I would like to congratulate Jamaican born artist Kuruma Reid who placed 2nd in the 4th Edition of the Boynes Emerging Artist Award.

Who are you?

My name is Kuruma Reid who was born and raised in Spanish Town, Jamaica. I am currently developing myself spiritually, intellectually, emotionally and physically despite the odds of this pandemic. I have three brothers and two sisters who have been nothing short of supportive in my artistic journey. Currently, I am a first year Law student at the Norman Manley Law School, an English Literature teacher and most importantly, a Visual Artist. Growing up in Spanish Town for many years, this is where I grew my appreciation for the arts through my mentor and friend Ms. Nadine Clemetson. We met at my alma mata, Jose Marti Technical High School where she was my former art teacher. Having placed 5th in the Caribbean in my Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination, we both acknowledged that I have a true talent for the arts that should not be allowed to rest.

What inspired me to use pen and ink?

During high school, it was mandatory that I used a wet medium to complete an assignment based on the then syllabus and painting was the recommended choice. However, I was never good at painting because I did everything in my power to avoid using the medium. It was then I was informed that though ink dries almost immediately after application, it is still regarded as a wet medium. Since then, I fell in love with pen and ink because with my talent and skill, it is easy to manipulate in order for me to achieve my desired effect.

Black Molasses 1’ is part of a larger series, can you tell me about the series itself?

The series is called 'Metamorphosis' and like the title suggests, it is a transformation and a distinct marking of my skill from that of an intermediate artist to one who is inspired to and aspiring to become a well-experienced pen and ink. The series was conceptualized on April 24, 2020 but began in May of 2020. The series includes ten pieces with three main themes, namely; Black Molasses, Soulless and The Art of Friendship among other themes.

Before I give the details about the journey, it would be best to begin with the process. Previously, the process I would use was to merely find a portrait image on the internet that I believe to be aesthetically appealing and reproduce it. Of course, the consent of the creator was obtained. However, with this series, it took a lot of time and constant consultation with my mentor and a good friend, Shannel Lemmie, to bring my ideas into fruition. I had to draft contracts between myself, the photographers and models used, find a location for the set up which ended up being my home and source props to execute the concept I had in mind. This process was particularly difficult to do because I have never done something like this on a larger scale before in comparison to what I have been used to.

The decision to embark on this new frontier was not only to mark a change in my artistic journey but to also direct my efforts to achieving one of my country's highest honorary art awards; The Prime Minister's Youth Award for Art and Culture. Therefore, I had to liaise with my mentor and there was even a point where I had sought contributions from my friends in order to give birth to my concepts. However, one of the most fundamental steps I took in this journey was through constant faith and prayers as that was the backbone of the execution of the series.

Can you explain why you choose drawing as a medium for your work and voice as opposed to others?

Drawing has always come naturally to me. The interest in drawing as opposed to other mediums began when I was no more than 9 years old, I would spend time in the country, Wakfield, Trelawny, with my extended family members. I had a cousin named Andre Spencer who would help me to draw cartoon and animated characters. Drawing has also taught me what it means to be patient and precise and though painting and other mediums could possibly have given me the same result, I find drawing to be more intimate. Additionally as was aforementioned, I did everything in my power to avoid painting as I did not like my first experiences.

What other mediums have you experimented with?

Thus far, I have tried my hands with pencil crayons, pencil and despite my lack of preference with paint, painting.

A lot of people found themselves discovering and experimenting with new things in lockdown, did you do that with your art? If so, how?

I most definitely have found a new interest; figure drawing. Though figure drawing can be classified as a form of portrait art, I have always had difficulties with the human anatomy. Given that I am always home, I have found the interest to practice how to achieve proportions and to further study other observational drawings and texts to aid. And as a matter of fact, figure drawing will play a huge role in my upcoming piece.

What projects are you working on currently? Can you discuss them?

Currently, I am not working on any projects. I just completed my first year bar exams at Norman Manley Law School and it was only recently I completed the Metamorphosis series in its totality. However, I am planning on doing a large figure drawing for this summer period. I have yet to do any studies as it is still a work in progress but the general idea is to glorify God with this piece. The piece will depict a classic scenery where an angel or Jesus is battling with the Devil but to make the concept more interesting, it will depict a woman of a promiscuous nature holding liquor and a lit cigarette in one hand while reading the bible in the other hand. Both scenes will be drawn together, however, a mirror will be beside them. The mirror will reflect the woman reading the bible but not the battle between the angel or Jesus and the Devil. The purpose of this is to depict that the angel or Jesus is fighting the Devil in the Spiritual realm but the mirror reflecting the physical realm is only showing the woman and the bible.

Lastly, I like to ask everyone what advice they would give to their fellow artists, what is your advice?

Quick scenario: When you enter a supermarket or grocery store and you walk to the bakery aisle, to your left and your right there are several different types of bread, correct? There will be bread that you absolutely love, bread that you may try and bread that you will never give a chance. In essence, there are several types of brands of bread but you know the bread that YOU want. However, this doesn't mean that the other breads are not worthy of being purchased though you may not like them as somebody else may like all the others but not the one that you like. The purpose of that scenario is simply to highlight the fact that not everyone will like your type, it only matters that there are a selective number of persons who will continue to love and purchase your pieces. Don't get caught up with how many followers you have that your posts are getting as that does not reflect the quality of your art.

To view more of Kuruma Reid’s work:

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