Art Affects

This podcast episode is sponsored by The Catapult Caribbean Artist Showcase Grant. made possible by the American Friends of Jamaica, Fresh Milk Barbados, and Kingdom Creative. Thank you   is your neighborhood vibe dealer, who uses music as a medium to invigorate his listeners emotions through a fusion of introspective lyrics & soulful sounds. Buzby has cemented himself as a reputable architect within Bermuda’s creative culture, making music for roughly 10 years now. In 2013, he was awarded the Capital G Inspiration Scholarship for artistically talented students. Since then, he has released calculated singles that have been featured in Bermuda’s Top 100 (via Streaming platforms) & has received over 100,000 plays on SoundCloud from all walks of life.   He is influenced by musical icons such as OutKast, Anita Baker, Bob Marley, Jay-Z & Sade.    2021 looks to be an impactful year for Buzby as he has released his debut EP “What You Failed to Observe”, available  December 2020.   You can listen to his music here: https://lnk.to/WhatYouFailedtoObserve   You can connect with him here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buildinthebuzz/?hl=ur Twitter: https://twitter.com/buildinthebuzz

This podcast episode is sponsored by The Catapult Caribbean Artist Showcase Grant. made possible by the American Friends of Jamaica, Fresh Milk Barbados, and Kingdom Creative. Thank you  NealJhay a native artist of Bermuda, has embraced the artistic passion which is his drive to continue his art journey. NealJhay always carried a notebook and pencil case around with him, just in case an idea sparked in his head. After watching so many cartoons and drawing them, tracing them, he branched out to creating his own characters and even naming them. As he went through middle school and high school, his passion for art and creating grew. He attended Bermuda College, graduating with an Associates in Art and Design then continued his journey to Savannah College of Art And Design.   Due to unfortunate circumstances, he was unable to complete my studies, causing him to return back to Bermuda. “It was a bitter way for me to return to back home. As devastated as I was, I had to keep it pushing and find new avenues to venture through life!” NealJhay was able to pick up his art when he returned which led him to the Charman Prize Art Competition, hosted by Masterworks.   Masterworks awarded him the chance to feature his artwork in Homer’s Cafe which was the beginning of his art journey. This was the birth of his first showcase “Abstractuality.”    “The amount of love and support I received from the Charman Prize and Abstractuality was enough to keep my motivation going.” The second showcase “Tra Si Efil” which is “Art Is Life” backwards was a collaborative showcase that featured 5 other local artists.  After hosting two successful showcases, NealJhay continued to create and put a twists on his solo showcases by including models and presenting them to the crowd. “I wanted to showcase my art a little bit different from the usual ‘on the wall, come look at me’ presentation.” The showcases have been well received by the public and continuously grows. “Naked Canvas, Archipelago, No Name No Title were mind-blowing to my friends, family, continued supporters and new supporters.” Daybreak, the most recent showcase which took place on October 4th, was a showcase that shifted his artwork and showcases to a whole new level. “To see people not only accept my presentation, but to see audience members smiling hard, proud of me, crying tears of joy or even relating to the theme was humbling.” After closing Daybreak, NealJhay’s mind has been working towards the next showcase and near future plans, including branding. “While I continue on this journey, I will keep experiencing and expressing my emotions into my art, the good and bad. This is not only for me, but for the ones I love and aspiring creatives looking to start their creative journey.” If you would like to connect with NealJhay you can find him on Instagram at www.instagram.com/nealjhaytheartist 

