About Me
I am a Bahamian-born artist living in London, continually inspired by nature and everyday life.
Since being born in The Bahamas and spending my childhood seeing seascapes, turtles and flamingoes as part of my daily life, I have also lived in Miami, Spain, and London.
These experiences are all deeply influential in my work, reflected in the colours and subjects of my paintings.
I enjoy painting wildlife and pet portraits, seascapes and cityscapes, flowers and boats - a mix of the things that have made up my daily life over the years, capturing them in a palette of hues that reflect the colour and joy in nature.
My Bahamian Roots
My Bahamian roots are a constant source of inspiration for my creative practice. Living abroad, being able to capture memories of my homeland on canvas is a way to share that piece of my soul, and share the beauty of The Bahamas with those around me in Britain and beyond.
Whether it’s a seascape showing a glimpse of Bahamian light as it reflects on the ocean, the dip of a colourful flamingo’s head, or a tropical flower in full bloom, these moments of beauty are an expression of my roots - often painted during the questionable English weather!
ORIGINAL ART
My Creative Process
I enjoy painting wildlife and pet portraits, seascapes and cityscapes, flowers and boats - a mix of the things that have made up my daily life over the years, capturing them in a palette of hues that reflect the colour and joy in nature.
How it began...
My Journey to Becoming an Artist
In school, I was terrible at art. It wasn’t until years later when I lived in Spain that I had the confidence to pick up a paintbrush and try again - practicing in pockets of my day to grow and improve.
Then, I moved to Miami, and I began to take a more serious interest in developing my creative practice. My friends and family started buying my paintings, and I continued to explore my style of expression.When I moved to London in 2002, seascapes and tropical flowers were a constant in my paintings, as if they were a way for my soul to bridge the gap between my past, my roots, and living abroad. I was certainly missing the warm tropical weather during the cold English winters!
The Beginning of Jwesty Design
From picking up a paintbrush one morning in Spain, to selling my paintings to family and friends during my time in Miami, and then moving to London where my art is an expression of my Bahamian soul, my journey as an artist stretches back far beyond JWesty Design!
I stopped painting for a few years to have a family, but once my children started school, I took it up again. At that point in my life painting became an important release for me, somewhere I could lose myself for a few hours doing something that I loved. I love to inspire creativity in others, and have held art classes for both children and adults over the years.
What Happened Next
After picking up my paintbrush again, I started exhibiting my paintings in different exhibitions around London, and then in 2019, I started JWesty Design.
Through this business, I sell my paintings alongside a wide range of products that feature my designs - including stationery, textiles, and homeware products.All of the items in my shop are designed by me and are made in the U.K. to support the local economy and reduce the environmental impact that manufacturing abroad has on the earth.
Coming to the present day, I try to divide my time equally between my art, my business and my family.
One of my business dreams for the future is to have my paintings and products available to buy in The Bahamas!
Milestone Moments
Over the years, I have been involved in numerous exhibitions and gallery events:
2021’s interview in The Tribune, the local Bahamian Newspaper, was a proud moment for me being acknowledged as an artist and recognised for my artwork in the country where I was born.
- 2021 – Royal Academy Summer Exhibition
- 2019 – Parallax Art Fair Exhibition at Kensington Town Hall
- 2018 – Landscapes Exhibition at The Brick Lane Gallery, London
- 2017 - New Artist Fair Summer Exhibition at The Old Truman Brewery, London
- 2016 - New Artist Fair Summer Exhibition at The Old Truman Brewery, London
- 2016 – Unleashed Exhibition at The Menier Gallery, London
Feedback from my customers:
“Love the designs as each painting beautifully reflects how artwork can be placed on everyday items. My multi-coloured zebra coin wallet does not only hold cash but has enough space for cards and keys. More than just a wallet, it is a piece of art that I proudly carry and use everyday!”
Dipika
“I bought this adorable purse for my daughter to hold her essentials. It’s beautifully done with an artistic, seascape design. She loves it, as she can put things like her house keys and chapstick all in one place so they don’t get lost In her large backpack. I highly recommend this product. Very well made.”
MICHELLE
“These mugs are absolutely gorgeous!! They look great in my kitchen and my girls love them. It is durable and after several uses, it’s still great. The amazing artwork doesn’t wash off like other mugs on the market. Happy with my purchase.”
Nina
Get in Touch
If you’d like to get in touch with me about anything - whether it’s to say hello, commission a painting, to chat about wholesale, or to inquire about an exhibition, I’d love to hear from you.