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Maya Palacio

Maya is a journalism student in Nova Scotia, who has found her voice in the midst of our island’s political space. She often breaks down and speaks about current issues, starting conversations that often wouldn’t happen, especially within the younger crowd.

She recently launched her podcast “Bermudity”, which is set to touch on the struggles and experiences Bermudians go through, emphasizing on the younger generation. It is a very interesting conversation on topics and issues that often go unaddressed.

Follow her at @mayapalacio

Rael Iman

The makeup artist behind Iman Artistry has been around for a while now, and her craft just keeps getting better. Alongside her makeup services, she has also ventured into classes and even her own eyelash line. Her growing success comes as no surprise — talent, a great work ethic and innovation are behind her brand. She’s a great example of a Bermudian pursuing her passion, regardless of how limited opportunities can sometimes be on the island.

Follow her at @iman.atistry 

Jayde Gibbons

Jayde is the photographer behind Queendom Heights. She is switching things up from the typical pink sand and white roof shots we’re used to, capturing Bermuda in a more authentic light through her lens. It is truly refreshing to see a change in what many think art is “supposed to look like”, and rather seeing artists explore their craft following their own rules. Authentic is definitely the word to describe Queendom Heights.

Follow her at @queendom_heights

Harry Scupham

Harry is another photographer to keep an eye out. His Instagram page @dirty_angels_, with over 40 thousand followers, is filled with unique photography and a taste of his undeniable talent, it makes it hard to believe he’s so young. We can’t wait to see Harry’s craft evolve over time.

Follow him at @dirty_angels_

Nkosi Hollis

This Bermudian singer has been showcasing his craft online for a few years now. What started as covers on YouTube has evolved into releasing his own fully produced original work. Music not only requires talent but also resources, which are limited in Bermuda, which is why it is so encouraging to see young artists push through barriers and seeing their ideas come to life. He is set to lease an EP soon, so keep an eye out for Nkosi.

Follow him at @nkosimusic

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Photography by Akil Simmons

The art of the tattoo has evolved. While some may still see it as an act of rebellion, many more are recognising that the body is yet another canvas for artists to create masterpieces.

James Cooke grew up “always painting, drawing and making sculptures.” But it was convincing his mom (who he praises for sparking his creativity) to buy him his first tattooing equipment that solidified where he would take his talent.

“I explicitly promised her that I wouldn’t tattoo a real person,” said Cooke. Being a self-proclaimed “knucklehead”, it didn’t take long before he was inking up kids at his boarding school. It almost got him expelled, but it also opened up an introduction to Smokin’ Joes, and its owner, Joe Mathias.

He’d drawn an angel and taken it with him to get his first tattoo. “Joe asked me what I planned to do with my talent and said he thought I might have what it takes to tattoo professionally. He still encouraged me to finish school, though!

“After getting my first tattoo at around 15 that was when I realised that it was a profession that people can do for a living. Once I realised that, I was dead set on that was what I was going to do,” said Cooke.

Since 2016, Cooke has been tattooing full time at Smokin Joes.

With his “fiery passion” for tattooing solidified, his fine art also continued to evolve.

Last year, after an impromptu visit to Gallery 117 and a chance meeting with gallery director Danjou Anderson, Cooke was invited to show his work. He created pieces for the gallery’s Small Picture Show in December – several of which sold before the show opened.

While Bermuda’s colours and beauty inspired him, Cooke said he wanted to paint Bermuda through a different, “distorted lens”.

“I wanted to communicate the things I see going on here, and I didn’t want to just paint pretty pictures but to say something and move people to think or question what’s going on around them.”

Cooke’s tattoos have elements of his art woven in but at the end of the day clients come to him with their vision.

“Almost 100 percent of tattooing is me creating art for other people,” said Cooke. “I like the fine arts side because I get to express my emotions. I can do it with tattoos as well, but it’s less so for me and more of a service. They are both muscles that need to be flexed at the same time.”

Connect with James @tommyguntattoo

This article was originally published in the Spring 2019 edition of RG Magazine.

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With one unimaginable act, a life can be changed forever. For Emma Steele, her life changed in 2013 when she was raped. She processed her feelings through her art and, in particular, her piece “Just One Word: Consent.”

“This was a way to tell people what happened,” says Emma, who is currently living and working in the UK. Her piece was selected for the Bermuda National Gallery’s 2018 Bermuda Biennial: What We Share.

