Carmel Gumbs, the creator of several impressive art pieces, was five months ago awarded the privilege of being named Resident Artist at the Belmond Cap Juluca Resort. During the period December 30th to January 8th, Carmel will be displaying his art to the public at Cap Juluca, where 19 pieces of oil work, under the theme “Letting Go”, will be showcased.
Explaining his concept of “Letting Go” on the canvas, Carmel says that the act of letting go is depicted against a sunset pink. He says this kind of pink signifies two actions: it represents release; and it embraces a fresh start.
“‘Letting go’, he says, “washes over each canvas in waves of calming blue that whisper assurances of endless possibilities. ‘Letting go’ is the sigh of the wanderer, the pull of the tides to the shore, and the reach of a dreamer.”
Through his magnificent oil-based collection, Carmel reminds us that introspection is a vital part of letting go. Past failures and present anxieties can act as debilitating anchors, tethering us and keeping us bound beyond the grasp of new opportunities —drowning our passions and dreams. It would have cost Carmel some effort to release some of his own failures on his road to success as a proficient artist.
The general public of Anguilla, and particularly art enthusiasts, are cordially invited to attend Carmel’s exhibits at Belmond Cap Juluca. The displays are available for viewing at Cap Juluca’s Maundy’s Gallery between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. up until Saturday, January 8th.
On a more personal note, Carmel’s mother, Avenella Griffith, believes that her son’s artistic presence at Cap Juluca is a result of many blessings, but it is especially due to two people: his grandmother Gwendolyn Griffith, and the owner of ANI Academies, Tim Reynolds.
She spoke of the quality of her mother’s employment in glowing terms: “Gwen was one of the first local chefs employed at Cap Juluca and was a committed, dedicated, worker for over 37 years. She received several ‘Employee of the Year’ awards over her tenure, and was a pillar in helping to build Cap Juluca’s renowned image. Carmel is certainly reaping from the seeds of hard work that she sowed.”
Avenella highlighted how Mr. Reynolds contributed to the development of her son’s talents: “Mr. Reynolds opened ANI Art Academy in Anguilla when Carmel was entering high school. Immediately after high school, Carmel enrolled at ANI Academies because of Mr. Reynolds’ generous offer to all Anguillians, which included no costs for tuition and meals. Mr. Reynolds’ kindness enabled Carmel to develop his skills to the extent where he is now able to have his first solo art show at Belmond Cap Juluca.”
Ms. Griffith is of the view that it is important to acknowledge the shoulders upon which our young people have come to stand.
