Self-taught Guyanese ‘speed painter’ of indigenous heritage, Winston Alexander Jr., is a ‘Special Person’

Sep 04, 2022 News

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Sharing his unique talent with the world…

“…generally, my upbringing has caused me to become a God-fearing individual with the discipline and positive mindset that is always reaching for greatness. This is evident in my artistic evolution.”

By Rehanna Ramsay

Kaieteur News – It has been said that artists, individually, have their own style, their own niche for expressing themselves and sharing their creativity with the world. This can easily be said of this week’s ‘Special Person’, Mr. Winston Alexander Jr.

The uniquely talented Guyanese ‘speed painter’ of indigenous heritage holds the title of the country’s only artist known for ‘speed painting’, a skill he picked up just about seven years ago.

What is even more fascinating about Alexander’s craft is that he is completely self-taught. He learned to speed paint by watching YouTube videos of globally recognised performance painter, David Garibaldi, whom he regards as his mentor.

However, it must be noted the artist’s love for painting dates back quite a few years.  During an interview with this publication, he candidly shared how he uses his skills to transform naked, rugged canvases into spectacular masterpieces in just 360 seconds- roughly six minutes, each leaving his audience both fascinated and mystified yet wanting more.

The painter who is of Arawak (Lokono) descent, told ‘The Waterfalls’that his indigenous heritage influences his work. He said being indigenous only inspired his creativity and his desire to work with his hands.  The artist constantly draws inspiration from nature and the said things around him.

He said “I love to paint. I started out doing many nature pieces but now I mostly focus on people mostly portraits of popular people and public figures.”

While he admits that he is yet to reach his ultimate goal as a ‘performance artist,’ Alexander said that he is blessed to be able to use his skill to consistently enthrall sold-out audiences for public or private events.

Whether he is representing Guyana on the international stage or performing for intimate events such as birthdays or weddings, the artist is sure to bring his ‘A’ game.

STARTING OUT

The 33-year-old who hails from Haurarunia, Soesdyke/Linden Highway, started out by doing simple artwork and painting.   Given his love for the arts, Alexander said a close friend encouraged him to enroll at the E.R Burrowes School of Art a few years after he completed his formal education at the Haurarunia Primary and Dora Secondary Schools in the Linden/Soesdyke Highway.

He explained: “I have always been involved in art but never took it seriously until I was encouraged to attend the E. R. Burrowes School of Arts after High School.”

At the art school, Alexander majored in painting and minored in graphics, graduating from the institution in 2009.

Giving insight into how his upbringing impacts his work, the artist told this newspaper that he comes from a traditional but God-fearing household.

“I come from a family of eight, our parents Winston (Sr.) and Maria Alexander, and my siblings Andy, Dawn, Carlos, Ariana, and Adeola are all Christians and are a part of (Full Gospel) fellowship which my parents followed from their original home-base in Region One,” he said adding that “generally, my upbringing has caused me to become a God-fearing individual with the discipline and positive mindset that is always reaching for greatness. This is evident in my artistic evolution.”

With regard to his traditional upbringing, Alexander said, “We spent a lot of time outdoors: either helping our parents with the farm or spending time at the creek with friends relaxing.”

He added, “Sports were also a major part of my life at that time as it allowed me to represent Guyana in the Hampton Games held in Trinidad and Tobago.”

HIS NICHE

After completing his art training at E.R. Burrowes, Alexander moved to Barbados, where he was living for a few years. He spent time exhibiting his work.  But as time went by, he struggled to find his niche in the art world. He started to find difficulty in the process of sitting and drawing or painting for hours before he was able to present a finished product. It was around that time that speed painting videos online caught his attention.

The artist was so impressed with this type of art that he would spend hours watching YouTube tutorials until he decided to try it himself.

He admitted though that his first attempt left much to be desired. “It was basically a mess,” he said with a smile.

Nevertheless, Alexander was determined to master the craft. Drawing inspiration from performance artists like David Garibaldi, he invested time and money to purchase the tools to sharpen his skills.

As he practiced, Alexander said the question of whether ‘speed painting’ is for him, began to leave his mind. With research and constant practice, the artist started to see the results. As he perfected his work, new doors of opportunity opened for him to showcase his talent.

His breakout challenge was the E-Networks Spotlight talent competition in 2016.

Alexander said he became aware of the call for talented individuals to audition for the televised contest through advertisement.

The show, he said gave him the opportunity to showcase his ‘speed painting’ skills and enlarged his scope to be booked for future events.

PERFORMANCE ARTIST

Since that initial showcase, Alexander has performed at a number of other shows and events.  He continues to wow audiences across the country, and even internationally as his act has allowed him to represent Guyana as far as Dubai, which he says is his greatest honour, so far.

As a result, he largely regards himself as a “performance artist.”

He said “I’m a performance artist, which means in addition to painting, movement and music is critical to work. This means I have to paint on the beat, I have to use precision and rhythm to keep in time, the short time I have to make this portrait a reality.”

He continued “For example, if I’m speed painting a portrait of Bob Marley, I would have one of his reggae songs playing in the background to set the mood, I use big canvases to get the job done. I have to stay focused too because I must complete all my portraits in just about six minutes.”

The artist explained that ‘speed painting’ is 95 percent preparation and five percent execution.

He said “I have to be both physically and mentally ready to create art in front of an audience. So I would still practice regularly and in relation to the mental preparation, I listen to the songs I plan to use and gather inspiration. All of this is done before I create an actual piece and on that special day, as I approach my canvas, I can sometimes see the art piece that wants to be displayed. Other days I simply help the art to emerge or be exposed from within the canvas.”

Through his work, Alexander hopes to change the way people see art or artists because “we work hard to produce.” He explained that “people tend not to see it as a career but it brings out inner emotions and the canvas gives you a chance to express yourself.”

ULTIMATE GOAL

While he admits working as an artist so far has been a rollercoaster, Alexander has set some goals for himself. He wants to travel the world as an art ambassador for Guyana.   However, the artist is not blind to the fact there are challenges to achieving this goal, one of which is a lack of appreciation, particularly by locals for the artform.

He noted too that the lack of quality tools and materials which cannot be easily sourced is also another area in which he finds difficulty as an artist.

Alexander said that as an artist you must have an overseas link, to assist with the acquisition of the materials and equipment and the cost to transport the items.   Added to this, since art is a seasonal vocation, the artist also has to do a regular job as a tradesman and carpenter to help pay his bills.

Yet in the face of the challenges, he said there are some highlights. He reiterated that, performance art has afforded him the opportunity to travel around Guyana as well as overseas.

He asserted, “I get to make a difference in the life of others and inspire them to follow their individual passions and as the only ‘speed painter’ in Guyana I am able to bring something different to the table of art expression.”

Even before venture into speed painting, Alexander was already making a name for himself. He was recognised and duly awarded for his efforts during the Children Art Competition for Carifesta, 2008, and numerous drawing competitions held by Republic Bank.

The artist is also a Youth Ambassador to the local non-profit ‘Empower Guyana’, where he is able to volunteer his efforts and showcase his talent for charitable events.

Along with his love for art, Alexander says his family is a priority.  He shares children, Faith, Jasmin , Alexander, and Aiden Sampson, with his wife, Debbie Sampson.

 

 

 

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