This Episode is sponsored by The Caribbean Artist showcase Grant with The American Friends of Jamaica and Fresh Milk Barbados Partnership!   Rochelle Minors is a Bermudian designer. She has been Designing since the age of 7 with paper dolls. She Started sewing lessons at 10 years old. And subsequently Went to Bermuda College and studied Art and Design in 2009. After graduating, she  Moved to London in 2010  to pursue Fashion. From there she Received BA in Hons with Distinction in Fashion Design. During her time in University she Worked for designers such as Lulu Liu, Mother of Pearl, Zandra Rhodes, and Net-a-porter.   She launched  Rochelle Nicole, her fashion label  in 2014 after graduation. Her collection was  Featured at Graduate Fashion Week in London and Bermuda Fashion Festival. The Windows Collection was featured in Nylon Magazine Online, Essence Magazine Online and press  in Bermuda. She continued developing her line in the uk for 4 years and then returned to Bermuda in 2018. It was this move that inspired her Relaunch of Rochelle Nicole.   Her brand debuted the Swirl Collection at Bermuda Fashion Festival Local Designer Show. She wont top prize and was able to  showcase her collection at New York Fashion Week (FGNY). She continued with this trajectory and was Featured in RG Magazine and on the Cover of West Jet Magazine. In 2019 she also secured Store Collaborations with Orange Bay.   This year in 2020 , she Won Best of Bermuda Award - in the Local Clothing Designer Category. The corona virus pandemic called for the designing of masks. So she answered the call and created a line of masks She Partnered with Brown and Co., and they carry her masks as merchandise on island.  Rochelle is committed and dedicated to her purpose in fashion. With faith she has been able to manifest abundance and continues to create.  She is Currently in progress of creating her SS21 Collection.    If you would like to connect with Rochelle, You can find her online at www.Rochellenicole.co.uk

Brixx is a Bermudian songstress, song writer, and recording artist. Around the age of 7, Brixx began singing in her living room, and at family gatherings. The first time Brixx performed live on a stage was at age 13. She was a shy performer and lacked confidence in her ability, so she stopped pursing music to study Business Administration at the University of North Carolina. After graduating university, she realized that the business world wasn’t her passion, and began to pursue her music career in Bermuda.    A few short years later, Brixx has opened for acts like Koffee and Monica.  She has performed for musical icons Keri Hilton and Anthony Hamilton.  Recently, Brixx released a song in the European market which has garnered over 400k views on Youtube. Brixx is passionate about the music industry in Bermuda, and inspiring the next generation of artists, therefore she started the Bermudian cypher series “The Foundation” which showcases local recording artists. She recently Launched Bermudian Quizine, which are a taste of comedic relief. She and her partner seek out the best of the best in culinary foods and beverages that the island of Bermuda has to offer, and guess where the food has come from. Brizz is super talented and is using her voice to add spice to the entertainment scene in Bermuda. If you would like to connect with Brixx, you can find her on youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClSKGqutP0mXxWSbrWCLAyA and on Instagram at @Brixxtheartist and @Bermudianquizine

Bermuda Born is a luxury affordable leather handbag and accessories brand. Founded by designer Patrice Morgan, it is a reflection of how people live on the island of Bermuda. “With the brand, I wanted it to be very colourful, I wanted it to invoke a sense of relaxation, I wanted to create products that travel well and to create a brand that could be synonymous with resort wear, “ said Morgan. “In terms of our leather goods, our style is a fusion of modern yet classic, something that is timeless and sustainable.” Morgan, who has a background in magazine publishing, decided to change course and pursue her passion for fashion professionally by studying Fashion Design & Merchandising at Clark Atlanta University (US), and Product Design with a concentration in handbag design at the London College of Fashion (UK).   Design has always pulled her back in and thus the creation of Bermuda Born was inevitable. Morgan states, “I just think style and fashion is an immensely powerful tool, so in an unconscious way it has always appealed to me. When I was a teenager in secondary school, I took extracurricular sewing courses in the evenings. I liked that fashion allowed you to differentiate yourself from others and I saw how the way people dressed changed people’s moods and affected people’s opinions about others. It’s a way of communicating without explaining anything about yourself because your style tells people who you are when you make an entrance.” Each item in the brand– ranging from the classic totes to elegant coin purses – is named after one of Bermuda’s 9 parishes or cultural landmarks, and they are all made of durable leather from Spain and Portugal. “We only source very high quality leather. We work with small factories and we produce small quantities at a time. We can be proud of the fact that we know exactly where our products come from, who creates it, who sews it, who cuts out the leather. Therefore, Bermuda Born is not only a responsible, ethical and sustainable brand, it’s personal too, due to these combined factors.” Morgan designs her collection with an occasion in mind. You will find a handbag for a work event, a wedding or a casual weekend. The sights and experiences of international travel often spark creative ideas for her, although a prime source of inspiration is the Bermudian people, who she describes as “almost an endangered species” due to external influences on the country’s population of merely 70,000. Morgan notes, “Bermudians carry very unique characteristics. We’re very friendly and open, selfless and community-oriented. We have a lot of time for others and we’re very genuine people. With a Bermudian what you see is what you get.” Their special qualities also include an amazing sense of fashion she expressed. “I think it is a fusion of American and European style, but we put our own twist on it, and that to me is what makes it very worldly and very Bermudian at the same time. We like a lot of bright colours because our environment is very bright, so I think that’s what sets us a part.”   To learn more about our brand follow us on Instagram @bermudabornlabel or www.bermudaborn.com

