The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

THE hard work and dedication of three emerging ceramics artists paid off when their first joint exhibit enjoyed a successful opening at the Doongalik Art Gallery last Thursday.

From Greek vases and teapots to fish platters and wall hangings, the creations made by Subrenna Gomez-Higgs, Janet Jennings and Jeanine Lampkin represented their creative growth in the exhibition they called “Trio”.

The exhibit was a first for Janet and Jeanine, and the second for Subrenna. The show was inspired by experienced ceramicist, Joann Behagg. Having taught the three women together in her Saturday ceramic art lessons, she believed each woman’s talents would complement the others in an exhibition.

Jeanine told Tribune Art she was a bit nervous right up until the guests started to arrive, but above all, she was pleased and excited about the outcome.

“You put your all into creating these pieces and you’re almost scared that it is going to be judged, but the show has just started and so far I’ve sold two pieces. It was a fantastic feeling. That validates all the work that I put into it,” said Jeanine.
It took the ladies all year long to prepare for “Trio”, and while it was difficult on some days, they never gave up on their goal.

Jeanine said ceramics became her creative outlet. She dabbled in art as a teenager, painting pieces, but never working in ceramics.

“Art has always been something I have always loved, but after school you get into work, making a living and raising a family. Now I am at a time in my life where I can devote Saturdays and sometimes Sundays to just creating pieces,” said Jeanine.

For Janet, it was assisting her son with a school project involving ceramic art that got her interested in the craft.

“He had to do an Egyptian pot for an art project. He was nervous and said he couldn’t do it. And it was so exciting doing the research with him, helping him to find the right pot and the designs. A few years later I said I can really do it and that is when I started with Joann,” said Janet.

With 30 ceramic pieces and 11 photographs on display, Janet said it was a good feeling to experience seeing people appreciate her work.

Her “Alice Teapot” uses shades of yellow, red and blue with a design that resembles an upside down tree. Janet calls it eye-catching. She is also proud of a blue fish platter piece called “Out Of Water.”

Janet’s “Trio” colleague, Subrenna, said this was just the beginning of her ceramic journey. With this exhibition, she said, she proved to herself that she can be an artist and she is sure her love for the art will only continue to grow.

“I discovered that this was something that was in me for a long time, and this year was more intense because we were given a deadline to get the assignments done. The whole experience was a developmental stage because it brought me from one point of being not sure if I can actually accomplish it, to where I am now,” said Subrenna.
She encouraged other aspiring artists to remember that it is never too late to accomplish their dreams, and now that she has come to the end of this journey, she knows there are many more to come. Subrenna said she feels more energised and motivated to go further.

Those interested in supporting the artists or finding out more about ceramics in the Bahamas are encouraged to visit the exhibition, which will be on display Mondays to Wednesdays from 10am – 4pm at Doongalik Studios, #20 Village Road until Wednesday, November 12.