Sherika Sayers looking to spread art all over SVG

Sherika Sayers comes off as a soft-spoken, shy individual with a deep-seated love for nature.{{more}}

Her personality is such that rather than verbalize what she feels, she let’s her hands do the talking.

The 23-year-old Queen’s Drive resident is a budding artist and sculptor whose aim is to paint the name of art all across St Vincent and the Grenadines.

And viewing her work, it’s safe to say she’s well on her way.

SEARCHLIGHT met with Sherika at the recent Literary Fair of the University of the West Indies (UWI) Open Campus, held in collaboration with the Vincentian Association of Artists, Writers and Producers Inc., at Richmond Hill.

Without a shadow of doubt, of all the books and fine art and craft on display at the Fair, Sherika’s beautiful paintings immediately grabbed one’s attention.

Some of her displayed work included paintings of the top of the Central Police Station, marine life, a sculpture, flowers and a look-a-like painting of former Culture minister, Rene Baptiste.

Sherika explained that she was inspired to paint the piece because of Baptiste’s contribution to culture and the fact that it is the Independence season.

“It’s really Independence and it’s culture. I wanted to pay homage to her. She does a lot for culture in SVG and I’m appreciative of that. She’s the one who also encouraged me to join this exhibition and get my art out there,” Sherika stated.

Taking us on a stroll down memory lane, Sherika said the journey began during her days as a student at the St Joseph’s Convent Kingstown.

“I always used to do drawings and when I attended the SJCK, I continued doing sketches here and there. I just fell in love with it…,” she explained.

Her love for the arts began taking root after she completed studies at the Community College and attended Fanshawe College in London, Ontario Canada, where she recently completed studies in the Fine Arts.

Asked if art has always been a passion of hers, Sherika, with a cheeky smile replied, “This is pretty much what I know. Fine Arts has always been an important part of everything for me.

Sherika doesn’t view herself as just an artist; she’s also a photographer – and a pretty good one at that, as is evidenced by the images on her Facebook page: www.facebook.com/blackcanvasstudios25.

Sherika describes her style as realistic, but says she also loves doing conceptual work.

“I just like to have strong, conceptual realism in my work. All I need is a paintbrush, canvas board, acrylic paint or ink and I’m ready,” she chuckled.

Sherika’s nature influenced inspiration, is what she says has made her go above and beyond with her paintings.

“I go out, take pictures and I just like to surround myself with nature, because everything positive basically comes from the environment around me…”

Sometimes, it takes Sherika three days or more to complete a painting or sculpture, but she noted that with every stroke of her brush, her imagination comes to life.

Now job hunting in the teaching field, Sherika is of the view that more needs to be done in St Vincent and the Grenadines to push art.

“I think more art work needs to be done, especially in schools. I don’t think art is being pushed out there. My goal is to become an Art teacher, because a lot of kids drop the subject in the fourth form because they say it’s too hard…,” she added.

“When you go out there, you realize that the world of art is amazing. The people there want more Caribbean people because our style is different. They could see our rich culture and heritage coming out of the colours in our paintings.”

A fan of modern art with a profound respect for the old school art, Sherika says she appreciates things that allow persons to express themselves openly.

“It is my hope that we can get out there. We have great artists here in St Vincent… Right now, it’s kind of hard to find a job in the Art field, so I’m just trying to impart some of what I know unto others,” she said.

Sherika’s work can also be viewed on her Tumblr account: @blackcanvasstudios Her email address: blackcanvas@live.com