EAST YARD - ISSUE 8 - APRIL 2019 by EAST TALKS

ISSUE 08 APRIL 2019

Danielle Boodoo-Fortune

WHY DO MURALS?

Murals are a bright and fun way to add a bit personality to a room, and for a business, possibili painting murals are endless.

For example, a mother might want some animals pa on the wall of her new baby’s nursery, while a loca owner needs a unique interior to entice customers. course, upscale office buildings often like their lob have that “wow!” factor that only a mural can pro

Outdoors, murals are used to get the public to en with art, to brighten up dull streets and alleys, an discourage taggers. So it can certainly be a lucr market for artists with the skills to create large, cu pieces of art. Kevin Vincent

MURAL SUCCESS STORIES

Street art is the biggest visual art movement the world has ever known and the uplifting effect that the murals have on us has been noted. As such, CFAFF has embarked on a mission to transform urban spaces through beautiful murals. Having already adorned the walls of the Arima Velodrome and soon the walls around the Maloney Football Field, we are now eager to bring the same beauty wit a message to your space.

of ities for

ainted al cafĂŠ And of bies to ovide.

ngage nd to rative ustom

e th

Ken Reyes

Sarah Burrows

MURAL COST A minimum mural size starts at 50 square feet, for $3,200 TT. Each additional square foot is $50 TT. $500 TT upfront fee for a sketch sample, inclusive of one revision. Where scaffolding and ladders are required, as well as ceiling work, an additional $10 TT/sq ft will be added. Outdoor prices may vary. Kevin Vincent

ABOUT CFAFF Caribbean Fashion & Arts Feature Festival (CFAFF), is a non-profit arts education and promotion organization. CFAFF also manages the EAST YARD creative space in Arima. The organization is mandated to organize and facilitate educational initiatives related to visual arts, filmmaking, and fashion, for residents of East Trinidad that also directly address social issues. Revenue generated by CFAFF through your support goes directly into funding our various arts impact, community based programs for youth and now retirees interested in careers in the creative sector to assist with skill building, support internship opportunities and build job experience.

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

an you believe it? We’re already well

community that has been built around me.

into the second quarter of 2019, with May making it two years EAST YARD

To be a great leader, I also know that I

has been in existence, and what a two year

must first become a great follower, a sounding

journey it has been.

board and the biggest cheerleader for the talented and compassionate individuals who

The quote ‘I alone cannot change the

have made EAST YARD what it is and whose

world, but I can cast a stone across the waters

collective effort will take it where it needs to

to create many ripples,’ is the embodiment of

go.

what this project has meant to me. The recent launch of the EAST YARD Collective, the mural

We are in it together!

work we continue to do in communities, as well as arts education through CFAFF is more than I could have ever asked for.

The foundation has been set and now

we look at growth, not just in scale but also in capacity. The call was made and it surely was answered as evidenced by the way our team and volunteers have been stepping PHOTO: Leah Laing

up and willing to take leadership positions. As we continue along this marathon I know

Kevon Foderingham

that my role as leader is a great responsibility

Executive Director - CFAFF

and critical to the success of this creative

Founder - EAST YARD

EDITOR’S NOTE

reativity is all around us. Creativity isn’t just about dabbing paint on a canvas or drawing figures. Creativity is about

presenting ideas, thoughts and feelings in an unconventional manner. A presentation

meet each

that makes you look; long and hard, in awe

member

at what you see before your eyes. Creatives

of the

set the pace for their generation, they are the

newly

misfits and leaders. The East Yard Magazine

established East Yard Collective of Ilki Place.

has always been a platform where we get

What is the East Yard Collective? Who are the

to know creatives intimately, their drive, their

members and what do they do?

passions and how they really feel about their

work and creative journey.

magazine, might as well swipe up and see

Well, you’re already looking at the

“Creative thinking inspires ideas. Ideas inspire change.” –Barbara Januszkiewicz

This issue, of course is no different. First

what I’m talking about. Enjoy!

we will have a chat with Megan Mohammed for our cover story; dancer, make-up artist and medical student. How does she manage to do all three? Well you’ll just have to read on to find out, won’t you? Secondly, we will

Candace Dewsbury

CONTENTS BOOK REVIEW - 2 Our editor reviews Light of God, a book about highs, lows, and the quality of life you lead.