Hana is a Bermudian singer and songwriter Hana Bushara was inspired to start writing songs for a final project under the mentor-ship of her English teacher Charlie Judd, who exposed her to artists that would become foundational inspirations to the beginnings of her musical journey. At 16, she was awarded the United World College scholarship in Bermuda and was granted the opportunity to finish her high school studies in Duino, Italy for two years. There, came to know and love students from over 90 different countries, allowing her to foster a better understanding of the world and its colorful contexts. The21- year old was the winner of Heather Nova’s Young Songwriter Competition, where she was coached by Heather and had the opportunity to perform her original song “Seeds” at the Bermuda Festival in 2019. Earlier this year, she opened one of the festival concerts with Derek G and performed 4 of her original songs. Although still young, Hana’s writing has taken her on several musical journeys and she has been able to perform in open mics in Bermuda, Italy, Denmark, and the U.S. She is currently double majoring in Global Studies and Sociology at St. Lawrence University, where she is also a member of the University’s chamber choir, funk ensemble, and the lead singer of the band H.U.A.C. She thinks telling stories in her music makes up for difficulty she finds in doing it conversationally. She uses singing to build, to confront, and to connect. She sights some of her biggest musical influences as Ms. Lauryn Hill, Moses Sumney, Leonard Cohen, Tracy Chapman and Jordan Rakei.   If you would like to connect with Hana you can find on her instagram @HanaBusharaMusic

Rikkai Scott started dance at the age of 4 at United Dance Productions.  After his time at UDP he fulfilled his professional training  graduating from London Contemporary Dance School (The Place) in 2012 with a (BA) Hons in Fine Arts.  During his studies at The Place,  Rikkai was awarded full-time scholarships from 5 different  Bermudian organisations  to support his training and  career as a professional dancer. ​In 2016, Rikkai founded BDblaq Dance where he currently serves as the artistic director. BDblaq experiments with tap,  hip hop and contemporary disciplines to form BDblaq's signature style tap fusion dance. BDblaq tour works utilise outdoor spectrums and immersive theatre productions to inspire, empower and tell significant stories and life experiences through dance theatre.  In 2018,  BDblaq Dance's first short work SENSE embarked on a tour, touring 7 venues both nationally (UK) and internationally.  During Rikkai's first touring project was commissioned by Bermuda Cultural Affairs.  During the tour, bdblaq delivered 2 full day workshops to young people from ages 11yrs - adults. The tour also traveled to  Festival 10 Sentidos competition, where SENSE placed a semi-finalist  at the La Rambleta Theatre in Valencia. His work as a freelance artist has included solo work with  Carifesta Festival 2017 in Barbados.   Rikkai has worked with numerous companies such as Boy Blue Entertainment performing at Nostos Festival, Jean Abreu (A Thread), 201 Dance Company (Smoother) and  MCDC. In 2017, Rikkai was selected workshop tour instructor for Avant Garde Dance's (Fagin Twist) production and he is the core Hip Hop tutor at DanceEast.  Rikkai has a passion for supporting other groups, facilities, communities, young and professional artists who are keen to develop their skills as dance artists. Rikkai embodies creativity and has used his passion through dance for purpose and storytelling     If you would like to connect with Rikkai, you can find him online at www.bdblaqdance.com or on Instagram @bdblaq.dance and kai_4sure .

