Support those that may not believe in the same thing as you. Let us show kindness to those around us.

Thank you for reading. Please look out for my next post coming soon!

Leston Paul

CREATIVITY COLLABORATION WITH OTHER BLOGGERS pt 2

Creativity! We ask ourselves what is creativity! I believe personally creativity is putting your imaginations to work, and producing an extraordinary results that we as humans can enjoy.

As I continue my collaboration with my colleagues! i reminded how important each person creativity is different. Each one of us posses a different creativity, a different style of fashion, we have different taste for food, and most of all we different people, but probably with the same goals!

Marina Rivas 

 

Marina Rivas and Krystal Leah, are two different individuals. One love cooking different dishes and have been cooking since the age of 8 years old. The other is a communications student, and have recently been converted to a total vegan.

Marina RIvas is a young vibrant, energetic yet simple, spiritual and quiet person.  she loves to smile and see smiles on people faces. she is a humble and the type of person who loves to share and help people. She maybe considered a very outgoing, but approachable person. An individual that loves spending time with her family and friends. Marina is presently a student at COSTAATT with an AAS Degree in Graphic Design (graduated over the weekend). She is presently pursuing the BA in Graphic Designs. At the side she does freelance work to help build her portfolio. Apart from this, during her spare time she cook and play music.

“Real life experience that inspires me is when my grandfather use to tell me never give up in art. He told me this when he saw my art work as a child. From that day I never give up even if there were times I wanted to. It is through his words that inspires me to keep going.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8lXWm7CCLw&feature=youtu.be

While Marina is a qualified graphic designer, she identifies with Cooking, she see’s cooking as an art because presentation in plating food is important and preparing the meal attractively is the same. We eat with our eyes and through these grab our attention to eat. Graphic, Painting and Drawing. She expresses herself through these and let her inner creativity do the talking.

“Julie Gouveia Ferguson and David Spicer are two artist/ designers that inspires me because over the years spent with them in Costaatt, I have learnt a lot from them: knowledge, having a critical eye, analyzing, exploring new options and grabbing opportunities that will help you as an artist. They inspire me to be confident in my work and think deeper in what I do. It is through their inspiration that I implement my artistic side learnt in my cooking.”

At present Marina Rivas is also a student blogger and she is blogging about food. A very interesting blog, that everyone can learn something or two from. He blog is called, Marisol Cooking, http://marisolcooking.weebly.com.

The next person that were a part of our collaboration was the amazing, yet outstanding Krystal Leah. Krystal is a very quiet, but hardworking individual. During my years on campus i have seen Krystal around, but we never spoke. It wasn’t because we didn’t like each other, but it was because we are always busy and in our won world’s. Every time I saw her, she always had a huge smile on her face. This semester, I had the privilege to meet her, because she was in my class. From the moment she walked into class, I was so happy. She is a lovely person to be around, and i am grateful to have met her. Unlike most of us that did the collaboration, Krystal is a little different. She is not a graphic designer, however she is a communication student, and now that she have become a Vegan, her life has become very creative.

Krystal Leah

 

It have been 6 months since Krystal has been living he rife as vegan. She no longer eats meat, or any diary products. He life has changed drastically because, knowing Krystal, you would know that she is a meat lover. Thus far she have been doing well! When it comes to creativity, it is better than when she was meat lover person. On a daily basis, Krystal has to find new ways to create different meals without the sue of any dairy product or meat.

Two days ago, i and the privilege to see one of her creations. she created a pizza by illuminating the flour, and replacing it with sweet potato. I am not a lover of sweet potato, but after taking a bite of that pizza, instantly I knew that Krystal was definitely a creative. It is my belief that creativity is come thing we all possess, but we all don’t have to ability to use it.

I don’t know if Krystal and I will ever have another class together. However, it is a great privilege to have worked with her. I know this is only the beginning of her journey, and i want to wish her all the best. She will do great things.

To follow Krystal Leah and her blog, look for her blog called TriniVegan, or visit her at http://trinivegan.wordpress.com.

To everyone that i collaborated with, i want to sin you all the best in the future. It was  an honor.