BALANCING ACT - 5 This month we interview Meagan Mohammed, a dancer, makeup artist and soon-to-be doctor.

THE EAST YARD COLLECTIVE - 13 Meet Ilki Placeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s artisans, new and improved!

PUBLISHER : Kevon Foderingham. EDITOR: Candace Dewsbury. ARTISTIC DIRECTOR : Leah Laing. Cover photo by: Leah Laing. Caribbean Fashion and Arts Feature Festival EAST YARD, 27 Prince Street, Arima, Trinidad and Tobago. 868-748-8674 | caribbeanfaff@gmail.com @caribbeanfaff EAST YARD www.caribbeanfaff.com/east-yard FB: @eastyardbycfaff IG: @_eastyard EAST YARD is published monthly by Caribbean Fashion and Arts Feature Festival. All rights reserved (c) Caribbean Fashion and Arts Feature Festival 2019. No part of this magazine shall be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

PHOTO: Leah Laing

ABOUT EASTYARD MAGAZINE EAST YARD Magazine is published online by Caribbean Fashion and Arts Feature Festival. The publication focuses on highlighting East Trinidad-based creative entrepreneurs, arts initiatives, and stories of social good. With a trial run of four issues from the end of 2017 to present, the magazine has already amassed a following with hundreds of readers and well over 2,000 impressions, and will be published monthly in 2019. ADVERTISING RATES Back page Inside cover (front or back) Full spread Full page Half page Quarter page Banner

$200 $150 $150 $100 $75 $50 $25

Cost to build artwork (if required)

$500

ADVERTISING SIZES Full spread: 16” x 11“ Full page: 8” x 11” Half page: 8” x 5.5”

Quarter page: 4” x 5.5” Banner: 8” x 2”

COMMIT TO 6 months - 1 year of monthly advertising for a 20% discount Issue 1 - January 2019 Issue 2 - February 2019 Issue 3 - March 2019 Issue 4 - April 2019 Issue 5 - May 2019 Issue 6 - June 2019 Issue 7 - July 2019 Issue 8 - August 2019 Issue 9 - September 2019 Issue 10 - October 2019 Issue 11 - November 2019 Issue 12 - December 2019

BOOK REVIEW BY: Candace Dewsbury.

I Read Caribbean

She left the University of the West

Book Review

Indies after completing her B.A. Literatures

LIGHT OF GOD

in English with a minor in Linguistics, full of

MADAVI M. SAWH

hope for the life she imagined ahead of her. The reality turned out to be unemployment

had the pleasure of meeting Madavi Sawh

staring back at her for the major part of five

when she answered a call I made on social

years. Her failed attempts at journalism and

media for local authors in Trinidad and

becoming a teacher forced her to use writing

Tobago to collaborate with Book Things.

as the next best option. Thus was born her

She was very pleasant and positive with no

debut inspirational book, Light of God. This

qualms of being straight-forward if need be. Upon our pleasantries, I wondered what her story could be that she needed to write about it. We all have stories to tell, that is given, but very few of us would actually write it, farless publish it for the world to see. There is already a sort of intimate vulnerability between an author and their words. These words become an extension and manifestation of their private thoughts and feelings, even the deepest darkest ones. Writing that vulnerability is a task in itself, an even bigger task is releasing it so that others can share those vulnerable moments. Madavi did just that. 2

book combines free form verses, poetry and diary entries that take you, the reader, out of the belly of the darkness in the welcoming light of your God.

Light of God is divided into four

sections that represent the stages of Madavi’s journey. The first section is called Darkness which of represents the darkness and starting point of her journey. In this section she writes about her realization of the struggles of discovering who she was, acknowledging and facing her pain, disappoints and struggles. The section stage is called Breakthrough which highlights the writer realizing her value and worth, and acknowledging that there is

PHOTO: Candace Dewsbury.

work to be done. The third section is entitled Awakening and is self explanatory to say the least. This brings us to the last stage which is called Light of God, which speaks to hope and a sure vision for the future.

