Known for her striking designs and distinctive artistic style that captures the essence and history of our islands while showcasing her deep connection to her heritage, VI Iconic Award nominee in the Visual Arts category, Teia Lettsome, the youngest and only female nominee in this category, shares her personal journey and the inspirations that have shaped her creative path. VI Life and Style took a walk down memory lane with her, exploring how she rose to importance in the world of visual arts.
VI L&S: Can you share a bit about your journey into the visual arts? What drew you to the medium, and how has your style evolved over time?
TL: Both my older brother and my mother are into the Arts as well. They inspired me to delve into the use of graphite and charcoal to create my art. As I was learning, I mimicked my brother’s talent for drawing realistic portraits, until I found my niche. I would describe my style to be a bit more colorful as I make use of many other mediums such as resin, oil paints and acrylic.
VI L&S: What inspired you to explore different mediums in your work? How do these various mediums help you express your ideas more fully?
TL: As an artist, your pieces speak to you. No one medium is used to portray every message. Charcoal has its place in my heart, but I express myself more freely and have a deeper appreciation and connection when I use color. Sometimes the texture of something may resonate with an Individual more than just a color; you can never be afraid to try something different.
VI L&S: What does “capturing history through art” mean to you? How do you approach this concept in your work?
TL: Capturing history through art means to tell a story without using any words. A lot of my work is centralized around my own Caribbean background, hence the use of vibrant colors. The colors used are fueled by festive events like August carnival with displays by the Mocko Jumbie dancers which tell a story. It speaks to the traditions of celebration that have carried on for years. In some portraits I depict metaphors that address sensitive topics such as slavery, mental health and financial struggles. Capturing history through art means making your canvas is a time capsule, because whatever you depict on it deserves to be remembered.
VI L&S: Can you give an example of a piece where you feel you successfully captured a moment in history? What was the process like, and what challenges did you face?
TL: I created a sentimental piece inspired by Angela Davis, a feminist’s activist that inspired many including myself. The piece was bought by Mr. Leroy Abraham, which can be seen at “The Attic’ the night bar located in the Cyril B. Romney Pier Park. The greatest challenge that I faced whilst creating this piece was the disconnect, I felt not being able to capture the true essence of her pain and her story as a bystander, merely reading about her experience.
VI L&S: How do you balance accuracy and artistic interpretation when depicting historical events? Do you feel a responsibility to remain true to historical facts, or do you allow for creative liberties?
TL: This is a tricky question to answer plainly, trying to be too accurate may cause some of us artists to start overthinking our pieces, however being a bit overly creative and not accurate enough can offset the truth to history which nobody wants. There must be balance, I believe that as an artist I have the right to express my creativity, but I also must respect the true existence of our past. Be creative but never lose the actual essence of the message of history you set out to depict.
VI L&S: You mentioned using different mediums to capture history; How does the choice of medium influence the way you tell historical stories?
TL: I like to look at it the opposite way, the stories influence my use of medium. My first goal is always to learn. If I’m learning about independence, I feel bright, so I use vibrant vivacious colors that transcend into the medium of acrylic paints, spray paints, or watercolor. If I’m learning about our ancestral history and their struggles it makes me feel remorseful & resilient at the same time that may transcend into the medium of charcoal because I want that moment to be black and white. This medium suggests that this moment in time was definitive and factual.
VI L&S: Are there any specific techniques you use to evoke a sense of history in your work? For example, do you incorporate traditional methods, or do you experiment with modern techniques?
TL: I’m a firm believer in learning from those who have done it before me. I watch a lot of Bob Ross videos because I love his bold techniques of painting without sketches and seeing how he adds layers to make things more realistic. I love Frida Kahlo because her technique was the exact opposite of Bob Ross’. She was less worried with the accuracy of details and zoned in on just the metaphors which I apply when I paint to express surrealism. In my own way I evoke a sense of history through my work by using techniques learned through doing research on them. Of course, it’s mixed with my own creativity which I consider pretty modern and aesthetically appealing to make a great combination.
VI L&S: What message do you hope viewers take away from your historical pieces? How do you want your art to influence or educate people?
TL: I always want viewers to have their own perspective of my art, I rather not chase the creative thinking of the onlooker, as everyone’s perspective will be different. I would like my art to inspire others the same way I have been inspired. I am eager to market myself enough to drive my art towards my target audience who will appreciate history being told through art.
VI L&S: Have you noticed any particular reactions from audiences to your work on historical themes? Are there any memorable interactions or feedback that stood out to you?
TL: A very memorable experience of this was when I attended my first art expo in 2023, showcasing a piece titled ‘Who’s Behind the Mask’. The piece was of a tribal mother wearing a headscarf and beads holding her baby cuddled in a fur blanket. This piece was purchased by Mi Amor Jewelers and auctioned at “Hues of Blue” fundraiser event in support of Keisha Almorales. I was so happy and honored that my portrait could’ve had such a positive influence and be a part of an even more powerful movement.
VI L&S: Are there any historical events or periods that you’re particularly drawn to explore in future works? What about these events resonates with you?
TL: I tend to draw inspiration from sentimental and emotional moments of our ancestor’s past. I have also been influenced by my favorite artists which propels me to explore creativity in whatever form I choose depending on the story that I am hoping to portray. I believe that for now this is where my artistic nature lies, who knows where it will take me in the near future.
VI L&S: How do you see the role of art in preserving and interpreting history in the digital age? Do you think the shift to digital mediums has changed the way history is captured and remembered?
TL: I believe that change is inevitable. Digital art has been something that I reluctantly got into but loved it once I did. It has its benefits, but it takes away from the authenticity of the artist in their ability to create a unique and original piece; however, I do not believe that digital mediums change the way history is captured.
VI L&S: What advice would you give to emerging artists who want to explore historical themes in their work?
TL: No matter what, keep going. Time will keep going; therefore, you need to as well. Do not be afraid to try new things or to even reach out to others to learn new things from them. Growth is something that occurs inevitably, but you can channel the positive energy of growth by nurturing the things that bring you peace.