My third feature is of Saint Lucia and the Caribbean premiere artist-Jonathan Guy Gladding. He is considered one of Saint Lucia´s very own; in fact, some of the people of Laborie (where he also lives) refer to him as “shabine,” (creole name for people of fair/light skin) because he is a true son of the soil. Jonathan Guy Gladding is an American artist who has been capturing the true essence and beauty of the Saint Lucian people and culture with his beautiful paintings. His paintings tell a powerful story of our uniqueness and who we are as a people, and although he is not a native, he has called Saint Lucia home for the past twelve years, and we have welcomed and embraced him with open arms. I believe that he is a great role model and outstanding individual, not only for aspiring artists, but to us all. It was a wonderful honor to interview him and learn more about his work.

 

 

Lovee: Hi Jonathan, Thank you for taking the time to speak with me…

 

Jon: I’m happy you asked, thank you! (Smiles)

 

Lovee: My pleasure (Smiles). As you know, I am one of your biggest fans, and I’m also happy to have had you designed the front and back covers for my book A Girl Like Me, so I am honored to learn more about you and introduce others to your fascinating work.

 

Jon: (Smiles)Thank you, it was really my pleasure to work with you on your book. You have a great story to tell and so many important things to say. I’m honored that I could be a small part of your project. People will love this book.

 

Lovee: Thank you. I sure hope so (Smile). Before I proceed, I have to say congratulations on recently having your work on exhibition by the Nobel Laureate committee where you celebrated a decade of painting…WOW! How did it feel to recieve such tribute/recognition?

 

Jon: Thank you. Feeling appreciated is the best reward you can have for your work.  As an artist, 99% of the time you’re working in solitude, not knowing what people will think of what you are doing or if anyone cares at all.  So those occasional moments in the sun mean so much. And when there’s some special acknowledgement made by the community that has been the subject of my painting the feeling is humbling.

 

Lovee: I am very happy that they gave you that small tribute and celebrated your wonderful paintings. Ok, so it has been more than a decade since you´ve been living in Saint Lucia. What brought you to our Island, and why did you stay?

 

Jon: Yes, in July it will be thirteen years.  I volunteered for the Peace Corps and had the good luck to be sent to Saint Lucia.  While serving as a Peace Corps volunteer, I started painting again to pass the time.  I discovered I had a special feel for the subject matter.  I loved the warmth and openness of the people in Laborie, and the feeling that I was part of a community.  It’s harder and harder to get that feeling these days but it’s important.  It’s good to feel that you’re a part of a place, and that was a gift that I didn’t want to give up.

 

 

Lovee: Definitely, it is one of the great benefits of being from an island. That sense of community and belonging. Happy you can feel that too, even as a foreigner.

 

Jon: Oh yes…(smile)

 

Lovee: You are able to capture the true essence of our people and culture in a way that can move one to tears (literally). I´ve always marveled at how you are able to paint every finite detail, like the skin tones, hair styles, expressions, and gesticulations—every minute detail! (laughs) What are you trying to convey with/in every painting?

 

Jon:  Thank you.  (smiles) I think it’s the details that are so interesting.  Often when we speak to someone or look at something we fixate on one little detail and it is those details that we remember, consciously or subconsciously.  How does the expression go- God is in the details. And the details always tell a story. I want those little details I paint to ring true, both to people who can relate to the Caribbean specifically, and also to people that are just relating to the commonalities of the human experience— childhood, age, friendship, schooldays, play, etc.And painting them is really just a matter of careful examination, patience, and a certain facility with your medium.

 

 

Lovee: WOW…I love that line…”God is in the details.” He sure is. How do you decide on what to paint? Is it from your own inspiration?

 

Jon: (laughs) I love how you are all about details too. (Smiles). As for what to paint and inspiration, I try to always walk with a digital camera. When I see something that hits me, both visually and emotionally, I snap away.  Later I go through those pictures and decide which will work well for a painting.  Sometimes I’ll have an idea and will look for what I want.  Once in a while someone will give me a good idea, like once when you suggested to me a painting of children climbing a tree picking fruit.  In that case I was lucky to see just that scene a week or so later so I took pictures and did three paintings on the subject. Most of the time I just try to keep my eyes open and have a camera at the ready.

 

Lovee: Thank you for taking up my suggestion. That was a beautiful painting. I can still remember when I came across your work for the first time about four years ago; I was moved to tears reminiscing on my childhood days and all the wonderful memories. Your paintings took me back to a wonderful time in my life, which I´ve written about in my book. Others have expressed the same sentiments. What inspires your subject or theme of paintings?