Her work mixes textiles, and in particular, knitting, in untraditional ways.
“I am pushing boundaries of the idea of ‘knit’, using it as a feminist statement”. she explains, “Changing the perception that knit only translates to the idea of a ‘housewife,’ but it can also represent the knitting of ideas”.

Through her pieces, she begins to examine how “victim blaming” is very real and harmful. She gives a voice to women who have too long been held responsible for being raped. Accusations like “What was she wearing?”, “She’s such a flirt.”, “She was asking for it”, or “It’s a woman’s fault” are weaved into the piece. The wording represents what she thought people would say to her if she told her story. It also explores the idea of consent.

“Consent is a thing. It cannot be seen, not heard, but it is something that is given. To not be given consent, is rape,” she wrote in her artist’s statement for the exhibition. She was nervous about displaying her work in the Biennial. “It’s big move to allow someone in,” she says. While the project creates a narrative of how society reacts to victims of rape, it has also given Emma a voice of her own and a power she did not immediately feel after being assaulted.

She blamed herself for letting it happen and so for four years (without any formal therapy) the feelings of shame festered. “I didn’t realize how much it affected me,” she said. “I wanted to tell women who would come after me that, yes, this didhappen to you and that you are going to get through this. Victimization of women is so unfair. I wanted to show, through my story, that the blaming of women is wrong.”

Emma’s eyes were opened to feminism when she was in university. She was shocked that what was seen as “normal” was detrimental to women’s progress. It was during that time that she realized that art and feminism intersected.  “We should be telling women they are powerful and that they have a voice,” she said. “We’re sheltering women, when we need to be more encouraging.”

Continuing to push the boundaries of art as a woman is “courageous,” says Emma. “The art world is a very powerful place. Through art, we can make people think and subsequently act. It’s a way to educate people about the experience of a woman.”

Through #metoo and other movements, more and more people are standing up and calling out the systemic objectification of women. Ms Steele’s work creates a starting point to change the conversation, whether through the media or the policies that continue to look upon women’s bodies as objects. Seemingly normal acts, and consumer marketing reinforce the concept that if a woman dresses and acts a certain way, she becomes vulnerable to being sexually assaulted, and so women are often told that they need to do everything possible to protect themselves. This shifts the blame away from the predator.

“Any woman who has been raped should know that it’s not their fault,” Emma pleads to those who have gone through it and may be feeling alone. “The best thing you can do is to talk to someone that you trust and tell them what happened. Don’t let it eat you alive; you’re just a victim of an awful crime.”

She has found that art has the incredible power to heal through trauma. It can give a voice to those who are struggling to express raw emotions. For anyone who is seeking out a way to heal from trauma, formal art therapy sessions can be a good starting point. Little known, there are institutions on that island that offer this form of care. “Just like speaking or writing, art is a form of communication and expression, and has many benefits”, said registered art therapist Reilly Smith at Solstice. “Art can be therapeutic in and of itself and can help [the client] regain a sense of control.”

Art therapy has been used since the mid-1800s and has been helpful for people to cope with trauma, as well as anxiety, depression, addiction, relationship issues, social difficulties, physical, cognitive, and neurological problems, and psychological issues related to medical illness.

Through guided sessions with a trained art-therapy professional, clients are provided “a different way of communicating” that is largely non-verbal and allows the client a safe, non-judgmental space to explore those feelings.

“Art therapycan provide a metaphorical and concrete outlet for expression and self-exploration, which can, in turn, help clients identify coping strategies and internal strengths to regain a sense of empowerment at the beginning of the journey of healing,” says Ms Smith.

“Specifically, for rape/sexual abuse, by externalizing difficult pieces of the traumatic event, clients can begin to safely access their physical experiences and identify that their bodies are a safe place.”

For anyone who has been a victim of sexual assault, it’s important to let someone know. Locally, the Centre Against Abuse provides a 24-hour hotline that can be reached at 441-297-8278. They respond whether someone is in need of medical attention, considering reporting the crime or requires counselling.

This article was originally published in the Fall 2018 edition of RG Magazine. 

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In just one summer in 1998, he drew around 30 black and white chalk pieces on canvas – paying homage to the musicians who inspired him most. From blues great BB King, jazz singer Nina Simone and reggae legend Bob Marley, to rock icons like Mick Jagger and Steven Tyler.

Then, to make a long story short, he took some of the pictures he had drawn that summer, put them in a box and packed them away for over a decade.

“The box had come with me when I moved from the States to Bermuda in 2000 and had stayed in my closet in Somerset until 2013. It wasn’t until I moved that I discovered the box again. I said ‘I bet you all these pictures I drew were destroyed’.

