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

The post 5 young Bermudians to keep on your radar appeared first on RG Magazines.

US fine arts photographer and New York Times bestselling author, Gray Malin has been under fire on social media for his latest photography collection.

The subject? Our island home, Bermuda.

So what’s this drama about, you ask?

The famed photographer presented his images (that are now on sale), on his platforms with the caption “see how I captured timeless moments and the unique traditions of this small slice of paradise”.

There are two phrases to make note of here: “timeless moments” and “unique traditions”. However, what’s been captured through Mr Malin’s lens are images that represent a time in Bermudian history that many wish to forget and unfortunately does not highlight our traditions.

“While I was in college, I visited a friend who grew up in Bermuda. Ever since, I have aspired to create a photography series with the island as my muse,” he said in an interview with Domino Magazine.

“There is something unique about Bermuda, as its rich history draws influence from British, American, and African cultures. I wanted to create something that celebrates it as well as captures it in a timeless fashion.”

Although the photos capture an essence of the island’s beauty while being shot at locations such as Tucker’s Town, Horseshoe Bay and Coral Beach, there still seems to be one thing missing — diversity.

The series takes a 1950’s style angle with a retro aesthetic which is nothing new for the photographer, but this time locals from his subject country of choice are calling his work “white washed” and a “fantasy of segregation” stating that his work is not a reflection of the Bermuda we know and love. He also described it to The Royal Gazette as showcasing “the lux, yet laid-back atmosphere”.

The folks on #BermudaTwitter are not buying it:

So @GrayMalin is getting the Jillionaire treatment for his segregationist fantasy of Bermuda, right?

— Carly (@stfucarly) January 31, 2019

Yah, @GrayMalin just blocked me on IG and erased this comment re: his Bermuda series being the visual embodiment of that meme “Why do so many people romanticize the 1950’s; Calm down we still have milkshakes and racism”: pic.twitter.com/8WioSzCgmN

— A D A H L I A • C O L E (@MissAdahlia) January 30, 2019

…and other local influencers such as stylist Shiona Turini have been expressing disdain on Instagram.

Does the lack of melanin depicted in this 2019 series show us what the reality was back in those trying times or is it simply Gray Malin’s reality?

You decide.

The post Bermuda through the lens of photographer Gray Malin appeared first on RG Magazines.

I have never kayaked in Bermuda, so I wanted to do so and learn a bit more about my home from a tourist perspective. We began by departing from Dockyard starting with a boat ride to our official departure location which was Ely’s Harbour. During the off season a mini bus is normally provided to avoid the refreshing splashes from the waves against the boat. Our tour guides were Ashley, Adrian and Josh all very knowledgeable and friendly individuals.

A quick stop to the northern point of the Bermuda Triangle, locally known as The Vixen, a boat which was once upon a time filled with prisoners who were later put to work. Currently the Vixen provides a lovely residence for greedy tenants that know to expect food when boats arrive to the area. Although the temptation to throw over a line comes to mind, fishing is not allowed.

Once we arrived at Ely’s Harbour I could not get my bearing’s from this perspective. I was completely turned around yet amazed by the landscape surrounding the harbour. The wind was not in my favor on this day however I was completely fine being left behind by the group! I wanted to give up, but instead I made more of an effort to catch up and hear interesting facts about Bermuda.

Here’s a fun fact: Thousands of the very tiny insects called the lady bird beetle, commonly known as the lady bug were brought to Bermuda to destroy the cedar scale insects that was killing the cedar trees. Unfortunately, this was unsuccessful, and a high number of cedar trees died.

We paddled our way around the harbour, passing a well-kept dwelling on a private island fixed with anything you could possibly ask for. Straight ahead we made our way to the mangroves where turtles come to enjoy a fresh meal of sea grass. Not many were spotted on this day but in the warmer months more are known to visit the area.

Here’s another fun fact: It was once said that turtle eggs where brought to Bermuda from Puerto Rico with hopes to have more live in Bermuda waters. Unfortunately, this too was unsuccessful as once the eggs hatched the turtles made their way back to Puerto Rico. While on a roll with unsuccessful experiments, Bermuda’s weather temperatures were not taken into consideration as it only assisted in producing male turtles. The temperatures in Puerto Rico produce an even number of males and females.

While I tried to keep up with the group I was still fighting my hardest to avoid trees and rocks. I had no choice but to laugh at how pathetic my kayaking skills were! However, I quickly realized that I should have been stirring the kayak and not paddling my little heart out as the wind was now working in my favor!

Note to remember: When you change direction, the wind will make life a bit easier just be mindful of how you use your paddle.

Nevertheless, the tour guides found me amusing and we shared a moment in laughter as we made our way to the last stop called the Elephant Rock. I was able to see right away the reason behind the name as I saw a cluster of elephant heads in the rock formation. It was a two for one special as the opposite side of the rock formation showcased a cathedral. Pretty fascinating how the elements create such artistic formations.

We were on the home stretch and the sun was beginning to be a tad bit aggressive on my skin. Thankfully, we were given a moment to take a swim and cool down after an awesome upper body work out — quite refreshing if I do say so myself!

It was all aboard as we made our way back to Dockyard while consuming a complimentary glass of Rum Swizzle! While feeling like a tourist for three hours I was intrigued, learning new and refreshing information about Bermuda. Would I do it all again? Absolutely, only this time I’ll bring someone else to paddle me around.

* To book a kayaking adventure, simply log on to www.islandtourcentre.com and follow the instructions online. With a simple click, you can be scheduled for a tour in no time. Once the desired date is confirmed, print out your e-ticket for easy reference and arrive 15 minutes prior to the departure time as suggested. By doing so this provides enough time to check-in and sign any necessary waivers.

Deanna Williams – DWPerception is a landscape, architecture, portrait and fashion photographer, who thrives on fresh ideas and collaborative opportunities. Here’s the world from her perspective: www.dwperception.com

The post Gone with the wind appeared first on RG Magazines.