I grew up drawing and painting my “little masterpieces” for sale to my auntie’s trusted friend and classmate who welcomed my creativity and rewarded me handsomely for each one. At the time I did not know that he, 'Roger Alleyne' was a cultural icon and sculptor within the Visual Arts Community in my home town; I was five. Now, looking back Alleyne was molding me, enticing me even, to become the creative individual I've become today! By the time I was a teenager there wasn’t a piece of textile I didn’t leave my mark on, with my messages of truth and thrusts of romanticism as I delved deep into fashion design, pattern making, painting and textile composition. But as time passed on my pursuits lead me into the sobering world of career objectives and lifestyle choices.
Born into a family of tailors, seamstresses and artists in the capital city of Trinidad it appears creative expression was my birthright. My studio lends to every arms of creative vulnerability and self-expression "I literally get lost in the magic of creating."
My passion has always lead me to stay connected somewhat in the way of artistry and so throughout my twenties I would later rediscover my creative attributes and pursue architectural design to become an interior designer a portfolio I shared with my business partner and spouse for many years. Now I claim a different studio as RAven of RAven ARt and Design Studio. As an experienced muralist, the walls have been my canvas for many years with my exhibits gracing the residences of many satisfied clients. My past portfolio seldom allowed the time for exhibiting my paintings and sculptures but this is rectified with RAven ARt and Design Studio. In my earlier years fashion and textile design have graced my ingenious palate allowing me a wealth of creative accreditability, setting the foundation for my shift in these accredited years.
I work primarily with acrylic, oil, gouache and ink using colour as a vibrant language. My style of painting I classify as one of Abstract Fauvism, I bend the lines of reality just enough to alter form but still hold the essence within. My paintings can be viewed as messages, reminders or guide posts and, even revolutions for all that time embodies or perceives as reality.
My sculptures seek the perfect balance between movement and restraint transforming the exhibits into spiritual pillars of heterogeneous exchange.
I am fueled by our vast array of island wildlife, the resounding silence, the many comforts that nature surrenders wittingly, the gleaming speckle of the stars by night and yes, by the genius talents left over by the master of the arts themselves. Jacob Isaacszoon van Swanenburg, the challenging renditions passed to us from Rembrandt's chapter, and the realism of Willem Witsen's scenic harbor portrayals that stay adrift on our minds. To these and many other great talents, I accredit my love and reverence for visual expression.
My voice is my own and in painting and creating I am heard. - RAven
