Peeking Back, Smiling Forward |World Creole Music Festival| 2022 Wrap Up
The end and beginning, where one stops, we pick up and continue. A complete revolution around the sun. 2023 dawned upon WAA with abundance and benevolence. With the new year being deemed the ‘Year of the Artist’ (look out for posts on this topic), WAA has many exhilarating projects, exhibitions, and talents in store for members and the public. But perhaps we need a step back, a drink of your choice and a quiet spot to reflect on the end of 2022.
What if I told you that WAA was the first to have a fish on land? Not just any fish. One you could step into and feel like you were beneath the warm currents of our Caribbean waters. Well, it is true. When one of the most anticipated regional events (the World Creole Music Festival) came upon us, WAA was tasked with creating a piece for the VIP section. The theme was ‘Coastal Village’. And naturally, the creative minds of the Association came up with the idea of a life-sized sailfish.
The notion of the fish was developed once it was recognized that all the other booths were set to resemble the shore. Then we asked, what about beyond the shore? Beyond the hot sand’s reach, where you can get your toes wet. Under the water’s surface. So, the idea of underwater came very naturally. Immediately, ideas started to flow, and WAA took to the drawing boards. A sailfish, coral, towing jellyfish, and way more intricate elements such as sea animal cutouts and fishnets hanging from the inside of the fish. Separate teams were made, and we got to executing these bubbling ideas.
Over the span of four to five weeks, the various teams found the experience to be enlightening, and daunting but strengthening. With ideas and techniques bouncing off each other, WAA was an ant hill of cautious, determined tenants. Artists learned from each other who had experiences in different crafting skills. For instance, paper mache, sculpting, painting, binding, and woodwork. There was a strong sense of community and everyone on the project played a significant part in the success of creating the sailfish.
““I found it to be very different, I like the execution and the details of it. 10/10””
But why a sailfish? We could have done something really eccentric looking like a lionfish however, this is not native to our island, so the majestic sailfish was the thing to do something that brings balance to our water’s ecosystem not bringing destruction or harm.
The Ketch
(Image sourced from Associate Times)
And, of course, this came together quite wondrously with a tribute to the late Earl Etienne, a true legend. A moment needed to be taken to remember what an incredible artist Earl was and there was no better way to show that than through a sensational tribute to his artwork.
A lot of care went into creating such a magical and much-talked-about scenery. It took days and weeks to cut and paint out each scale to place on the fish. Every brush stroke had intent and thought, every nail and hammer fortifying and enhancing. This also brought us WAA members close together. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who aided in planning, building and assembling the sailfish and its components. The fruitful long hours spent together made us more of a family than ever, smiling, crying and of course, drinking coffee together.
Wishing you all a successful and peaceful New Year filled with love and light.
