Dear Miss Tamarind: A Letter On Faith, Creativity, and Doubt

Dear Ms. Tamarind,

Howdydo. I just wanted to write a note to you. Somewhere between faith and creativity, I find myself writing to the one who lingers —watching, measuring, questioning.

I hope you no longer feel sour about our encounter. I still remember the moment your eyes opened like saucers and your jaws tried to pick up your mouth when you discovered ….

Yes, me could see how you stealthily tried to take your hand out of the crocodile mout’ when, seconds before that, me own eyes pop open and I tried to swallow a monstrous laugh.

Yes, Miss. It was a sort of twilight plot twist.

I still remember seeing your sweet self gliding through the gallery- taking pictures, leaning in close, and stepping back just like a true connoisseur.

Over to the far side I was trying to muster up the boldness to speak to you. Your pleasant nod and eye contact made it easy for me to approach and ask for your impressions of the exhibition. Your glittering smile and sparkly eyes prefaced the glowing compliments. Yes, you had such high commendations. We shared the honey moment and then you softly said, “But”. Somehow I didn't want it to escape; I caught its tail and asked you to honestly share your critique. 

You noted that this is a school exhibition and you felt that the teachers’ and the students’ work should not be exhibited together. Reason being the skills were not at the same level. There is a gap. You felt that the brilliance of one could overshadow or outshine the other.

This intrigued me and so I asked you to show me what you meant. Slowly you turned and turned and then pointed to a set on a wall nearby. I asked if you were sure and you nodded. I asked what makes you feel there is a difference in standard and that's when heart-a-c’lapse occurred. The silence grew and your shell cracked. Finally, I couldn't hold it in anymore and I told you all three of them were mine. I drew them.

Truly, the unease was a mind-bending, matrix-kind-of-moment.

You see it?

Really and truly, you delivered a gift - so nuh fret nor entertain regret. 

Right then and there I shared my journey as an artist. How the one to the left was done years ago when I battled illness and uncertainty to begin drawing colourful lines that turned into the lovable giraffe duo. It was me starting out as an artist. My way of overcoming. I showed you that the two on the right were done just last year when I mustered the courage to enter the JCDC competition. Had you not pointed it out, I would not have known that my confidence and skill had visibly grown.

Ms Tamarind, trust me, there is no need to be tart. You brought me to a new place.

A true you nuh know seh I nearly missed the opportunity to be an exhibitor here. The invitation came amidst the pressures of work. It came after the disappointment of not having JCDC accept my pieces; and then Hurricane Melissa cancelled the Mandeville Art Show I was preparing for. Seriously, not only did I doubt I was good enough to display alongside gifted students, I also berated myself for not having many pieces to submit. In fact, the reasons not to participate formed a prickly trail tempting me to turn back. 

Ms Tamarind, would you believe that, since then, I see more clearly the fibrous nature of this whole experience?

Yes, man!

Thanks to you, a few lessons fill my heart.

Aaahhhm… it’s like the tamarind itself—the seed is not alone. It is wrapped in that thick, tangy fibre—the pulp that carries the flavour, the substance, the shape, … It’s where the richness lies! 

So it is with these lessons. They hold and give weight to the experience. And now, I am ready to share what has been formed— the full, flavoured truth of it!

First, art and faith go hand in hand. Julia Cameron writes in The Artist’s Way:

 “As artists, we must cultivate faith... We must trust that there is something larger and more benevolent than the apparent odds stacked against us”

In a real sense, an artist ought to believe that there is a supernatural or divine Guide who has gifted us, is leading us and will see to our success. Surrendering with confidence to this belief is likely to secure us more success.  When the current of bewilderment and deadlines push and pull, optimism becomes the oar that guides us through. Daily we will progress if we relinquish control to the process and to our Guide.

Second, time and patience go hand in hand. You ever hear this quote by Leo Tolstoy?

"The two greatest warriors are patience and time."

Surely, you know how it feels to live in this fast paced world where progress is often microwaved. Somewhere along the way, depth is quietly traded for speed. Awe fades quickly.

Alongside this, fear entangles many who witness the pervasive influence of AI. We feel it.  We see it. And, even if we can't quite say it, we wonder: Will the power of AI - especially in the wrong hands - dull our ability to recognise what is truly real? And, are we devaluing authenticity? 

Sadly, these days many lean into the glittering myth that overnight success is real. Aaaiii sah! Sometimes we resign our own ambitions by convincing ourselves that those who achieved success were given more than the same 24 hours and 365 days. What we ignore are the unseen materials that create anything truly remarkable or worthy of a medal: intentionality, courage, and patient consistency. 

Yes, old people would say, 

"Nuh wait till drum beat before you grind yuh axe."

Seriously, if I had waited to hear the drum beat calling us to display our work, I would have had nothing of quality to show. Your surprised reaction reminded me that consistent efforts pay dividends over time. Regularly working is the way to sharpen my axe so that I can make the best use of opportunities that summon. This confirms that I must find my own quiet pulsating beat to develop my skills. After all, no participation means no benefits gained.

Ms Tamarind, words cannot fully describe the way this event has transformed me. I am grateful to the organisers for this topnotch event. I am truly appreciative of every family and friend who supported. Connecting with other artists was also enriching. Aah-mazing!

As a beautiful bonus, I am honoured that one of my pieces was purchased. Wow! Just, WOW! And, certainly I treasure your honesty. Thank you, Ms. Tamarind. I look forward to meeting you again. 

Until then, I return to my studio inspired.

Walk good, you see. Walk real good!