Artist Statement

In this modern age, Western influences have been allowed to overshadow individual expressions of culture and identity. While some nations have recorded their folklore, meticulous preservation is hardly the case for small-island states. In my home country of Trinidad and Tobago, we rely on the oral-tradition, though many of these stories are fading from our collective memory. My childhood was richly embellished by tales of mythical characters but today’s children and even some of my peers have been deprived of that experience.

My show explores this folklore through five characters who are unified in their portrayal as protectors of my heritage. The perspective gained by physical distance inspired me and fulfilled my need to stay connected. The cast of Papa Bois, Mama Dlo, Soucouyant, La Diablesse, and Douens beckons the viewer to suspend reality, transcend borders, and broaden horizons. Folklore of Trinidad and Tobago engagingly bestows permanence on my cultural memory. It is a gift to my family and future generations, hearkening to a simpler time when the day’s end consisted of a family sitting by lamplight to hear the stories of the ancestors. This series utilizes a variety of traditional metalsmithing techniques such as enameling, knitting, and forming to convey the unique personalities of each character. My decisions were informed by descriptions of the characters found in Folklore & Legends of Trinidad and Tobago by Gerard A. Besson. The functionality of these objects forges a connection with the wearer as they become imbued with the defining traits of these mythical beings, personalizing the experience.