Chester Francis-Jackson, Gleaner Writer
From left: Joe Matalon, Betsy Williams, his sister Janet Matalon Carvalho and Beverly Barakat pose for the camera. - Contributed photos
She is an unrepentant artist. A master craftsman, she is completely at home in front of her easel or in repose, studying her next subject. She seeks to capture the nuanced expressions, insight and/or details peculiar to the object of study, before she applies herself to capturing its very essence. That, in the end, distinguishes the creation, with a life of colours, shades and shadows that is so sincere in its eloquence, it envelops in a wholesome manner, as against assuming the empty posture of the inanimate.
We are not talking here about the sterile reproduction of scenery or portraitures for mere commercial consumption and/or the adornment of otherwise bland walls. In the overarching scheme, these too deserve their place in the sun. After all, there is a place for those who acquire 'art' for the purpose of decorating their walls, and there are those who cater to this market. This, however, is where the true artist parts company with posers.
Showcased latest offerings
Roy Collister (left) and Robert MacMillan in a tête-à-tête on Sunday.
In this respect, the eminent Judy-Ann MacMillan has not only been true to her craft, she has propelled herself from the ranks of aspirants, through the crowded field of the mediocre, to the top of her genre, and thus the rank of master.
Last Sunday, she opened up her upper Montrose Road studio, in one of Kingston's more swanky neighbourhoods - the golden triangle - and showcased some of her latest offerings, along with the latest works of painter Cyd Millar, in what proved a most charming and pleasant showing.
This was a gathering of serious art lovers, patrons and supporters. Couple that with a sense of anticipation and you know that we are talking an atmosphere akin to a red-carpet premiere.
Garden party setting
My dears, it was that kind of an atmosphere, only that the setting was that of garden party on a lazy Sunday afternoon, that saw guests first sharing and enjoying each other's society on the lawns and verandah of the studio, over cocktails and fabulous jerk from Scotchies, before leisurely strolling through the studio to acquaint themselves with the works on offer.
Threat of rain was always hovering over the affair and, scheduled as it was from 4:00-6:00 p.m., when the skies opened up closer to six it only extended the life of the exhibition, as everyone was forced indoors. It became that much more intimate an outing, friends and acquaintances now in closer proximity and sharing their opinions and insights as they browsed through the studio to assess the offerings.
As they say, the proof of the pudding is in the eating. Well, when it comes to assessing art, those with that discriminating appreciation for art let their cheque books do the talking. Judging from the stickers going up on the pieces, the show was very well received.
Known in inner circle
Now, it has been a while since Judy-Ann MacMillan hosted a major exhibition. Her last major outing was the launch of the best-selling coffee table tome, at historic Devon House a few years ago. She is, however, known within the inner circle of the art world for hosting private showings for collectors, buyers and art lovers. It was, however, the first time that Cyd Millar was showing in Kingston, and this is fresh from her last two sold-out shows, hosted at the tres chic Round Hill in Montego Bay.
Specialising in custom portraits of pets, people and studies in flowers, Cyd Millar's Kingston debut proved an auspicious one, pairing as she did with MacMillan - both artists' work contrasting nicely.
From the artistic impression, rendered on canvas, of the lovely private Shaw Park beach in Ocho Rios, to the impressive panoramic view of the hills of St Ann, rolling down to the coastline of the garden parish, MacMillan's canvasses (and pastels) command the attention of even the person whose interest at first was merely cursory. The canvases of Cyd Millar demanded attention, for the subjects chosen to be her studies.
One can most certainly understand the objections of earlier people who refused to have their pictures taken, owing to the fear that in doing so, one was agreeing to the stealing of one's soul. And my dears, the sum total ofit all is that the pairing made for a varied and marvellous experience.
Those in attendance
And as for the company, we saw: Head of the EU delegation, His Excellency Marco Mazzocchi-Alemanni and his lovely wife Fiela; Joe Matalon and his sister Janet Matalon-Carvalho; Mr and Mrs Peter-John Thwaites; Roy and Sylvia Collister and their daughter-in-law.
We also saw: Charles Hanna; Paul Issa and his son; Robert MacMillan; the charming Phyllis Ward and her daughter Susan Ward, her sibling Cecil Ward and wife Dr Betty-May Ward; the fabulous Beverly Barakat; Dr Billy Lockyer; the charming P.J. Stewart; Trevor and Margaret DeLeon; Dr Jonathan Greenland and wife Dr Rebecca Tortello Greenland and their two offspring; Tony Rerrie; the elegant Darilyn Foreman; Evan and Betsy Williams; Peter Junor; the lovely Gunvar Groves; Tony Rerrie; Eva Myers; Sue Henzell; the stunning Fiona Machado; Peter Buckley; Ian MacKay QC, and his lovely wife Susan; Colm and Paula Delves and their daughter; Anthony and Susan Edye; Paul and Karen Dadd; the elegant Inell Atkinson; Tony Lewars; Beverly Chin; the lovely Sonia Khan; Lennox Aquart; Susan Dougall; Juliette Robinson; Jonathan Edwards; Beverly Lee and son Dario Lee; Colin Maxwell; Yvonne Whittingham; the affable Paul Rennie; Howard Barton and wife Nancy and their daughter Alecia Princess Barton, in from New York; Kacey Ferguson; the host's maternal pride and joy, her son, the engaging Alexei Russell.