Thanks to everyone who have been reading, liking, sharing and commenting. Thank you very much.

Please continue to share the love to my colleagues. They need our support. Let us also remember that Trinidad and Tobago have talented men and women, boys and girls.Let us Support them, lift them up, and encourage them.

Please look out for my next blog post coming this week.

Leston Paul

CREATIVITY COLLABORATION WITH OTHER BLOGGERS

  

Creativity! what is creativity? Where can you find creativity? How does one possess creativity?

According to Scottish artistic historians, “creativity has been seen as a tortured and mystical process, the province of geniuses, artists and eccentrics. Today, we are less in awe of the creative process. Now, creativity is recognised as a practical skill, one which can be taught and which everyone can achieve. It is a way of thinking in which we look at familiar things with a fresh eye, examine a problem with an open mind about how it might be solved, and use our imagination rather than our knowledge to explore new possibilities rather than established approaches.”

It is my opinion that creativity is subjective, and can be seen anywhere and everywhere!

A few hours ago I met with some enthusiastic and energetic bloggers, whom I am proud to call colleagues! Each of them are unique in their own way. Each of them are creatives. We may argue about what is a creative, and who should be call a creative. The debate is not who is, but rather how one see’s and produce an idea. The four young individuals I met with, are all my class mates. Roxanne Coombs, Marina Rivas, Krystal Leah, and Kieron Anthony.

We met to talk about food. Food prepared by Marina Rivas who is a lover for cooking all types of food, and Krsytal Leah, a newly converted vegan, who now have to prepare most of her meals based on her changed of diet! Being a creative diversity writer and blogger, I speak about people who are creatives of our twin island. Now, you may wonder who are Roxanne and Kieron Anthony!

Roxanne is presently a BA in Graphic Deisgns Student of COSTAATT. This is her final year for the Bachelors program. Even though she is computer graphic designs student, and a free lance graphic designer, she is also a painter.

“I love painting portraits using acrylics. Although I like doing portraits, I am very attracted to scenes in nature. I really like Johannes Hendrik Eversen particularly the still life with flowers. As an artist our role in society is to inspire and produce art that delivers a message. If we are referring to graphic design then the role is to produce high quality work that gets the message across in a way that affects real change.”

Roxanne is a very spiritual individual. She is a person that is hard working, committed, and strong willed! As we trinbagonians would say “she is easy going”! she is very approachable! I met Roxanne about two years ago in another class, and since then to now, she remains the same. Roxanne is preparing to graduate from COSTAATT in a few months, and it is my belief that she will be an excellent designer where ever the roads may lead her. At present she is a regular blogger like myself. her blog is entitled, things that annoys and things to enjoy. I am a regular reader of her blog and i enjoy her blog a lot. Most things I can agree with her from her blog, and the others I can understand. http://www.rockket28.blogspot.com

Photograph of Roxanne Coombs

The next person that we met with was the incredible and talented Journalism student, Kieron Anthony. Kieron is a young Photographer on a quest to becoming an internationally renowned Professional Photographer. On sunday last, he graduated with an Associate Degree from COSTAATT, but he is continuing to pursue a bachelors degree. So having Kieron around for the collaboration was really exciting and excellent, because he was able to capture many lovely photographs, and to video the whole process. Like Roxanne, Kieron is another colleague. He is very passionate about his work, and possess the skill to entice and grab the attention of those around him with his presence. While Kieron is a journalism student, he is also a creative. As I have mentioned in my previous post with previous photographs. Photographers are creatives. They see things in different perspectives. As a photographer you see what the world sometimes don’t see. It is like a creating a painting. As a photographer for Journalism, Kieron has the ability to capture creativity from a different perspective compared to a photographer who photographs fashion. However, it is also creativity. In Kieron eyes, photography is  creativity and artistic altogether. To follow Kieron work and his blog, log onto, http://nichemediatt.wix.com/roadtoprotog and read more about him and his work.

Photographs of Kieron Anthony

My next post that will be posted tomorrow night, I will continue with my other two colleagues, Marina Rivas, and Krystal Leah.

