Xvibes
From sketching icons like Bob Marley as a child to exhibiting oil seascapes at the Art Society of Trinidad and Tobago, this young artist has turned passion into purpose. Balancing a career in veterinary medicine with her love of fine art Jewelle Henry, proves that talent, drive, and authenticity can chart a unique path in both the creative and academic worlds. In this feature for XVibes Youth, she shares how art became her sanctuary, her inspirations, and where she hopes her work will be in the years to come.
1. How long have you been doing art and what made you gravitate to it?
I’ve been doing art since the age of three, but I started taking it seriously in Form 1 while attending St. Joseph’s Convent, St. Joseph. From there, I began entering competitions and was even a guest artist on TTT Live for Independence Day in 2019. I later did CSEC art and received a Grade I.
Art has always drawn me in—I’d sketch during class or at home when I was bored. It was my form of relaxation. I started with charcoal and pencil portraits of figures like Bob Marley, Marilyn Monroe, and young Michael Jackson. I taught myself by watching YouTube tutorials to understand proportions and colour theory, eventually moving into watercolour landscapes. Everything I know, I taught myself.
2. What inspires your artwork, and what’s your favourite thing to paint right now?
Nature, especially seascapes, is my biggest inspiration these days. I used to avoid painting water because I didn’t think I could capture its movement. But that changed in 2024 when my grandfather gifted me oil paints and brushes. Once I completed my first seascape in oils, everything clicked. They were easier to work with than acrylics, and the final result looked more fluid and realistic.
I displayed my first two seascapes at the Art Society of Trinidad and Tobago’s Members Exhibition in November 2024—and they both sold! People said the pieces were captivating and soothing. That feedback boosted my confidence, and now seascapes are my favourite subject. They offer a calm, meditative quality that I love.
3. What’s your dream for your art over the next 2–5 years?
I just want my work to be seen and appreciated. My dream is for my art to find its way into the homes and hearts of people who connect with it—whether it brings them peace, stillness, or even a quiet moment in their day.
Eventually, I would love to host a solo exhibition. I want to share what I create with the world in a space that invites people to feel something meaningful.
4. Do you do anything else outside of art?
Yes! I’m currently studying Veterinary Medicine at UWI Mt. Hope. My goal is to become a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, specializing in surgery. I’ve always had a deep love for animals. Helping them—whether comforting a sick pet or giving a stray a second chance—brings me the same joy and fulfillment as creating art. Both passions allow me to bring kindness and healing into the world.
5. Which Caribbean artist do you admire most and why?
I really admire Marissa Lee. Her oil work is phenomenal. It feels like life stands still on her canvas—so realistic, yet full of emotion. Her use of colour and ability to capture motion makes it feel like you’re watching a story unfold.
6. What’s your favourite piece you’ve created so far?
It’s a commission I did of a Samoyed dog in a backyard. I poured a lot of effort into that one and I’m proud of the detail I achieved. Most of the techniques I used came from studying professional artists on YouTube and noting them down in a sketchbook I still use. That piece showed me how far I’ve come.
7. What’s the longest piece you’ve ever worked on? Have you ever created something too personal to sell?
Yes, I created a piece called “In the Face of Death”—a 24″x18″ mixed media and acrylic painting. It was part of my CSEC SBA and took a month to complete. The piece was inspired by the Black Death and shows two women looking into mirrors that reflect their inevitable fate. It combines painting and physical elements like cloth to reflect historical themes like war, disease, and mortality.
I’ve had it framed since 2022. It’s not that I wouldn’t sell it, but I do feel a strong emotional attachment to that work. It feels like a part of my journey.