What I like most about this book is

Favourite Quotes :

‘The deeper your roots protrude the

longer you will stand.’

that each thought is given an entire page; this makes it easier to read and digest. The

‘Find the people who are happy for

narrative is simple and relatable. This is a

you and bring out the best in you. That is your

motivating book that encapsulates raw, deep

tribe.’

emotions that we tend to keep hidden. Light of God is, simply put, a must-read!

Light of God is available for purchase at

Book Things TT, #27 Prince Street, Arima 3

BALANCING ACT BY: Leah Laing.

his month, we’re covering dancer, makeup artist and medical student Meagan Mohammed. We were very interested in learning how she balances all the different aspects of her life, and how she manages to bring them all together.

matter how stressed out you might be, always make time for family, friends and things that make you happy. When I was in my psychiatry rotation in Year Four, my colleagues were asking one of the UWI lecturers in St. Ann’s things like “How do you not get depressed and down about this kind of work and having to deal with these sad stories all the time?” and he said, “I have a big life.” and I was like, “I’m going to take that!”

EY: Wow, you are doing a lot of stuff. So, final year in medicine, you’ve done ballet for thirteen years, and you’re also a makeup artist. How are you doing all of that?

EY: ‘Have a big life’, I like that. So you just mentioned about the different aspects of your life, you said church is important. What are your beliefs in terms of spirituality?

MM: I have to say, I get it from my parents. Growing up, they were just always involved in many different things and I think my sister and I, we caught the bug. But I was able to have time to balance it because that’s always been a part of my life. Being busy, being involved with things in school, in church, in other areas of ministry, and then still having time for family and the things that you enjoy doing. It’s just always been a part of my life, so I think it was just kind of me transitioning into adulthood and doing things that I wanted to do on my own; you know, you just make time for the things that you love.

Photo: Jason Portraits

EY: A lot of people always say they’re so busy and can’t do the work-life balance, so for someone so young at twenty-four, what advice do you have for any other young people who have all these talents and aspirations and want to try to do as much as they can do? MM: Have a big life. Regardless of what you do, no matter how hard you’re working, no 5

MM: I’m a Christian. Jesus all the way! That’s always been a part of my life and definitely I am here where I am because of God’s grace and that’s what I believe. I’ve really just seen favour throughout my life. Faith is something that helps ground you; it helps you realise that you’re just one part to play in the universe, you’re just one little thing compared to God.

Photo: Devi Nath Photography

We see it when there’s an earthquake or a hurricane, we really see how small we are and how much control we have which is really none and that helps put things into perspective. Sometimes we need a little bit of a shake-up - I’ve definitely had some shakeups in my life, nobody’s perfect but that’s why we have God’s grace. I definitely am thankful for the faith that my parents have graced me with. It’s been good. EY: So tell me about the ballet dancing! MM: So you know you have the little baby classes in pre-school? I went to UWI preschool and I had a really fun teacher and then I don’t know what happened. I don’t know why my mother didn’t continue me after but somehow at age six or seven it got back in my life, and then I just kept doing it. I loved it; it was always something that helped give me discipline and I think that’s also one of the early things that helped me balance. I was always told, “you need to keep your grades up if you want to keep dancing”, so that definitely had a big part to play. We had recitals, we would have things that would require lots of rehearsals and practice so I knew what I had to do if I wanted to keep doing the things that I love. I miss dance so much, I can’t wait to go back after I finish med school. It really helped me build that discipline from an early age.

MM: A lot of people ask me that. I love a lot of things; I also love languages. In form six, it was either Bio or Spanish and if I was choosing medicine I needed Biology. But, I love people. I love serving people and that’s also where my faith comes in as well because I believe that we serve God by serving people, and Jesus served others when he came to the Earth. I know it sounds cliche but I want to help people. My mother is directly from the Phillipines and I’ve visited there and seen the kind of poverty that’s there. I love kids too, so something that weighed heavily on my heart was the poverty of the children there. I was in a little market and this child was selling plastic bags for you to hold your things for about ten cents. I gave her a dollar and she was so shocked, she went back and brought her little friends and was like “that’s the girl!”