Thank you so much for reading and do look out for my next post.

Please follow my colleagues blog, read it, like it and share it with your friends, family and everybody around you. Your comment, your like, your share, and your love means a lot to all of us.

Big love

Leston Paul

CONFIDENT AND PASSIONATE PHOTOGRAPHER! pt2

 

WORK BY COLIN ANTHONY GUMBS

Colin Anthony Gumbs, a former student of Tranquility secondary school, and a Diego Martin boy by heart. Like many photographers of the beautiful twin Island republic, photography is also Colin hobby. He started his hobby at the age of 15 years old, and to date he is a master behind the camera.

WORK BY COLIN ANTHONY GUMBS

“It is my opinion that, creativity is the natural or developed skill to look at something, or someone, and see the hidden potential, beauty and or ability that resides within, either unseen, unnoticed or unknown by its owner or environment.”

With the support of Colin’s family, he was able to pursue his hobby as a photographer. When he got older, he became much more wiser at his hobby. At the age of 32, Colin realized that his talent was different and he had a much better understanding to observe things from different prospectives.

  

WORK BY COLIN ANTHONY GUMBS

Gumbs is a unique photographer. His passion in photography is for male art. His spark begins when he see’s someone he wants to work with. In his opinion, his spark does not mean you have the best smile, or the best face. His spark starts when his vision for the art of photography immediately transforms that person on the spot to art, mentally. Colin shoot models of various shape, size, texture, and strength. In his words, “Models are the ones who unknowingly dictate how i approach them, and how the shoot unfolds. Colin explained that as a photographer he becomes a painter, and the models are the canvas. He expressed that his work and shoot is most times dependent on what the models are suited for. Just the same way that painters would decipher between the different texture and material to be used for a good reflection of his painting.

  

WORK BY COLIN ANTHONY GUMBS

Changing any work Colin have done, would be changing his life. Colin is very proud of all his work over the years. He is a contented photographer, so he wouldn’t change anything.

As a photographer he also has people he admire. Jeff Palmer, is one of those people that Colin admires the most. He enjoys looking at Jeff’s work and in Colin’s heart, Jeff work is amazing. Besides photographer’s, Colin wishes one day to work with a young man from Trinidad and Tobago, Kevin G.S. He believes Kevin is an exciting model to work with! In colin words, “I never get this excited about a model, and it is rare, but Kevin is one model I would love to work with soon. Every time I see him, I see a potential photo shoot.”

 

WORK BY COLIN ANTHONY GUMBS

After 2006 Calendar, and exhibition, Colin haven’t done another. Since then he have been approached by many to conduct another calendar and an exhibition. He is presently working on that, and hopefully we will see it very soon. I have been able to see a few of the photographs he will be putting out for the exhibition and I am intrigued to see the final results.

WORK BY COLIN ANTHONY GUMBS

As the interview wrapped up, I asked colin what would he advise any other young photographer and models, his reply was, ” Follow your heart. Spend time knowing about yourself as an artist. Don’t let you surprise you, and trust in yourself.”

 

WORK BY COLIN ANTHONY GUMBS

Thank you for reading! It is is a pleasure as usual for writing this blog. Sharing artist and designers story with you my readers. Thank you to all those that are constantly reading, and enjoying the blog. My international readers, thank you. USA, UK, RUSSIA, IRELAND, EUROPE, LATIN AMERICA, THE CARIBBEAN, Thank you all. Most of all, thank you Trinidad and Tobago for reading!

Please continue to like it, share it, and leave a comment on it. I would love to hear from each of you.

Leston Paul

CONFIDENT AND PASSIONATE PHOTOGRAPHER!!!

“The first photographic technology were produced during the 1800’s. The invention of photography was a revolution to culture and communication, and have left a rippled effect in the world forever. For the first time, images of “real” life could be captured for posterity and be sent around the world. Portraits of royalty and other celebrities (far more accurate than paintings), allowed members of the public to feel they were viewing people “in the flesh”. The dead would be remembered, the fleeting would be fixed.” -UK PORTRAIT LIBRARY

In the society that we live, photography plays an important part in everyone of our lives. Over the years we have seen an evolution and progression in the way photography has taken charge. Many to date who can afford a camera or much less a cell phone can now become an amateur photographer. Some have progressed and learned the art of photography better than others.

