Anguilla has a long standing reputation as a destination for artists and art lovers. There many artists living and working on its 33 miles and exhibiting art created on or inspired by Anguilla. The Anacaona Gallery at the Anacaona Boutique Hotel is the newest art venue in Anguilla and has cemented the hotels position as the Arts and Culture venue by inviting internationally acclaimed artist Terrence Jon to be their “visiting artist” for the 2013 season.
Terrence has been prolifically creative during his time on Island –and the results of this creativity are evolving into an exciting collection of work titled “ cULTUREgLU: ANGUILLA “.His paintings are currently on exhibit in the Hotels communal areas, with sculpture and installations planned for the grounds. Terrence has an international following and his work is included in important collections spanning the globe. Originally from Canada the nomadic artist divides his time between Toronto, Barcelona and Merida (Mexico).
Terrence says of his work “cULTUREgLU is the essential element I am always searching for when in a new place. Investigating local customs and beliefs, observing through an intense process to arrive at a “culture-specific” discovery – those unique bits within a community or country that I play with and reflect, projecting them back as a vital layer within the overall context of my work”.
The art he has created in Anguilla utilizes his “finds”– objects and materials he has collected whilst combing the island – they include sea rocks, driftwood, crayfish claws, galvanized metal sheets, flip flops, glass bottles and boat ropes. He has also used boat building techniques and materials such as resins and hardeners that also speak ‘of the island’ to realize the work. On how the beauty of Anguilla’s pristine waters have inspired him he says, “Translucency, reflection, and layering are a big part of my way, my artistic presence. Water has been a recurring theme in my work. Here I feel like I am having a conversation with the sea. It is immediately stunning!”
Inspired and enamored by Anguilla, Terrence hopes to build a sustainable long-term relationship with the island. He has approached local restaurants and bars to ask them to save the empty glass bottles from the beverages consumed by their guests – his aim to transform them into paintings, sculptures and installations – tying them into educational and recycling initiatives for the island. He has met with teachers and students from the WISE educational facility and is exploring collaboration with them to create large scale art installations from the recycled glass.
Robin and Sue Ricketts the owners of Anacaona Boutique Hotel are delighted with the way the visiting artist has “brought the essence of Anguilla – it’ natural beauty – the sea, sand and stone –into the Hotel. I hope everyone who is on island that is interested in art will come and visit the Hotel and enjoy this special exhibition”. Terrence Jon will be in Anguilla until March 3, he is happy to discuss his work and future plans for art in Anguilla and can be contacted via the Hotel on 497-6827 or via his website (www.TerrenceJon.com) or email(terrencejon@live.ca).
(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)
