The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

A BAHAMIAN artist’s love for painting realistic scenes of the Bahamas, landscapes and seascapes has led him to capturing one of Nassau’s most famous characters, “Potcake, The Street Philosopher.”

Potcake’s thought-provoking and often comical messages, written on worn cardboard are no stranger to The Tribune as they are featured every week in our news section.

“Anyone living in Nassau is quite familiar with this scene of Potcake pulling his grocery cart through the town adorned with haphazard hub caps, and his famous cardboard sign on the back. Think what you may of him, but you can’t ignore the wonder and uniqueness of him,” Jonathan Bethel told Tribune Entertainment.

Mr Bethel said he wanted to create a painting that examined the relationship and plight of street walkers, but more importantly celebrate their independent spirit and pride.

“I see Potcake every day of my life, and I have thought for years that he is so interesting that he would make a great subject for a painting. With this being our nation’s 40th Anniversary of Independence, it came to me that this would be a great way to celebrate the independent spirit in our country,” said Mr Bethel.

Mr Bethel said the art piece depicts Potcake standing with his cart, posing with a proud smirk on his face.

“He has his trademark sign displaying a headline with his take on the independence celebration. In the background is Nassau harbour showing part of the old bridge and Potter’s Cay. Standing on the back of a boat in the harbour is a proud potcake (dog) staring off into the water. I went a little further in trying to capture Potcake’s essence, by painting the piece on a worn piece of cardboard much like he uses himself,” said Mr Bethel.

Mr Bethel said he enjoys being able to do what he loves, and actually make a living at it. “It is very rewarding to complete a piece of artwork I love and people appreciate. Not too many careers are so rewarding I would imagine,” he said.

“Just travelling around this country, even doing everyday tasks, I constantly see things that I want to put on canvas. I’m also inspired by my memories of growing up in the Bahamas, a simpler time, doing simple things like picking sea-grapes, or guineps,” said Mr Bethel

Every year, Mr Bethel said he would play host at his solo art exhibitions, as well as take part in numerous group exhibitions and festivals.

“I have held a solo exhibition every year since 2003, most of the time at the British Colonial Hilton. I usually display 20-25 pieces at these shows. I have also participated in several art festivals such as the upcoming Lyford Cay Wine & Art Festival on Nov 30,” said Mr Bethel.

Mr Bethel has been interested in art for as long as he can remember, and always had a talent for it.

“I can remember it back to first grade, always drawing in school, even to my teacher’s disdain. I always thought that art would be in my future in some way, but never knew if I could make a living,” said Mr Bethel.

“One benefit, particularly in the type of art I do, is that you are constantly learning more about the world around you. I am always going around examining the landscape around me, all over the Bahamas, looking for new subjects and inspirations. It causes you to see nature and life with a different eye,” said Mr Bethel.

While it can be challenging at times to be self-motivated on a daily basis, Mr Bethel said you have to remind yourself to go out and find new inspirations.

You can’t feel totally creative every day. I have tried to treat my job like a regular 9 to 5. If you really don’t feel like painting, one day maybe that day you go around taking pictures and finding new inspiration,” said Mr Bethel.

Jonathan’s painting will be available for viewing or purchase at the Lyford Cay Wine and Art Festival this coming Saturday, November 30 from 12 to 5pm at St Paul’s Church, Lyford Cay. You can contact the artist for more details at jonotiger1@gmail.com, or email lyfordwineandartfestival@gmail.com.