On this beautiful Twin Island Trinidad and Tobago, we are blessed with many excellent and talented photographers. Each photographer has their own style, and technique. Some are very controversial than others. While some, are very conventional, but that is the uniqueness about each photographer of Trinidad and Tobago.

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to interview an incredible photographer, born in Trinidad and Tobago, and grew up on same beautiful twin Island paradise. Over the years this Photographer, Colin Anthony Gumbs, have been making waves in the industry.

                         COLIN ANTHONY GUMBS

In 2004, Colin Anthony Gumbs was the first photographer of Trinidad and Tobago to ever publish and released an all male Year Calendar, and held an all male exhibition. The calendar and exhibition was very successful on the twin island, and made the photographer very well known throughout the country.

  

In 2006 the creative photographer released his second all male inclusive calendar and exhibition to the public of Trinidad and Tobago. This second batch was also successful and was very popular, making the evening news headlines. This became a shocker for many citizens and also for the photographer! You see, we lived in a society that don’t accept change too well or quickly, and producing an all male calendar was a risk. Some would believe it can make society uncomfortable, but the models was very confident as well as the photographer. In our society we sometimes forget that the female gender also would appreciate some eye candy, and producing the male calendar was just that eye candy for the females of our country.

 

In an Interview with Colin I was grateful for the opportunity first of all, but I was fascinated to know more about the photographer’s take on creativity and photography.

TO BE CONTINUED…

 

COLIN ANTHONY GUMBS IN HIS GLEE FOR CARNIVAL!!

Do look out for part two of Colin Anthony Gumbs story.

Thank you everyone for reading! please continue, to like, share and leave a comment on the blog, Your comments are valuable and your participation on the page is gratefully appreciated.

Please continue to support local talents. Please support of Trinidad and Tobago hard working artist and designers.

BIg love, respect, and a huge hug

Leston Paul

TRINI ACTRESS WITH INTERNATIONAL ACTING EXPERIENCE! PT.2

“Lights, Camera and Action!”

Q: What’s integral to the work of an actor /performing artist?

A: Raw talent, a bit of training and strong determination. 

Q: What role does an actor have in society?

A: To tell the stories of people.

Q: What work do you most enjoying doing?

A: I think being on stage is my ideal.

Q: What is an artistic outlook on life?

A: The freedom to create.

Q: What do you dislike about the performing arts world?

A: How difficult it is to get consistent work.

Q: Should there be more laws for art (all genres of art) in Trinidad and should it be funded? 

A: Yes! We need a union badly. 

Q: What superpower would you have and why?

Hmm, I would like to know when things are going to happen. This way, I won’t waste any time. 

On set for  “You got coffee”

“Three actors i would like to be compared to, Robin Williams, Penelope Spencer, and Meryl Streep. When I was a child i have always dreamt of being an actress, today I am an actress. As an adult my dream project would definitely be an independent film with me starring as the main character in the film.”

As I interview Stacey Clarke for Creative Diversity of Trinidad and Tobago Blog, I gather information about her personal life. I am Impressed and blown away with such a beautiful, humble, and intelligent young woman and mother. In the interview, Stacey, expressed that her daily life as one that is simple, because she makes it that way! She follows three theme’s each day, that makes her enjoy her life to the fullest. Honesty, Love, and Creativity! Three theme’s that each of us can take note of and follow everyday of our life. For a quick getaway you can find Stcaey Clarke probably at Pigeon Point beach relaxing, and enjoying the sea, sand, and sun. She believes that Pigeon Point beach in Tobago is a slice of heaven and a breathe of fresh air.

