Creativity comes naturally to me. As a child, I could draw, sing, and play the piano, but I never saw art as a career. As high school ended, I realized my passion lay in the creative industries, yet I felt pressured to choose a practical path. Architectural technologies seemed like a middle ground; artistic yet structured.
Life had other plans. During maternity leave with my oldest son, I finally had time to practice drawing. That year rekindled my love for art, and I taught myself to paint. Still, practicality pulled me toward architecture, so I pursued my studies. After graduating, I struggled to find work and ended up in retail, which only reinforced how much I was neglecting my true talents.
Eventually, I leapt, quitting retail to commit to art full-time. Working at an art studio, I grew as much from teaching kids as from honing my craft. Through trial and error, I found my style, rhythm, and passion for murals.
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
In 2019, imposter syndrome threatened me despite my skills. I enrolled in art school to become a graphic designer, blending my architectural background with art. Yet as mural opportunities came, I took them. They changed my life and career.
A year later, I juggled school with mural projects that fueled my confidence and artistic growth. I launched painting stick workshops to teach others to paint in a single session. Later, we expanded to mural workshops, to give others the same opportunities that transformed me.
A Tribute to Black Women
Since the beginning, my art has been deeply personal. I’ve always been drawn to portraying Black women. Looking back, it’s clear: Black women raised me. My mother and aunt shaped my world, and their resilience became my inspiration.
Thus, bold colours became another signature of my work. I started with black-and-white sketches. I was drawn to the vibrancy of rich teals, reds, and primary colours—hues that reflect my Caribbean heritage. Basquiat’s fearless use of colour inspired me to embrace my own.
Geometry and Freedom
Geometric elements entered my work through my first public art projects. My earliest murals incorporated sharp, structured patterns, and I quickly fell in love with their balance. They helped guide the viewer’s eye and contrast structure with abstraction.
At the same time, I love the unpredictability of paint; letting it drip, splatter, and blend organically. Early on, I thought good art had to be photorealistic. Eventually, discovering Warhol and Basquiat taught me that abstraction is just as powerful. Sometimes, the mind fills in what the eye doesn’t see, and that freedom excites me.
The Influence of Dual Identity
Being Jamaican in Alberta has shaped my art in unique ways. In Canada, I am Jamaican. In Jamaica, I am Canadian. This dual identity fuels my work, reflecting nostalgia for my homeland and the realities of my present environment.
Over the years, I’ve deepened my connection to Alberta’s Black history, learning about figures like Cheryl Fogo and John Ware. Winning the title of Mrs. Canada further solidified my place here, empowering me to fully embrace my Canadian identity while honouring my Caribbean roots.
Where I Am Now
Today, I continue exploring new directions, be it mentoring, teaching, or creating. Mural art gave me a platform to be a working artist, and I want to give others that same chance. Through workshops or new projects, my goal remains the same: to create meaningful art and inspire others to do the same.