Shantia Seymour is a Bermuda born, London based fashion editor and stylist. Throughout high school she tried to figure out how to morph together her love for literature and fashion which bloomed into becoming a fashion writer. She interned for many locals who taught her different aspects of the industry to see where she fit in best - from purse making, fashion writing, garment sewing and editorial styling. After graduating with a degree in Journalism & Fashion Styling she stayed in London to pursue her dreams. For a moment she dipped into the world of textiles and created a line called House of Aiyanna that embodied vintage Bermuda. From a small island girl to now having features in Essence & Man Repeller she urges everyone to follow their dreams because your origin is never too small and dreams are never too big.   If you would like to connect with Shantia, you can find her on instagram @shantia.aiyanna

Ami Zanders is a Bermudian multimedia artist, currently based in Liverpool UK. She has been an enthusiastic and unconventional artist since the age of two years old when she made her first masterpiece on the living room wall with crayons.  Since then, Ami has explored countless other art mediums, including; silkscreen, intaglio, weaving, painting, papermaking, and metal work.   An honors graduate of  International Fine Arts College and Kean University,  Ami works intuitively using bright colours, mix mediums and themes from her childhood to create her art.   Zanders has been in countless art exhibits and has won a few awards while in the process.  In 2010 she won a Charmin Prize for Innovation at the Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art. In 2013 Zanders won the City of Hamilton’s Art Festival Competition with her collaborative piece with fellow artist Milton Hill.  Zanders art installation, When the Bough Breaks, was featured in the Bermuda Biennial. When the Bough Break was also chosen by the Textile Museum of Canada to represent Bermuda at the 2015 Pan Am Games. Zanders is also the founder of the St. George's Art Walk and was the event's organiser between the years of 2011 - 2015.   Zanders has also volunteered her time teaching art at the Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute to service users with intellectual disabilities, service users recovering from mental illness as well as service users in addiction recovery.    Zanders works mostly with textiles and screen printing. However, since arriving at Liverpool John Moore’s University in Liverpool, UK.  Zanders practice has shifted focus and she is currently exploring art performance, ritual, costume, video and sculpture. Ami is currently a volunteer at Bluecoat in Liverpool working with artists with intellectual disabilities. She also teaches classes as a guest art instructor for Red Cross's SNAP programme which supplies support for refugees and asylum seekers in Liverpool and Manchester.    If you would like to connect with Ami, you can find her on Instagram at www.instagram.com/amizanders

Vanessa Turner is a multi-passionate multi-careerist. She is an artist, creativity coach and engineer.     She is a self-taught artist living and working on the beautiful island of Bermuda and primarily works in charcoal and pastel. She has been exhibiting professionally for a number of years and is the recipient of numerous awards. Her work is published internationally and she is represented in many private collections around the globe. Vanessa's latest solo exhibitions include 'Roots to Royalty in 2018 and 'Commonplace Beauty in 2015 which each received rave reviews.   Her painting techniques stem from trial and error. Over the years she has developed her own techniques which primarily encompass bits and pieces from the many approaches she has learned over time. Vanessa does not follow any particular school of thought and prefers to use painting techniques that are reliable yet fun.   In her work, she paints the harmony of the Afro Caribbean Culture & Mother Nature. She Writes her own blog, and helps women go from unfulfilled hobbyists to confident professional artists as a creativity coach.   You can find her online at www.vanessaturner.com and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/vanessaturnerart/   You can find Vanessa's Free Resources for artists here  https://www.vanessaturner.com/free-resources/

