Anthea McGibbon, Gleaner Writer
'In my mood' by Alphanso Blake. - Anthea McGibbon Photo
The showers of rain were ignored by the hundreds of Jamaicans continually filtering through the gates of the Forestry Department, last weekend. They were drawn to the annual Arts and Craft Fair - a creative clay feast - by the Potter's Association, spread across the grounds of 178 Constant Spring Road.
Navigation was easy through the booths displaying skills convincing of Jamaica's readiness for the international scene in the spectrum of creative ideas.
The fair displayed more than clay pieces, being extended to include works made from materials such as bamboo, wood, marblestone and paper, all in a panoply.
Members of the Jamaica Guild of Artists and independent exhibitors such as Pauline Levy with her well-groomed phalaenopsis orchids were complementary.
President of the guild, Sharon Fox, mould a successful flirt with pop art illustration of flowers, circumfused her talent across tables.
However, the furniture by Dolphin Heart Trust manifested their ingenious use of bamboo. As an alternative to destroying unwanted bamboo after deforestation, the environmental team now experiments with the manufacturing of chairs, benches, tables and small items explained the artwork shop's manager, Bryan Morris.
Omoruyi 'Uyi' Otalor, a Nigerian-Jamaican also uses bamboo in creating his images on black
Jersey. His 'The Good Shepherd', 'Dancer Lady' and
'Emancipation' done with delicate intricacy were a positive stimulus.
'Peaceful Residence' although not exact representation, captured nostalgic memories of his home back in Nigeria.
A few of the decorative wooden sculptures on display were perhaps the only weakness of the overall fair. Hardly any of the exhibitors using this medium were convincing of their craft. Although the subject of Jamaican roosters and owls was welcomed, the 'chopped out' appearance of the pieces begged for better finishing, and, in some instances, better carving.
One successful wooden sculptor was Aston Martin, while Craftique's functional wooden pieces which included cutting boards, napkin holders, pencil holders were well-refined. Among the eye catchers were pieces by Paul Blackwood who is one Jamaican painter detailing, in a three-dimensional way, the texture of Jamaican bark in his landscapes. Other fine art talents on display were Patrick Hall, Lennox Coke, Ray Jackson, student Shun Lawton and Everard Powell.
The work of Alphanso Blake, one representative of the Jamaican Artist Alliance continues to be arresting. The artist who initially developed a cubistic technique to add rhythm to his original landscapes, displayed his fascination with Black women and the Jamaican musical culture. His semi-abstract, yet, soul stirring pieces included 'In My Mood', 'Sweet Jamaican Music,' 'African Vibes', 'Mother', and demonstrated well his command over the palette knife as he bore out the themes of music, joy, life.
Ewan McAnnuff, is one more artist reproducing his work in Gicleé prints.
However, the artists who also works commercially had on display samples of his appliqué on burlap dedicated to Cricket World Cup 2007.
Peter Peart's light switches were an originative application of his semi - graphic illustration to beautify the functional household items. The ceramic pieces on show were exemplary, reflecting a manipulation of ideas and local clay. On entering the booths, the ceramic pieces by Patrick Hall and Wayne Laylor ceramics were an invitation to explore further.
Phillip Supersad and Magaret McGhie were two of the veterans evincing that Jamaican ceramists have mastered pottery techniques. David Pinto's 'Silk Mosaic' was an interesting difference to his usual red figures. Using the slab method, the artist explained that this time he "was exploring the idea of clay as a fabric for construction - using various patches and textures in constructing the final work. Veteran Kay Sullivan seems to have created the ideal ceramic gifts for 2007 in her cricket plaques series.
Ceramic gifts were offered in varied sizes. Leonie McKoy's pendants were not unique, and in contrast to veteran Michael Layne's large teapots telling of his herbal tea drinking habits for healing. The only functional piece by Layne was a clock, but his houses were ideal souvenirs reminiscent of that old time country home. Layne is one ceramist who claims no allegiance to any particular clay, but says his allegiance is towards "the look and result he desires". The artist who works were mostly demonstrating the coil construction technique, used red clay for his teapots, and stoneware 'Hodges' clay for his Ethiopian cross and clocks. Oxides were added for colour, and the linear patterns on the surface were reflective of life and the Jamaican nature scenes he promotes.
Andronique Morgan, a second-year student at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts was humorous in his refined abstract pumpkin done with the coil construction and bisque fired.
Merlene 'Ma Lou' Meghee Rhoden's functional ceramics were an added highlight of the fair. The aging woman from St. Catherine takes pride in being the only Jamaican ceramist using a natural kiln, having inherited the skill from her deceased mother. Her functional pieces including bowls, plates, and baking pots are bought by visitors worldwide for the flavour that can be had from eating from these uniquely made wares. According to "Ma Lou" the natural kiln, made in the ground was originated in Israel, and the firing process can take up to a week.
Other interesting exhibitors included Marblestone Pottery, Ital Craft, Just Art, and Sinclair Ceramics, Frazer's Ceramics, but more attention to detail could be paid to the miniature decorative ceramic pieces of Jamaican women.
The fair offered more than a delightful Christmas treat.
Anthea McGibbon, a graduate of the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts has over 10 years experience in the fields of visual arts and journalism. Write to islandartattack@yahoo.co.uk or anthea.mcgibbon@gleanerjm.com