EY: So, having all these creative talents and creative pursuits, why medicine? 6

I stood up in the market crying! We have no idea of the kind of poverty that other people face in other parts of the world and I want to try to help bring hope where they feel like they have none. I will definitely start here, but in places like East Asia and South-East Asia there’s a lot of child labour and sex trade where they have to send their children to work because they can’t even afford for them to not work. So they can’t go to school, they don’t get access to good healthcare, they’re just dirt-poor.

job, how big, how small. I think the main thing you should keep in your mind is that “I am serving people first”. So, you have travelled. I have also travelled. When you come back home it’s like your eyes are opened. We have a lot of problems but Trinidad is completely blessed. For people who have never even left, if they get the opportunity to, they will see how blessed we are here. MM: I mean, just with education. That’s such a huge thing. For a long time we had free education up to the tertiary level. Of course now it’s tapered off but people, especially in the US are burdened for years with debt and we’re starting off our lives debt-free, living in our parents’ houses for some people. That is such a huge blessing in Trinidad that we often lose sight of. A big pet peeve of mine is ungratefulness. and when we are complaining and ungrateful we really don’t know how much we have.

I wanted to do something that could allow me to help in that capacity, to be able to fund my travels in helping people as well

Photo: Devi Nath Photography

EY: Even things like free healthcare! Yes we have our challenges but in other parts of the world you have to pay for those things. We have never had to pay for these things. So for a country that has been blessed with so much, what do you think is happening? Why are we going down the road we’re going down and what do you think can be done? MM: It definitely has to be a generational change. Because we’ve had a culture of freeness and “give me give me” and “how can I maximise what I can get from this with the minimal effort”. We have to really introspect. I really hope it will change with our generation. We always say that but I’m hoping that people will realise that it’s so important to be grateful, and to also realise what we can do differently. We don’t like things that are going on so what can we do about it?

as bringing medical care to children and other people as well. So serving people, helping people, that’s what I do. EY: One of my mottos is definitely, “Everything you do has to be imbued with some level of service.” Everything. It doesn’t matter what

That’s why I think things like this are

great because we come together like likeminded people, and even if we don’t agree on things, we can always find things to agree on and ways to make things more efficient and ways to make things better. I think that’s what we’re lacking in the country, in general. Of course there are people making leaps and bounds in many different avenues but we need to see that coming through. We need to see that things can be different. When people realise what things can be and they see the hope, then things can move forward.

Photo: Meagan Mohammed

EY: I think we’re not good at highlighting the positives. We tend to sensationalise the negatives and there’s so much good going on. So many people doing things in their spheres, whether big or small. So again as you said platforms like this, that’s what it’s really for. So for somebody who has achieved a lot and has been achieving, you seem very grounded. What do you worry about?

Photo: Meagan Mohammed

MM: I am a bit worried about post grad things. Not a lot of people know this but it’s been a little more highlighted recently. Because of how many students UWI has been accepting, we’ve been having quite a number of doctors coming out every year. They’ve been making changes to fix that but the field is very saturated. There are hundreds of doctors at home right now without jobs. I know that’s the case for many people; you come out of UWI, you have your brand new degree and no one is employing! There are many positions but they need specialists; a lot of people would go abroad to learn and won’t come back because they just get frustrated with the system, but we need people to stay and people who go and come back to change the system. I am worried about that but I do know that I will

Photo: Meagan Mohammed

enjoy whatever time off I have because it’s just been going going going.

Photo: Meagan Mohammed

I’m just making sure that I make the right choices now that can really help secure my future and also help me do the things I want to do. I guess that’s normal but it’s not a big problem. It’s something I had to think about and make sure I made wise decisions. EY: It’s always about planning so I think a little fear is not bad, but you just have to channel it into definitive action. MM: This is where I get to put my faith into action with my trust in God. Really knowing that I can do as much as I can and I can have a plan, but God can have a completely different one that’s usually better than mine.