“One night I was sitting in my new apartment on Harbour Road and decided to open the box, and as I pulled out the first picture, I was like ‘Wow, this is pretty nice. I need to start back doing this’. That’s what kicked my passion for art back off because I had time again to devote to it and it was something I really wanted to do.”

Growing up Lee had always had a natural aptitude for art. Around age eight or nine, he would doodle and draw his favourite cartoon characters in his sketchpad. But as he got older, he stopped seeing the artistic pastime as “cool” and chose to instead focus on sports and education.

 Even up until now, he admits he’s pretty confident about most things, yet when it comes to art, he’s struggled with accepting the ‘artist’ label.

Three years ago, that all began to change when Lee started visiting different local galleries like Masterworks and Bermuda Society of the Arts: One day, he showed local curator Nzingha Ming some of his pieces – she suggested Lee could put on an exhibit of his own.

“I started laughing,” he said. “I said ‘Not me’ because I was still at that stage of comparing myself to other artists.”

Instead of hosting a big display, he started small by posting his works on social media. He was overwhelmed by the response that poured in through comments and likes. It gradually built his confidence.

Eventually, in December 2016, he gathered up the nerve to host his first exhibit at BSOA. “I went into that art show with no expectations, and the feedback, encouragement and positive words I got from everybody was just so incredible,” he said.

“People reminded me that God didn’t give me this talent to keep to myself; He has given me this ability to show people and if what I’m doing inspires someone else then great. If someone likes and appreciates it then awesome.”

More recently, his works have allowed him to pass on his love of music to his daughters. The girls often ask about the musicians or celebrities in the pictures; Lee uses it as a teaching opportunity. “All of the people I draw are people I admire,” he said.

“They have contributed something back either through civil rights, activism or charitable giving. While I was researching with my girls, I was learning things I didn’t know. The best part is I’m able to teach my children history in a non-traditional format through art.”

This story was originally published in the Summer 2018 edition of RG Magazine.

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For a chance to win great prizes, complete the coloring pages and design your future house. Tear out the pages, add your name, age and telephone number before dropping them in a box at The Royal Gazette offices by May 15.

Created by Scribbles Art Shack

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Supplies:

• T-shirt or Towel (100% cotton)
• Liquid fabric dye
• Rubber Gloves – To protect your hands from the dye.
• Rubber bands or string to tie up the item you will be dyeing
• Squirt or Spray Bottles – used to apply dye.
• Long-Handles Utensil – An old spoon, B-B-Q tongs, etc. to stir the dye.
• Salt – Used with dye to help make darker colors more vibrant.
• Plastic Bag – Some dyes require the dyed item to sit in a plastic bag for approx. 24 hours.
• Newspaper and/or Plastic Garbage Bag – Used to protect your work area.
• Rags, Paper Towels, Cleanser – For quick cleanup.

Method:

1. Twist your t-shirt to make the spiral design: Start out by laying your shirt flat on your work surface. Using your fingers,carefully pinch the center of your shirt. Slowly start twisting your t-shirt so it ends up being a spiral.
2. Carefully wrap a couple rubber bands tightly around the outside of your t-shirt spiral. This will help it hold its shape while you are drying it.
3. Cover your work area so the dye doesn’t stain it.
4. Prepare your dye as directed by the manufacturer. You should carefully follow all instructions. While preparing the dye and dyeing your item, you should wear rubber gloves to protect your hands from staining and the hot water.
5. Start dyeing! It is usually best to start with the lightest color if you are using more than one color. Rinse or wait between colours.
6. Wash with cold water with like coloured items or alone to avoid bleeding.

Have fun!

This article was featured in the 2018 edition of the RG Kids Magazine.

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Art and culture

The St. George’s Foundation has a permanent exhibit of Bermuda landscape murals painted in the 1930’s by Emile Antoine Verpilleux for the Anderson family of Ford Motor Company.

These large paintings depict an era long ago and are not only of value as works of art, but are of historical and education interest.  These murals have been restored and are exhibited at The World Heritage Centre, St George. This exhibit will be ongoing until further notice. Opening hours will be from 10am until 4pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Admission is free, but donations are welcome. For more information, contact The World Heritage Centre on 297-5791.

Books

We’ve started a new review section on rgmags.com, with Robyn Bardgett our reader-in-chief.

So far she’s given The Music Shop, by Rachel Joyce, three out of five stars, and The Pictures, by Guy Bolton four out of five. Other titles worth a look include Munich, by Robert Harris, and The Last Black Unicorn, by Tiffany Haddish.