On set

“An Ant fraud Campaign advertisement and Locked up Abroad”

Stacey Clarke is generally a loving and kind person. Someone that anyone can talk to and get a favorable response. She is very approachable. She is a hardworking young woman, and very friendly, keeping in mind respectable. She is a person that does not get angry quickly. However, if someone is pretenious, and cunning, it is an easy way to get this beautiful young woman angry. She is not a fan of people that are deceiving and fake.

OFF BROADWAY production, As Free in Too Late

Living in Trinidad and Tobago, being qualified and having experience in the acting industry does not mean you can get a part, or the role you dreamt about easily. Clarke, knows this too well, and with the advise imparted to her, she also imparts it to others. “Work hard, pray and do what you have to do.” Without any laws for the different art forms of Trinidad and Tobago, and no unions, actors and actress like stacey find it difficult in the industry. However, she have to always fight to be onto of her game and grab the next role. Over the years she have bean featured in numerous locals films and played important roles. “You got Coffee?”, “Between Friends”, “Locked up Abroad”, and many others films that Stacey have worked on.

To date, she continues to strive and shine as an actress and a support to young potential actresses of Trinidad and Tobago. She hopes that one day she will get the opportunity to work with 3 Canal, and also be recognize as a widely respected actress. Stacey enthusiasm and zeal, proves to me that she is not a person to just relax, but someone that is passionate about the arts. It is my opinion that this young woman is bound to get the role she deserves.

Thank you all for reading. Please continue to follow us on Facebook and twitter for more updates from Stacey Clarke.

Please continue to share, follow and comment on Creative Diversity of Trinidad and Tobago Blog.

Please look out for my next post in a few days.

Have a great weekend.

Leston Paul

TRINI ACTRESS WITH INTERNATIONAL ACTING EXPERIENCE! pt.1

Stacey Clarke, a qualified, experience, and professional actress, and a full time drama teacher. Stacey earned her credibility as an actress after successfully completing a bachelors degree in Professional Drama from South Carolina State University, USA. Stacey, have worked on off broadway productions, local Trinidad and Tobago productions for television, and now she also imparts her knowledge to potential actresses of Trinidad and Tobago. The Interview between Stacey Clarke and Leston Paul for Creative Diversity of Trinidad and Tobago. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHGP4Twnzzs Stacey Clarke is a born Trinbagonian. She was born and raised in Central Trinidad. As a child growing up in Chaguanas, Stacey like many other children played pretend games, when they were alone, or there wasn’t any other children their age to play with. Playing pretend games, allowed Clarke to develop her imagination, which later developed into a creativity ability and the passion for art. Today her imaginations is now her reality, of a professional actress and a drama teacher.

“As a teacher, I teach my students to appreciate art, to help them create characters. To become characters and also to write plays. As a teacher, I aim to make my students think, as they also learn to make their audience think”.

When i caught up with Stacey, she was delighted about my interview with her, and sharing her story with the diligent readers of the blog, Creative Diversity of Trinidad and Tobago. From a child, Stacey have always had the full support from both of her parents, who encouraged her to pursue her dreams as an actress and a career of her choice. At present Stacey holds proudly beside her name two Degree’s. A bachelors Degree from South Carolina State University and a Masters Degree from the School of Business and Computer Science, SBCS, Trinidad.  She explained in the interview  that being an actress and being around anything of the art industry makes her happy. She have always loved and appreciate art, but in her opinion she finds “office work” to be boring, hence she doesn’t work in an office. Between Friends Trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcMjbZJmi0Y https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOJda5_XVSU As the interview got much more into details, I was intrigued ti know more about Stacey. The beautiful and talented young woman, Stacey Clarke, is also a mother to a beautiful daughter. she is a fan of the well known post-impressionist painter of dutch origin, Mr. Van Gogh. Stacey expressed her love and admiration for “starry night” and “the potato eater”, of mr. Van Gogh  as two works of art. As I get to know Stacey some more, I found many new details of her her. She is a lover for pasta, red wine and music by sting, these are also things that inspire’s her as an actress. She is not a lover for sushi eating, however, if she have to be a security for sushi or just take photographs of the dish, that is as far as it will ever be for her. She does not like the dish and admits that she does not eat it.

