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Three Inspiring Jamaican Female Artists

I returned home from Jamaica last Tuesday and I am still reflecting over the fabulous time that I had; the adventure, the laughs, the tears, the inspiration that ensued. I will spare the full nitty gritty and break it all down into a series of post-reflections, but today I want to highlight the lovely female artists I’ve had the pleasure of meeting in the rolling hills. These women inspire me to take my creative works to another level, tap into new genres of creative works even, be free, and also step up my sustainable efforts. These ladies are super talented and are not afraid of turning something ordinary into extraordinary!

Laura Facey is known for her Redemption Song Monument at Emancipation Park, Kingston and many other breathtakingly gorgeous wood works. She uses wood from trees that have previously fallen over. We had the honor of visiting Laura in her beautiful home, adorned in her own pieces of art. She redecorates her home specific to her moods. I can totally relate to that. To me, the home is your happy place. You spend most of your time there, so your home should always give off comforting and inspiring vibes. This is why I’m always trying to paint something, swap linens, or seek new trinkets and art. I was even more inspired when Lauren mentioned her work schedule. From 8AM-4PM, she works in her art studio even if she has no idea where she is going with a project or what she will work on next. The best thing you can do is show up. I’m hearing that loud and clear lately. Once Laura gets going on a project, she pours into it without breaks. I am so guilty of this! Since my creativity flourishes during the night, I work, work, work through the wee hours until sunrise. Greg is always getting on me. He says I never know when to call it a night. Well, what can I do? It’s what makes me… me.

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Tukula Ntama specializes in drawings, paintings, mosaics, herbal skin products, and whatever her soul desires. She came to spend some time with us. *points to self* Yes us! She joined us for Akilah’s Live Your Grain session and showed us some of her beautiful art. She laid out gorgeous dyed fabrics (I must have one), painted rocks, herbal teas, seasonings, paper that she had made herself, and other articles that she painted. Seriously, what doesn’t this woman do? Sometimes I get trapped in a state of “normal” thinking. Tukula inspired me to see the potential in the ordinary and make it pretty. My pretty. I admired Tukula’s pleasant, calm, spirit. I wish I had gotten more time to soak in Tukula’s energy… with a clearer mind. A who?, what?, when?, why?, seriously?, aha!, wow! grenade had exploded in my brain before and after the workshop. Could not compute.

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Nancy Burke a.k.a. INANSI also spent a day with us. *points to self* Us! I adored Nancy’s contagious laugh and her matter-of-fact, chill personality. She’s quite the fashionista too. She has a growing collection of “She-Rocks” and “He-Rocks”, in which she paints realistic faces on river stones, which are then photographed and printed on canvas. She brought a book of her prints for us to marvel in. And she also brought some of everything else too, lol: masks, wall hangings, jewelry, painted signs. It was like she was unloading a clown car! Ha! She collects any and everything that she may be able to turn into art: bottle caps, sea shells, you name it! And now that I have been in Nancy’s presence, I just may start hoarding odds and ends! #didyouknow Nancy shared a close friendship with Bob Marley? *pause* Seriously!? OH. EM. GEE.

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The creativity and outlook on life that these women possess scream inspiration all up and through (can’t shake the phrase, ‘Kilah) and I am so grateful for meeting them during this phase in my life. So, so grateful.

This post is part of Hallmark’s Life Is A Special Occasion campaign. Hallmark is compensating me for my participation in this campaign that aligns SO well with my life. These ladies deserved a feature on my blog and I am so happy that I could feature them alongside this campaign! Read my full disclosure policy here and catch up on any posts you may have missed here. Oh and click this link right here and Hallmark will deliver some inspiration to your inbox! Come on subscribe, I want Hallmark to keep me around for next year’s campaign ’cause I love it so much :).

Hallmark Life Is a Special Occasion

INANSI

Wednesday 8th of February 2012

Hi Sheena - I'm just seeing this lovely blog about me!! and Tukula and Laura! Very nice girlfriend! When are you all coming back to Bromley? I spent last weekend there and we are Hashing (hiking) in Walkers Wood this Sunday..........always good to be back. Also spent Monday celebrating Bob's 67th birthday at the Bob Marley Museum etc..........its Reggae Month in Kingston - all good..... Hope all is well with all you great women. Talk about inspiring! onelove Inansi

kim

Sunday 8th of September 2013

Hello, my name is Kim Pryor. I'm trying to connect with Inansi, to learn more about my uncle, Tom Baker. I have a lovely letter she wrote to my grandparents shortly after his death; they also spoke of her often. I'd like to connect with her if she is willing. Please contact me if you see this message. Thanks!

traceykinohio

Tuesday 4th of October 2011

What a wonderful post - I'm so glad I stumbled on. I love meeting creative people - they make me feel like I can conquer the world! And what remarkable women these are. They make me wanna create! Lol. You were blessed to meet them. :-)

Execumama

Monday 3rd of October 2011

They were all so very inspiring to me too, Sheena! I wrote like a madwoman, and I'm still reeling with excitement and gratitude to have been in their spaces and learned from their gifts.

mich pendergrass

Friday 16th of September 2011

Oh man!! I wish I could've been there with you!!! You must be bursting with Creativity!!!!

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