 

Jon:  Maybe some of the same impulses you have that inspire you to write. We have stories we want to tell and use the means we are given. I want to tell stories about the beauty in life.  Often simple things but worthy things, in my opinion.  Seeing images of childhood can stir a lot of emotions.  We’re reminded of when we were children, the fun we had, the lessons learned and we wonder when it stopped and does it have to stop.  Sometimes I’m just inspired by the sunlight that bounces off a shirt collar and then illuminates a child’s cheek.  Sometimes it’s the beauty of a landscape, or an old house.

 

Lovee:  That´s beautiful. (Smiles) Your words are definitely resonating with me. I love this “the beauty in life, often the simple things, but worthy things.” Indeed! (Smiles) You remained loyal to the same subject matter throughout. Is there any special reason for this?

 

Jon: (Smiles) Thank you. Again, attention to details. (Laughs). As for the subject matter, well it’s a good subject matter and I think like anything else it takes practice and continued focus to get better.  When you start to become known for a particular genre you do run the risk of getting pigeonholed, both by others and by yourself.  So maybe it’s good to sometimes step out of your comfort zone, as you always say (smiles).

 

Lovee: (laughs) Happy to know that you´ve been listening. Some of your most popular paintings are those of children in traditional wear celebrating our traditions at Jounen Kweyol and La Marguerite Festivals, why is this subject especially important for you to paint?

 

Jon:  The kwéyol subject fascinates me. You had two cultures– African and European, brought together under the most unpleasant and ugly circumstances, yet such a vibrant, beautiful culture was formed that lives on hundreds of years later.  Amazing!

 

 

Lovee: You said it right! Amazing indeed! (smiles) With these traditional paintings, you are able to tell such a powerful story about who we are as a people, our uniqueness, beauty and sense of pride. It just makes one feel so proud to be a Saint Lucian and appreciate who we are as a people. Is that something that you also want to help foster with your paintings?

 

Jon:  Ohh…. thank you.  That’s such a wonderful compliment and yes, that’s the message I want to convey. You all have a lot to take pride in.

 

Lovee:  Thank you. One of my favorite is the “standpipe” painting, which is also the favorite of many. I think it is something that probably every Saint Lucian has experienced, so it really resonates with them. It is such paintings that make your work so special and popular with the Saint Lucian people. Which is your favorite painting?

 

Jon:  Standpipe is definitely one of my favorites.  Someone once e-mailed me and said it was iconic of the Caribbean.  And I like the light in it too.  “Pon Lepotek “is another favorite that shows the typical informal activity in a Caribbean neighborhood illuminated by late afternoon sunlight.  Assembly is another.  It’s a lineup of children before class in the morning and each individual face tells a story.  There are many other favorites of mine.

 

 

Lovee: You are an American, but you also consider Laborie (Saint Lucia) to be your home. Why Laborie? What is it about Laborie that makes it so special for you?

 

Jon:  Well, Laborie was where I was sent when I joined the Peace Corps, and I was lucky because it’s a very special place.  There is so much community spirit and pride and culture and tradition.  And it’s a wonderful feeling to walk down the street and exchange greetings with friends and neighbors and hear children call out Mis-ta Jo-na-fun! (laughs) I don’t get that sort of thing in the states.

 

 

Lovee: hahahaha @ Mis-ta Jo-na-fun! (laughs) You got the dialect down! But you´re so right, that is what most Saint Lucians who live abroad misses—that sense of community spirit, where people know you by your name. (Smiles) You´ve been going to Saint Lucia for more than ten years, things change, but your subject remains the same. Do you ever get uninspired of painting the same subject matter?

 

Jon:  Oh yes. Ten, twelve years is a long time to paint the same subject in sometimes I think maybe I’ve painted enough of these pictures and taken enough photos but then I get inspired again, sometimes because of the encouragement I get from the subject matter itself, sometimes it´s viewers who are nice enough to tell me that what I’ve done touched them in some way.

 

Lovee: I tell people all the time, we inspire each other, so thank God for the people who speak out and tell you how much your work has touched them. We all need that form of encouragement and feedback to continue to be inspired and motivated.

 

Jon: Most definitely, without my viewers/fans appreciation for the subject, I probably would have lost inspiration in the subject matter.

 

Lovee: I know that to work in the Creative Arts Industry one has to love it, because it´s not a field one enters to get rich. It´s not a field that one can succeed in without being passionate and loving what they do, and of course one has to be committed. What keeps you inspired to keep painting, and keep being an artist?

