Deon P. Green, Gleaner WriterIMAGES OF blooming poinsettia, country folks crossing the Old Spanish Town Bridge, work being done on the lush green plains of St. Elizabeth, water gushing from the rocks to the sea at White Horses in St. Thomas, winding hillside of St. Andrew, the crystal clear waters of the Blue Lagoon in Portland, and rivers flowing throughout the countryside are some of the works produced by self-taught Jamaican artist, Paul Blackwood.
Blackwood's art was on display at the Jamaican High Commission in London, England, after being declared officially open recently by Jamaican High Commissioner, Maxine Roberts.
Ms. Roberts noted that the island has produced many creative individuals of world renowned standards.
"We helped to create Britain, wi likkle but wi tallawah and have impacted in music, sports and all forms throughout the world," she said.
The creativity of Jamaicans, according to the High Commissioner, has provided a rich profile of artists who did not allow the world to dictate, but instead created their own style. "It is always exciting to see young Jamaican artists contributing to the constant revolution of Jamaican art," Ms. Roberts noted.
Speaking with The Sunday Gleaner, Mr. Blackwood, 39, said his work began at age 18 and has been inspired by the island's scenic beauty: "The inspiration flows naturally, I try to let the art do the talking since I started doing the work professionally."
And for those persons who would like to venture into art professionally, he advises: "It provides various opportunities such as travelling and meeting people, it's a wonderful way of expressing oneself and it has its financial rewards."
In 1982, Blackwood left Westmoreland for Kingston where he was encouraged by members of the Trafalgar Artist Cooperative to do paintings of his own. He took up the challenge and, in 1985, had his first international exhibition in London, England.
Since then, Blackwood's career has blossomed with numerous exhibitions locally and internationally.
He says he will continue to strive for excellence while encouraging and assisting potential artists.