In Episode 07 we're in conversation with Bermudian Photo Journalist, Jayde Gibbons !   Jayde Gibbons is the self taught photographer behind the lens of Queendom Heights Photography. Growing up in a family home in St. Georges, her family realized she had artistic abilities from an early age. As she  grew older, she realized that the Bermuda she knew wasn’t the same Bermuda that was being showcased to the world. Her work quickly went from hobbyist to professional as she developed her craft and sharpened her eye. She was behind the lens with purpose, which can be attributed to much of her success.    Jayde noticed a discrepancy in imagery of Bermuda, both mentally and physically. She believes that Bermuda is way more than the pink sand paradise that is pushed to the masses. She believes that the beauty of Bermudian people and the vibrant culture should be celebrated and has made it her mission to do so. Her work highlights the importance of togetherness and camaraderie within our communities.  In February 2019, Masterworks museum hosted their first 441 showcase, where Jayde was one of the featured artists. Jayde was the winner of Charman prize 2019. She is also an exhibiting artist in the 2020 Bermuda Biennial. And the winner of the Best of Bermuda Photography award. The main goal of her work is to instill a sense of pride in Bermudian people, by showing Bermuda the way we see it, minus the pink sands.   If you would like to connect with Jayde, you can find her on Instagram @queendom_heights

This week we're in conversation with Jo-1 ! Joanne Ball – Burgess (B.A., M.Ed) , is a resident of Nairobi, Kenya & citizen of the world.  She was born and raised in Bermuda. Better known by her stage name Jo-1,  is a multitalented dancerShe is a choreographer, singer, songwriter, author and educator. She is also a certified yoga instructor , her unique approach to yoga-dance integration is taught regularly in Nairobi and during the Lamu Yoga Festival for the past 4 consecutive years. She expresses herself through jazz funk, hip- hop afro-fusion, dancehall and dance fitness. She has formal training in West African Dance, Modern Contemporary dance, Lyrical & Ballet. She also has training in East African traditional dances, Hip Hop & Dancehall and  Musical Theatre. Joanne believes that dance is a gift of freedom through movement. Jo-1’s main goal has always been to bring health, clarity and healing through dance to the observer and the participant. Jo-1’s has bee a member of several dance companies in the in the US, where she performed and traveled. . And She has performed and taught dance globally in countries such & performed in the USA, Israel, Cyprus, Egypt, Bermuda, Uganda & Kenya.   In 2008, She earned her Master’s in Education.  Her research investigated how dance, music and drama can enhance the learning model in school curricula. This led her to found The Cottage School which is an alternative learning space for students in Nairobi back in 2015.   She is the longest serving female judge for East Africa’s widely acclaimed dance competition show “Sakata Mashariki” on Citizen TV.  Jo-1 emerged as the unparalleled breath of fresh air the dance industry lacked, in Kenya, thus she generated a beloved fan base. Today she released her new single Tired Feet, which you can find a link to in the description box below  Joi-1 is an inspiration for those interested in carving out a space for themselves as a multi passionate artist. She has shown that playing small does not serve the world. Check out her new song Tired Feet, here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibi0wrTUOoI  If you would like to connect with Jo-1 you can find her on youtube @ JO-1 and on Instagram @jo1Bermudian

Born in a musical household, son of the legendary guitarist Derek Simmons Sr., Derek G. is no stranger to the stage. Since the age of 6, Derek G. has been immersed in music whether it’s behind the scenes producing, writing, and recording, or front and centre in the spotlight performing live and directing. He has always thrived in his creativity.  Mentored by West African drum masters, Bermuda’s finest engineers, and musicians, Derek G. has gone on to write and produce many records and hit songs for local musicians and artists. He has also taken the local entertainment scene by storm by founding Bermuda’s award-winning music giant D.I.A. in 2010, completing two international tours with The Chewstick Foundation and performing at almost every stage possible in Bermuda.  He has recently initiated a solo project series featuring Bermuda’s top musical talents in a raw, uncut style of performance titled #IOVibesWDerekG  Whether he’s performing bass or percussions Derek G. continues to enchant us with his new, ever-evolving skills and sounds.It was such an honor to be in conversation with Derek G.  He has contributed love and unwavering commitment to the Bermuda music community  in Bermuda Instagram: @DerekG.BDA Twitter: TheRealDerekG ALL DSPs: Derek G.  Email: DerekG.BDA1@gmail.com

