Artist joins fight to stop violence against women

Design Consultant and artist Calvert Jones, says while he is not sure what the statistics are regarding violence against women, “one case is too many”.{{more}}

To help curb the problem, Jones has decided to partner with the Leave Out Violence In SVG (LOVNSVG) association.

On April 19, LOVNSVG will host a march and rally from the Girls’ High School grounds to Sion Hill, where one of Jones’ paintings will be raffled.

The painting is titled “Crying Out for Love”.

In an interview on Wednesday, Jones told SEARCHLIGHT that Nailah John, president of LOVNSVG, notified him last year about the formation of the group and their quest to stamp out crime and violence from the Vincentian community.

He said he was immediately interested in assisting in whatever way he could.

“I am always somebody who likes to support noble ventures and I thought this was something commendable,” Jones said.

He explained that he remains committed to supporting the association in whatever way he can and, though not in a position to make a financial contribution, the painting he has offered to donate depicts the association’s objectives.

“I had a nice painting I did entitled “Crying Out for Love”. And I thought it was quite appropriate, because it features a lady who had a visual effect of mother earth and some bombs exploding and eventually the world was depicted as a flat surface, meaning that things are falling off the edge.

“It depicted the sense that everything was collapsing and things were corrupted and the woman was screaming.

“I thought this was quite appropriate for them to use as part of a fund-raiser,” he added.

Jones also commended John and the LOVNSVG association for taking up a challenge to stamp out crime and violence from the Vincentian community.

“It is one thing to say we are aware of something and it’s quite another thing to help out someone and I think it’s a group which provides tangible solutions to persons who are in need of assistance.

“More support groups are definitely needed and it’s a great move on her (John’s) part. While she grew up here and is a citizen, but she doesn’t really live here and to be giving of her time is a very commendable effort and this is why I treasure being on board,” he added.

Jones also made an appeal for all Vincentians to show solidarity towards the cause, by attending the upcoming march and rally on April 19.

Jones’ art work is visible across St Vincent and the Grenadines. Many of the roadside bars and shops showcase the colourful paintings bearing the Hairoun brand.

He also does personal portraits, landscape and realistic paintings, with prices ranging from EC $400 to $9,000. (AA)