Sister Hood of Floral Painters

Opening Speech – Sisterhood of Floral Artists

Welcome friends, family and loyal supporters of the arts. The Jamaica Guild of Artists welcomes you to our cooperative Gallery for the launch of the Sisterhood of Floral Painters. I have the distinct pleasure of being the President of this organization which was founded on the premise:

1. that artists and art appreciators must have a close and personal relationship.
2. that in this relationship each will come to respect and understand the others experiences.

Much like a musician communicating about and reflecting society’s condition. This leaves little or no space for critics and sensors who given the opportunity would have squashed great movements in the history or art.; the Expressionist and Impressionist movement to name two. There never would have been a Picasso or Monet or Kandinsky if they had been successful. The Guild and this gallery facilitates the mission of the founding members; offer the infrastructure where standards are maintained from within and growth and experimentation are fostered, encouraged and promoted.

Jamaican art has a unique flavor and often reflects our cultural activities and lifestyle. This is embraced by most Jamaicans here and abroad and for this we the artists give thanks. However, Jamaica in it’s endeavor to promote our Tourism Product must ensure the spin offs include opportunities for our artists to supply product for the newly constructed or refurbished structures as well as for the consumption by there customers and guests. We not only seek protect our artists, but also strive to ensure their economic success and consequential contribution to Jamaica’s GDP.

I note in the Gleaner today that Spain’s Ambassador, Jesus Silva and our Minister of Tourism Edmond Bartlett in a recent press briefing stated that up to 50% of Jamaica’s hotel accommodations will be owned by Spain in the next five years. We must then insist Jamaican art adorn those institutions; why come to Jamaica if not to embrace the whole experience. Colonialism sought to exploit the resources of a country and return very little. We must have learned something from that experience. The Guild and Jamaican artists must debunk the usual “red herrings” such as sub-standard work, suitable packaging etc, drawn to obfuscate the true exploitation taking place. Importing cheap cultural knockoffs form China, India and elsewhere in Asia only contributes to the short term profitability of the Hotel owners.

The facts are simple:

1. We do deliver a superior product,
2. We offer good value,
3. We have reasonable prices.

Given the financial support of our banking institutions we can deliver.

To borrow a concept from our esteemed Prime Minister, The Honorable Bruce Golding Every artist may not be rich but no artist needs to be poor. Supplying our product to these new hotels are an integral means of achieving this end.

Thank You for your indulgence.

At this time I would like to introduce Viv Logan, Artist extraordineer, Past President of the JGOA, as well as Board Member of the National Gallery of Jamaica and loyal supporter of Jamaican Artists. Viv has led the charge and sacrificed her time, health and career to promote the cause of Jamaican art and it is from her that I draw courage, information and often advice for my work with the JGOA. Viv.

Sharon Fox-Mould