By ALESHA CADET
Tribune Features Reporter
THE art work of mother and daughter, Jessica and Erin Colebrooke demonstrates all that is important when it comes to a maternal bond.
It was 7-year old Erin's love of drawing - images of family and friends - that lead her mother Jessica Colebrooke to push further into her talents and abilities.
Over 20 pieces are currently on display at Jessica's Tileworks Studio, in the duo's latest collection of fine art. The exhibit runs until the end of June.
Jessica told Tribune Entertainment that even though her daughter's drawings came about as a result of her "doodling" in the studio, she wanted to host a mother-daughter exhibit to share with the community, the importance of embracing children and their capabilities.
Known as a renowned Bahamian ceramicist, Jessica began exhibiting her ceramic work in 1995, and since then it has traveled extensively across the Bahamas and beyond.
Hosting the "Mother and Child" exhibition for the second time around, Jessica said her hopes are for persons to go and see what connecting to your child, family, God and the community can provide to the overall development of a country.
"At first I wanted to wait until Erin had more formal training in drafting and design, but there was something that I felt was very endearing about her pieces. It was the love and passion she expressed in her rendition of her family, of the birds, the butterflies the flowers she saw, and this was just another way she wanted to express it through drawing," said Jessica.
She said when that level of energy is expressed, it needs to be embraced, because the structures will come eventually.
Jessica's favorite art piece on display, "The Embrace", was inspired by Erin's fascination with mermaids.
"Once I decided on the theme, I collaborated with my dear friend and fellow artist Allan Wallace. Allan did the draft of the design of the mermaid and mer-child on paper and I transferred the draft and created a 3 1/2 feet by 3 1/2 feet mural from it. This indeed is my favorite," said Jessica.
She added that additional pieces on display such as, "The Venus of Guava Duff," and "Pineapple Mama Teapot," portrays the theme of the exhibit by demonstrating fertility. The Pineapple Mama teapot is seen with 10 miniature pineapple teapots, or children.
All made out of low fired stoneware clay, Jessica said the largest piece on display is the mermaid piece and the smallest is the mini pineapple teapot display, which is about 5" in height.
"I must also mention that I have included a few pieces of my mother's work that she did with me as her instructor back in 1999. She is deceased, and I felt the need to bring her creative spirit and energy in the 2nd exhibition," said Jessica.
Working with her daughter is always a joy, Jessica said. The most difficult task was finding the time to complete and put everything together, she said.
"I have noticed this time around that she has become more independent in her ideas and her decisions about constructing and glazing. A nail bitter at times, but again, it continues to prune me and remind me that this is a person that God has entrusted me with and as a parent, I cannot control everything she decides to do. But I must equip her with the most important things that she will need to navigate through this journey called life," said Jessica.
Comments
Use the comment form below to begin a discussion about this content.
Sign in to comment
Or login with:
OpenID