After that I started experimenting with EY: So tell me about the makeup! How did that makeup. People used to make fun of me, start? they used to say, “you’re wearing too much makeup!” and I was only wearing powder MM: Being in ballet, we would have recitals and some eyeliner. Powder and eyeliner! and we would have shows where we would And some lipgloss! That was the thing back have to get our makeup done, and often we in those days. For sports day I think, someone would be doing makeup on each other. That asked me, “you could breathe in all that was since I was six or seven. The mommies makeup?” and I was only wearing some would come with their makeup and just put concealer because I had some dark spots some blush or some glitter. That little glitz and from acne. I was like “okay, alright”. Joke’s on glamour in a show sparked a little interest in them though; by the time I was out of high me. school, I already kind of knew what to do but the rest of them were now experimenting The real inspiration came in form two, with makeup. So I was like “I’ve been having when we had this big production. We had some practice, I had those days where I was some really awesome teachers in SAGHS. looking terrible.” But now I get to practice a Our drama teacher had this vision to have little bit more and hone the craft. this big concert where each of the form two classes would have a show. So we did Grease, After I left SAGHS, there was an alumnus Bitter Cassava and Romeo and Juliet. In that who came by often and I got to connect and time, we did the acting and the dancing. Our bond with her over makeup. She kinda took dance teacher did the makeup for me for me under her wing and she said “okay next that production and that was the first time I time I have a job, I’ll take you so you’ll see really got my makeup fully done. It definitely what it’s like”. The first big thing we did was a sparked interest in me and my little form two UWI fashion show, and we did like thirty faces. self. I was doing the base, so like foundation and 9

stuff. After that I was like, “yeah this is really cool”. We continued to work together for a little bit so I was able to get a little bit more experience and precision.

EY: Even after med school, you’re going to continue doing makeup? MM: I think so, yeah! For sure. My dream is to have my little office with a studio inside there. I want to do pediatrics so to break up my day a bit. So mommies can come and see about their children and get a little glam in the process! I definitely want to put my passions together.

Generally, I was just practicing on my face, and if I did other people’s faces it’d just be little things. For one of the recitals we did, it was one of my last shows in NAPA. I did all the big girls’ faces. All the senior dancers that had big parts, I think I did about six or seven faces that night. I’ve done more than that in one night, so that’s to tell you that it’s been an experience, quite a journey in learning the different things that I can do.

EY: So Meagan, what do you want to be remembered for? What do you want your legacy to be? MM: I want for people to know that I was kind and that I loved without inhibition.

From where I came to now, oh gosh. As you learn more things, as you get more products, as you experience more and experiment - makeup is ever-changing. It’s quite fun.

EY: And that you lived a big life. MM: Yes!

Photo: Island Pulse Photography

kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; reading session Come join us for our first kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; event! storytelling

story-crafting session refreshments

Cost: $20 per child to cover the cost of materials. SATURDAY 18th MAY, 2019 2 PM - 3 PM 27 Prince Street, Arima

Limited spaces available! Email bookthingstt@gmail.com to register.

THE EAST YARD COLLECTIVE BY: Leah Laing.

t EAST YARD, Ilki Place is a small,

recently, art. Her pieces are bright, colourful

curated boutique which holds

and eye catching; every piece is unique. Soon,

products from many well-known

a menswear line will be stocked at Ilki Place. If

East-based artisans. A few of these artisans

you’re in the need of a statement piece, `Asa

have come together to form the EAST YARD

Market is what you need to check out.

Collective - together, they will host a monthly night market to showcase their products and services and to bring the community closer.

On the 27th of April, the EAST YARD

Collective held their launch at Ilki Place - with a tremendous turn-out, the evening was a success with every artisan selling products and making lasting impressions on their future clientele. The evening was full of mingling and shopping, with finger foods brought by

Photo: Leah Laing

the artisans. Customers were able to view art as well, as the exhibition ‘Connections’

The next artisan is Book Things,

by Melissa A Matthews opened on the same

founded by Candace Dewsbury. Stationery

night.

lovers, book lovers, this one is for you. Candace sells adult colouring books, pens,

The first artisan in the Collective

decorative washi tapes, handmade journals

is Arlene Singh of `Asa Market. Arlene

and more! She also sell books by Caribbean

specialises in jewelry and clothing, and as of

authors. Shopping at Book Things is a great 13

way to support local and regional authors as

home furnishings, bags, cushions and more.

well as get your stationery fix on.