On this episode we sat down with Shanna Hollis, a Bermudian contemporary designer and multidisciplinary artist who lives and works on island. We discuss her experiences growing up in Bermuda. How she made the decision to study graphic Her work pays tribute to her island, the community, her identity and experiences. Shanna was inspired to begin her creative journey at a young age from her brother Nahshon Hollis who is a professional oil painter.She later earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from Maryland Institute College of Art. Hollis’ artwork has been shown in various exhibitions in Baltimore and Bermuda, including the “BSOA Graphic Design Showcase 2018’ where she was awarded the Graphic Design Prize and two Charman Prize Exhibitions. Her Bermuda fashion collection, “21 Miles” gained international recognition in the spring of 2018 when published by Footwear News Magazine. Currently, Hollis’ work can be seen in local brands and various gallery openings island-wide. Connect with Shanna through her website at www.shannahollis.com.  Or online on Instagram @shannahollisdesigns

Dr. Edwin M. E. Smith, is a Bermudian artist and art educator. His mixed media artwork and illustrations can be found in collections internationally and has been included in Biennial Exhibitions hosted by the Bermuda National Gallery. His professional experience includes corporate graphic design and three decades of teaching studio art and art history from elementary school through university levels. Since 1998, He has taught in the Art & Design Program at Bermuda College.  He is the author of two books, which are vital to Bermudian art History “image Making and the Bermudian artist and Paw Paw Bermuda which is a book, he co authors with his family. He presently serves on the Acquisition and  Exhibition Committee for the Bermuda National Gallery. He is also the Chairman for the Bermuda Society of Arts Bursary Awards.  His work embraces a post colonial focus. He responds to his environments  untold stories and topical issues occurring in Bermuda, with the understanding that they reflect universal themes.  His mixed media works are visual  commentary and provides critique of social realities Through , acrylic, charcoal, photography, collage and three-dimensional components. For the past seven years, his palette has been mostly black and white, contrasting values and documentary contribution. His work  is an ongoing exploration of identity and place. He has made significant contribution to Bermuda arts education and Bermudian art history . You can connect with Dr. Smith on Instagram at www.instagram.com/edsmithbda.art 

In this episode of Art Affects, we sat down with Bermudian Contemporary Conceptual Artist Calix Smith. His works add to the tapestry of cultural experiences that make up the African Diaspora, by creating art through an Afro-Bermudian lens. He investigates through his paintings and installations, divisions and polarity Afro Bermudians navigate, and examines the relationship these dualities have with proximity.  His work is a dialogue that approaches a willingness to broach polarizing issues within the Afro-Bermudian community  with vulnerability, intimacy, and empathy.  Join us as we discuss the importance of Intentional messaging in art, and how this can be used a powerful medium to communicate thoughts and ideas around social commentary. He highlights How the experiences of people throughout the diaspora are interconnected. we also talk about what it was like for him growing up in Bermuda, and how this has has informed his artistic hand. He also talks about how we can using past experiences of loved ones to understand our current contemporary issues.    Reference Material  1. April Branco is a Bermudian painter who is known for her narrative painting of Bermuda's Cultural Gombeys  2. Ernest Cole is South African Photographer who photographed Apartheid South Africa 3. Ai Wei Wei is a Chinese contemporary artist, active in sculpture, installation, architecture, curating, photography, film, and social-political artworks  3. Gibbet Island Bermuda is a small island in Bermuda that was used to publicly torture Afro-Bermudians during Slavery 4. SUNU Journal : is a Journal of African Thought, Critical Affairs & Aesthetics 

On the first Episode on the Podcast, I share my rollercoaster story of how I decided I wanted to be an artist. I discuss how fear was a part of my journey and how it almost stopped me from becoming the creative Artprenuer I am today. Please visit my website www.gherdaihassell.com if you'd like to check out my work.  Peace and Blessings xo 

Welcome to the Art Affects Podcast! We are excited for the journey ahead ! We are dedicated to the amplification of creative media by diverse artists throughout the African diaspora globally. Varied voices and images in Art. Every other week I will be in conversation with a black intellectuals, thought leaders, and contemporary artist working in various genres. Thank you for joining us!  Peace and Blessings