 

Jon: If you can earn a living, it’s a wonderful thing.  Doing what you love and also what has meaning to others, being your own boss and having the freedom to work when and how you want– that is a dream come true whether you make piles of money or not.  And I think people who are inherently creative just have a natural desire or a need really, to always be making something. And you always want to keep trying to make that perfect painting. Often the satisfaction of making something is a reward in itself.

 

Lovee: Well said, it´s what fuels us and keeps us going. I can definitely relate to that. There aren´t many people who are able to be an Artist full time. You have been able to achieve that for many years, even in some of the toughest Economic times. Is it a major sacrifice?

 

Jon: It takes discipline and a little nerve, because no one is giving you a paycheck every two weeks, paying your health insurance, or telling you what to work on. When I was contemplating painting full-time twelve years ago I tried to imagine how many paintings I could realistically sell per month or year and I just didn’t see how I would be able to make ends meet, but I was determined to try and I was pleasantly surprised. Sometimes the biggest thing is just taking that leap.

 

Lovee: (Laughs) you know what´s coming right?

 

Jon: oh oh, what?

 

Lovee: I´m going to quote you again…(laughs) I love that, “sometimes the biggest thing is just taking the leap.” Oh yes, it is! I talk about that in my book also (smiles)

 

Jon: (laughs) Love your enthusiasm, reason why I know people will love your book. (Smiles)

 

Lovee: Thank you (Smiles)

 

Lovee: I know that your work is being sold in galleries all over the Caribbean, and you´ve visited many of the other islands. Why did you decide to keep your subject matter Saint Lucia?

 

 

Jon: I’m sure there are other places that are special like Laborie that would inspire a lot of good paintings, but I have to feel very familiar and comfortable in a place to take the kind of photos I need for my paintings. In Laborie, I feel at home and hopefully most people realize by now what I’m up to and don’t mind me painting them or their village.

 

Lovee: Oh, I’m sure they see you as one of their own. What is your favorite thing to paint and why?

 

Jon:  Probably children in kwéyòl costume.  The faces are beautiful, the colors are vibrant and the subject tells the story of traditions continuing to be passed down from one generation to the next and the pride a care that is taken in making their children sparkle like gems.  There are now children I’m painting whose parents I painted when they were children.

 

 

Lovee: What do you love the most about what you do?

 

Jon:  I really enjoy looking at paintings and I love that I’m making the kind of paintings I’d like to see but really hadn’t seen much of.  And whenever I discover that someone else likes the kind of paintings that do– it’s a great feeling.

 

Lovee: What do you think about the Creative Arts Industry in Saint Lucia and the Caribbean? Do you think that there is a great appreciation for Art?

 

Jon:  A lot of people feel that art isn’t given enough support by St. Lucia’s government and other institutions and I’d have to agree.  For example, so many years M&C had a wonderful fine arts exhibition and awards program.  It was an important annual event for artists to showcase their work and receive recognition. M&C turned it over to the government to take it over several years ago and they just seemed to let it fizzle out.  I guess they rolled it into a general “Arts” program which is really sad.  Fine art deserves its own stage and it feels like that stage was taken away.  But personally I’ve received a lot of support and appreciation by ordinary St. Lucians.  They may not know a lot about art or have had much exposure to it but when they see something that celebrates them and their culture they embrace it wholeheartedly.

 

Lovee: That seems to be the general consensus about the Fine Arts, I hope the powers that be are listening. How would you like to see it improve?

 

Jon:  I’d like to see the M&C Fine Arts show brought back to the way it was.  More support for it in schools.  Opportunities for artists in terms of public projects and commissions. The Tourist Board could include St. Lucia’s art and artists in promoting the island.

 

Lovee: That´s definitely something the Tourist Board should consider. Your paintings are a true reflection of the beauty of our country, especially the Piton paintings. Breathtaking!

 

Jon: Well, thank you (Smiles)

 

Lovee: I know that you´ve taught art at the local primary schools in Library. How have your students responded to it?

 

Jon:  They love it.  They ask me all the time when are we having art class again, but there is not always time for it in the curriculum I guess.

 

 

Lovee: Do you think there should be Art programs in schools?

 

Jon: Definitely. People are gifted in different ways: academically, musically, athletically, artistically. It’s important for everyone to have a chance to shine and develop their particular gifts.

 

Lovee: I hope we embrace that one day,  that not every child is gifted academically, and we need to accommodate for the needs of all children, not just artistically and musically, but special needs children also.