Erica mixes prints and fabrics to create beautiful pieces that are a great accent to any outfit or decor. She also does delicate wire and beaded jewelry. Kuttage Accessories has a variety of items, so you can definitely find something just right for you.

Nicola’s Art Jewellery Designs by self-

taught polymer clay artist Nadia Sankar boasts many jewellery pieces, all made with polymer clay. One of Nadia’s main goals besides creating jewelry is to spread the knowledge of this great medium and the many things that Photo: Leah Laing

you can do with it. It’s clearly just not a thing for children to play with.

Next up is Joint Creations by Onica

Singh. Joint Creations is geared towards expressing her deepest thoughts and artistic inspiration in fashion jewelry, accessories and fine art. Expressed through different media, these customized products are all unique, bold and vibrant; and enhances the style and personality of the wearer. This is her intent when creating a thriving, soulful, lifestyle brand that positively impacts the psyche of her clients.

Kuttage Accessories by Erica Simpson

Photo: Leah Laing

is your go-to for hand crafted custom items, 14

Phlye Style is a playful fashion brand

that was founded by Vanessa Alexander in 2018. The brand’s mission is to enlighten their audience that all dreams are attainable. Although the brand has become a household name for formal wear clothing from preschoolers to brides, at EAST YARD there is also a line of accessories and wardrobe staples for teens and pre-teens.

Purple Petals is the brainchild of

budding entrepreneur Ruth Felix. It’s a multifaceted operation which offers stylish jewelry

Photo: Leah Laing

and home accent pieces, and will soon be offering baby massage and care as well as

healing support for victims of incest and child

Carline Gumbs of Tizik Jewelry

specialises in upcycling jewelry. TIZIK aims

sexual abuse. Look out soon for Purple Petals’

to bring awareness about the transformative

launch!

qualities of trash and discarded items. Born from the use of a humble and unassuming safety pin, TIZIK creates sustainable, wearable art with everyday, overlooked items. TIZIK reminds us that even the things we throw away still have beauty, value and redemptive qualities. Be part of the buzz!

With extremely affordable prices and a

wide range of items, Ilki Place is a perfect stop for tourists and locals looking for that special something!

Photo: Leah Laing

TEAM BUILDING ACTIVITIES

PACKAGES OFFERED

Art therapy Art sessions (drawing & painting) Jewelry making Movement & dance Fabric Design Chocolate making demonstration Soap making Candle making Craft sessions (papier-mache, wire bending, soft furnishing)

1 - 4 hours - $2,000 4 - 8 hours - $4,000

Each package caters for up to 20 participants. Materials are included. Sessions can be conducted on site at the workplace, or at EASTYARD.

k o k o o Bo B b u b l u CCl

BOOK THINGS

LAST WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH First meetup Wednesday 29th May, 2019 May Book Pick De Rightest Place by Barbara Jenkins For more information, call/Whatsapp 329-1615 or email bookthingstt@gmail.com

EAST YARD 27 Prince Street, Arima 17

-- AMENITIES OFFERED: -Outdoor courtyard Indoor meeting/events space 10 ft x 15 ft outdoor projection screen 10 ft x 14 ft outdoor stage area Kitchenette Airbnb - furnished one bedroom apartment listed on Airbnb (18USD/night)

Perfect for all kinds of events, such as: - art exhibitions - birthday parties - bridal showers - baby showers - brunches/lunches/dinners - family reunions - forums/events - office parties - movie screenings - intimate weddings and more!

Meetings are $80 per hour, and includes tea station! Rental for the entire day is $800.

-- ABOUT CFAFF --- CONTACT US -1-868-748-8674 caribbeanfaff@gmail.com caribbeanfaff.com

Caribbean Fashion & Arts Feature Festival (CFAFF), is a non-profit arts education and promotion organization. CFAFF also manages the EAST YARD creative space in Arima. The organization is mandated to organize and facilitate educational initiatives related to visual arts, filmmaking, and fashion, for residents of East Trinidad that also directly address social issues. Revenue generated by CFAFF through your support goes directly into funding our various arts impact, community based programs for youth and now retirees interested in careers in the creative sector to assist with skill building, support internship opportunities and build job experience.