SAINT Lucian artist Rufus Darcie launches his newest series of works titled “TRADISION-NOU”, to art lovers, young children and the general public this coming Wednesday from 1:00 – 6:00 p.m at the Inner Gallery Building, Bois d’Orange. The show features thirty paintings and tells a story of the islands history, past and present.
Rufus Darcie was born on October 23, 1968. He discovered his love for art as a child, and started painting from primary school. Darcie is self taught, driven by his pure love of art, hard work and determination. He remembers studying the works of other top Saint Lucian artists to develop his style, first at Artsibit Gallery, and then also by watching and painting with other more talented artists. His brush technique Darcie attributes to a two week workshop, under the supervision of our well known, St. Lucian artist Cedric George.
Darcie has won several highly commended awards for art in St. Lucia including the Top prize in the 2000 MNC Fine Arts and Project Helen – The Saint Lucia Nation Trust Collection. His first solo show was at the Castries Town Hall in 1996, after which he exhibited at the Castries Library. He has also taken part in exhibitions both regionally and internationally.
For those who cannot join Darcie during this special opening house event, the art exhibition runs to December 31 from 8.30 a.m to 4.30 p.m, Monday to Friday, where Darcie is resident as an artist. He is excited to share his work and experiences and looks forward to also being able to help young individuals who are interested in painting to develop their skills.
This body of work titled “Tradision-Nou” which means our culture in the Creole dialect celebrates Darcie’s return to painting. “Through life one has difficulties, and over the past few years, I drifted into other occupations abandoning my true love and painted infrequently.
“About a year ago, I visited celebrated artist’s Jonathan Gladding’s Solo Art Exhibition and became inspired to follow again my true calling. The result is this collection of paintings that showcase our country Saint Lucia, its present, and past life of how things were before, such as shingle houses and home gardens. I wanted to put on canvas these images so as to evoke memories to you the viewer”.
Darcie said he loves to work in realism but was moved to add some abstract imagery and even hints of pointillism in some of my works.
He said: “The Heavenly Father has gifted each and every one of us. Art is the deepest part of my life. He lives in me and I live in Him. I will always send my petitions to the Lord before my work, as he has given us so many gifts to thank him for. I want art to be my future, my biggest work of my lifetime. I want to continue to grow as an artist, to push my boundaries with each painting, and to bring more awareness of my works to Saint Lucians both locally and abroad. I also want to give back to others what I have learnt by sharing. When creating art, my mind is at peace and all becomes clearer”.