I once heard the expression “If you have a talent and you do not use it you will surely lose it.” This echoes as I received a piece of art today from my dear friend Susan. This took me back to 1990 when I did my preparatory art work (Batik/Androsia) for my Caribbean Examination Council Exam (CXC). I remember that day; the anxiety, the prayers, the sweat. Now that I look back at it, God has been extremely good to me as it was the best art piece that I have ever produced.
The examiners were totally in agreement as I got a Grade 1. It was the norm that the examiners (All of the students work was shipped off to Barbados for grading ) did not return any pieces back to Montserrat. My Art teacher had even made a special request to have my piece returned. What makes me a bit upset is that – I have just recently learned from an acquaintance that the Barbadian students receive their exam art pieces back. Yet, I still remain hopeful that one day I will walk into a house or office that is displaying my CXC art work on their wall.
I have not used the batik art form since then. Every time I see a piece of Batik/Androsia I am invigorated with sentiment and absorbed with my thoughts as the method is still accurately practiced in my head.
Organic in hot water pan
A montage of whimsical shapes
Driven by a well pattern plan
Punctuated by lines, breaks
Waxed with rhythm of motion
Whirls, twirls
The Jig of dye in rotation
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A tapestry of emotion,
Wet with excitement contains
Bright colors, light colours first
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Mind-set transposes
The sun sears, patches of white retains
Sly smile slid from the soak
The mind twisting effect of strings ropes
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The repetition, infusion
The tubs of cold water
As the fabric gazes
Pegs, swaying on nylon lines
Delights
We wait
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Credible with time
The aural elements
As tender images shines
The resonant emotion
Spring to Life with expression
Hammering the rhyme
Of the impression
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Poem by Brenda L McCartney
