Norma Harrack - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

We continue our look at some of the persons who will receive national honours and awards on Heroes Day later this month. This time, it's artist and lecturer Norma Harrack.

Working with her hands has brought her many accolades and on Heroes Day, another one will be added.

We speak of the Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer (OD) that will be bestowed upon Norma Rodney Harrack, renowned potter, artist and lecturer. Flair caught up with her and she oozed delight at receiving the award.

"Naturally, I am elated. It is an incredible honour to be recognised in this way by one's country," she said. Harrack recalled the moment she heard about the award.

"I was in my studio sketching ideas for my upcoming exhibition scheduled to be opened on October 25, when the amazing news was communicated to me. Obviously it was a pretty exciting moment."

Harrack said she always wanted to be an artist and that desire never left her consciousness.

"My love of art is interwoven with my love of nature. Nature's presence and sounds permeate my work. Natural phenomena have been an everlasting source of inspiration for my work," she explained.

Exhibitions worldwide

Harrack's work has taken her all over the globe with exhibitions in countries such as Germany, Switzerland, Egypt and China. Eager to pass on what she knows to others, Flair asked her about teaching the art form at the Edna Manley College for the Visual and Performing Arts. She said that she was mindful of her students' needs and concerns, and felt privileged to hold a position that incorporated two enthusiasms in her professional life - a great love of teaching and a passionate interest in the discipline.

"I approach teaching with a main goal - to empower students to strive for excellence. The young visual artist continues to struggle with how to develop a lifestyle as an artist and the many variables beyond skill and vision. Unfortunately, it is not just about having a passion for art. Making a life and a living from it is quite another. For many, life as an artist is a beautiful dream; it is quite the opposite for others." When asked whether the art form is in good 'hands', Harrack said the ceramic genre is alive and vibrant and augurs well for the future.

"My own goal has always been to continue to strive to make myself an even more complete artist with a deep-rooted tradition and historical sensibility and a mission to push the boundaries and to take Jamaican art to new heights, new places and new audiences," she said.

As for the award ceremony on Heroes Day, she said her dress will be a vintage flapper favourite with accessories to enhance the ensemble. Harrack said that while there were no plans for a celebration per se, the solo exhibition would provide an opportunity to celebrate the honour with family and friends.

daviot.kelly@gleanerjm.com