Read Robyn’s in-depth reviews here. All books are supplied by the Bermuda Bookstore.

Films

April isn’t always a great month for movie releases, but there are a couple due out that should be worth seeing. If not, you can always wait for May, when the latest Star Wars spin-off comes out.

Amy Schumer returns to the big screen as Renee Bennet in, I Feel Pretty (April 27). Schumer’s character is an ordinary woman who struggles with feelings of insecurity and inadequacy on a daily basis wakes from a fall believing she is suddenly the most beautiful and capable woman on the planet. With this newfound confidence she is empowered to live her life fearlessly and flawlessly, but what will happen when she realizes her appearance never changed?

For something a little more adult, Blockers (April 6) will give parents and their older children a laugh, although it will be awkward if you watch the film together. John Cena, of WWE fame, is one of a group of parents who discover their daughters have a pact to lose their virginity on prom night. Cue a one-night operation to stop the teens sealing the deal.

Things get better in May with the release of the latest Marvel installment as Avengers: Infinity War (May 4) hits the big screen, while the month ends with Solo: A Star Wars Story (May 25). Surely that should have been the other way around?

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Bermuda Food Tours

A new way for visitors to explore the island’s culinary delights, Bermuda Food Tours is a new way for small groups to eat, drink and explore Hamilton.  Local tour guides will take you to some of the city’s most interesting attractions and eateries. www.bermudafoodtour.com

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Her collection of 11 to 13 pieces of art for her Warwick Academy International Baccalaureate exam received incredible feedback and also earned her top marks – a six out of a possible seven.

“This has been a really productive year for me and has taught me so much,” Selaah said. “It’s shown me that I can use my talents to help other people. I feel like it’s also helped me to unveil my purpose in life, which is to give or offer people a new perspective through my talent.

“All this actually started out as a new year’s resolution – I know how people are always making them and not often sticking to them. I kind of fell victim to that in the past as well, but I knew I wanted to make 2017 different and set a big goal for myself. I’m so happy I followed through with it.

“I set my new year’s resolution to push myself further with my art and saved it as a screensaver on my phone, and reminded myself of it every day to stay focused.”

Selaah has been dabbling in the arts since she was a child. Then, while studying at Somersfield Academy in 2015, her interest in painting was taken to new heights. For a class assignment, she decided to create a mural of Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani activist and Nobel Prize laureate, on the walls of her school.

“I chose Malala as the face of my mural because she’s an educational activist and speaks of how education should be valued and not limited based on colour, gender, religion or economic status,” Selaah said.

“I wanted to make people more aware and introduce my perspective, so my way of approaching that was to tell a story through art, and it turned out well.”

Over the past year or two, Selaah’s art style has become more “free and lively”. She has also been exploring different ways to market her creations through social-media platforms such as Twitter and Instagram.

“For my IB programme, we had two years to create a collection of art to be presented in an exhibition,” the teenager said. “I started out with a theme of portraiture because I love painting faces. It’s something I have enjoyed since I was little.

“But then three-quarters of the way through my series, when I had only a few months left to go before my art exam was approaching the end, I decided my theme was too broad,” she said. “I felt like it wasn’t showing off my full potential. I believed I could still do better and I wanted it to be stronger and more of a reflection of myself and how I see things differently, so I decided to start over.”

Racing against the clock, the teenager put down her painting brush and instead picked up construction tools, including a finishing trowel, and painting knives. “By using unconventional instruments, it allowed me to vary the texture and change the way the paint was applied to the canvas,” she explained. “It gave each piece a different look and I feel that helped me to better express myself.

“It was also more fun for me and brought the works to life. They just existed differently and truly spoke to each individual I painted and their personality so much better.

“I received so much positive feedback from people about the meaning behind the work and the tools I used. This has motivated me to further develop my technique and style.”

Although a natural at art, Selaah in fact has her heart set on studying biology and sciences in university, starting in January. Her hope is to one day become a paediatrician. “Once I feel established in my medical career, I will start my own practice or at least I plan to,” the teenager said. “I hope to implement creative sides to the business as well and would love to one day create a series of art pieces for children at a hospital or doctor’s office.”

In the meantime, Selaah admits it has been rewarding to give back through art. “Some people get quite emotional when they see my work,” she said. “It’s something I never anticipated. Some people have cried. I have given a few of my pieces away as gifts and the feeling I get from giving, it’s incredible. It’s unmatched.”

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