Thank you all fro reading this week featured post. Please look out for part coming soon! Please support out local artless of Trinidad and Tobago. Continue to read, like, comment, follow and share our blog with family and friends. Regards Leston Paul

DONNA, The Artist! Pt. 2

You are probably like me! You have seen some amazing art work on the Queen’s park oval and don’t know some of the artist, or any! You have seen and known Donna for a period of time, but never knew that was her work exhibited on the Queen’s park oval wall!

I am privileged to have had the opportunity to interview, collaborate and call Donna a Colleague.

“Creativity is about you. Who you are as an individual and how you choose to express it depends on your medium”. These are the words of Donna Mae Clarke, in an interview for Creative Diversity of Trinidad and Tobago. To Donna, her skills as an artist is natural (born with). She believes that while she was born with such a great talent, it was important for her skills to be molded. As a teacher she see’s how talent can also be taught, but the advantage are to those that are born with the talent rather than nurtured into it, because the natural learns faster. However the molding of anyone’s talent is important because it allows them to express themselves even better.

Donna’s art practicing started at a very young age. She was encouraged and supported in her creativity from both of her parents. In donna’s family, being a creative wasn’t an alien hobby for the young woman’s family. It was a very popular career and hobby from both sides of her parents. Each generation of Donna’s family had artist and designers.

One of Donna’s Piece that is displayed on the Queen’s Park Oval wall, Tragrete road, Trinidad.

There are times in life when we all face obstacles, and want to quit from what we are pursuing. Donna Mae Clarke is no different, she is human, and she faces obstacles in her career as an artist, and a teacher like every one else does. There are times she feel like quitting, but  Donna’s parents, siblings, husband and children, are the people that have been there to support her and encourage her to never give up and to pursue her career as an artist over the years.

Three Pools River

“I paint in a  realistic/ impressionist style. However, maturity has brought more variation in subject matter rather than style. I am not afraid to fail so the world is my canvas”.

Donna tells me, that seeing stark white canvas makes her head giddy, so she smears paint on it in order to have her creativity flow. Stark white canvas looks too perfect, but smearing paint on the canvas have always solve her problem.

I have seen some of Donna’s work and it is amazing. I wanted to know how does she produce such great work! In her response, Donna said that she plays around with ideas in her head for a while. Then she may take photographs and do some sketches until she gets the correct composition she wants. When all of that is done, she then applies paint to canvas and work on the piece until she is finished. It is one of her pet peeve’s leaving an unfinished art and then having to return to complete it. When she starts a piece, be certain that she will finish that piece on that same day.

Another Two pieces of Donna master pieces!

Tropical Temptation

Fire Devil

I asked Donna if she had a chance to change anything or any piece of art work she did in the past, which would it be and why! Her response, ” I have a policy, in that anything I was asked to do, I did it because it meant I learnt something new. Thus I have worked on many very diverse projects that are out of the box. Painting a Queens hall backdrop that was 50×20 ft, to the walls of Mt. Hope Hospital. Each experience (most with no monetary gain), adds to the creative skills I have acquired”.

Every year, Donna exhibit her work at the Trinidad and Tobago Art Society. This year the exhibition starts on friday 7th November, 2014. Donna will be exhibiting two pieces of her work at the exhibition. Her two pieces will be based upon Balandra and Gran Rivere Trinidad. Donna explained that she is not a fan of the hustle and bustle, and her get aways are always out of the city. Therefore, for her as an artist it is important to base her work on her getaways.

Bamboo Meditation

Thank you for reading as per usual. Please continue to follow Creative Diversity of Trinidad and Tobago for more updates on Donna Mae Clarke.

To see more of Donna Mae Clarke Work, Please follow her blog at http://www.00053549.blogspot.com, or visit the Trinidad and Tobago Art Society exhibition.

Do look out for my next featured post coming soon. Please like, follow and share Creative Diversity with your friends and family across the globe. Art is important and we all need to support the art! Near or far!

Leston Paul

Please continue to follow Creative Diversity of Trinidad and Tobago for more updates on Donna Mae Clarke.