Jon: Oh yes…

 

Lovee: What advice would you give to anyone pursuing a career as an artist?

 

Jon: Take it seriously and have a good work ethic.  Don’t always look for the fast buck.  A lot of artists get stuck painting things that they can sell quickly which necessarily would mean cheaply, so they don’t spend the time on a piece that would allow them to push themselves and reach their potential.  And don’t overprice your art, especially when you’re starting out.  Every time you do a painting you’re getting more practice so look at selling a painting as someone paying you to practice.

 

Lovee: Great advise. Ok, so let´s test a little bit of how Saint Lucian you really are…(laughs)…

 

Jon:  (laughs) Jann Sent Lisi?  Mwen mem?  Lol.

 

Lovee: hahaha…mwen mem! (laughs)

 

Jon: (laughs)

 

 

Lovee: What is your favorite local calypso song? And can you sing me two lines?

 

Jon: The best one in recent years- no question- Suzette by Herb Black.  The Laborie Steel Pan Group also do a really rousing rendition of it.  I’m partial to a lot of the calypsos from the first couple years that I was in St. Lucia, songs like This Woman Vex, Lajan, Bianca, Manifesto Jam, etc.  Yes, I can. But not very well. Lol.

 

Lovee: (laughs) you sure are well informed, I can´t even remember some of those songs…What is one of our favorite Saint Lucian expressions?

 

Jon:   Waaaaaaaaaaaaaay misiay!

Di mama-ou mwen di howdee—tell your mother i say howdy.

pojab

What are yours?

 

Lovee: (laughs) I can´t say! (laughs)

 

Jon: Oh, (laughs) I know–it´s the “S” word? (laughs)

 

Lovee: (laughs) my lips are sealed! (laughs)

 

Jon: (laughs)

 

Lovee: How is your patois skills? (laughs)

 

Jon: Well, I can’t think in kwéyòl, so conversationally I can get myself into trouble.  I have to translate everything in my head and by the time I do that there are two sentences ahead so I end up taking a chance and saying “wi” or I change the subject so I can use a sentence I’m capable of saying. (laughs)

 

Lovee: (smiles) it is definitely not an easy language. What is your favorite patois word?

 

Jon:  meg- short and neat are so different from English.

 

Lovee: I know that you are involved in volunteer work outside of painting. Tell me more about that.

 

Jon:  Well I’m part of an environmental organization in Laborie called ECHOLAB.  This Earth Day will mark 20 years for the group.  The members are ordinary Laborians–teachers, etc. who give of their time and energy  preserve Laborie’s natural beauty, spread awareness and understanding  of environmental issues, and we also initiate a lot of cultural projects. I still occasionally give workshops and hold art competitions in the local schools.

 

Lovee: That´s great. How have Saint Lucia and its people changed your life?

 

Jon: Well they’ve given me the best subject matter that an artist could ask for.  I think the friendly, outgoing nature of St. Lucians has been a good influence on me too.  I’m shy and reserved by nature and St. Lucians are so warm and gregarious and that’s helped to provide a good balance for me.

 

 

Lovee: (Smiles) Will Saint Lucia always be your home? Will you keep painting and returning?

 

Jon: I think so. It would be hard to imagine otherwise. Maybe not my full-time home but a place I will continually come back to.  I may paint other things but this will always be special.

 

Lovee:  I hope you keep coming back. We are happy to have you (Smile)

 

Jon: Thank you (Smile)

 

Lovee: As an Artist, what do you want your legacy to be?

 

Jon: I’d like my paintings to preserve a time and way of life that may become lost. With development a lot of good things come along but a lot of good things can also be lost so I want to paint the things that although may be simple, are beautiful and worth remembering and preserving.  I’d like the paintings to be little time capsules, and hopefully by putting a focus on the everyday things that we take for granted we will consider what we have and be less apt to take these things for granted.

 

Lovee: Beautiful! I can tell you that you are already creating that legacy with your paintings. I know that your legacy will live on forever with the Saint Lucian people, and will always be a part of us and our culture. You are preserving our history and culture in a way no one has, and it is something that will be appreciated and useful for generations to come. On behalf of the Saint Lucian people who I know is grateful and humbled by your work and all that you do, I say THANK YOU! We hope you continue to make Saint Lucia your home, and you continue to showcase us with such beauty and flare.

 

Jon: That’s one of the nicest things I’ve ever heard.  Thank you so much.

 

Lovee: You´re welcome. For more information about Jonathan and his work, log on to www.jagartist.com